I am not sure what you mean but it sounds like fabric. That seems like it would smell bad quickly and get dirty

I would not even consider using baskets made of cotton as planters, as the baskets would simply get wet and dirty and then rot.

Use ceramic or plastic for planters, and keep the cotton baskets inside for toys, books, laundry, crafts etc.

Do you mean cotton, as in the baskets are made of cotton? Or cotton as in the style of basket used to pick cotton, like how there are apple, egg, or mushroom baskets? Either one wouldn't be a good idea- the cotton will get rotten/yucky, and so would the wicker or wood used to make baskets.

Don't understand most of the original post. What are "lots"? What are you trying to do??

Lots was a typo for pots.....I would think.

Fabric wouldn’t work but maybe you could line them with foil or a plastic bag as long as they are protected from the rain and water.

Please reread your post before posting this one makes no real sense.

Hi, Ellen!

Big lifestyle changes can be hard on everyone - I really admire you making the best of things and trying to keep things charming for your girls. I wouldn't recommend using fabric baskets as planters for your little balcony secret garden, even if they were lined with plastic, because that leaves no room for drainage.

I know you said you can't buy any, but maybe try looking on your local Facebook swap pages/Craigslist/yard sales. You may be able to find them for free or for one or two bucks per piece.

If you don't have transportation to pick them up, what about making a project with your girls? You could cut off the top of milk jugs and paint the outside of them together and use that. Or just plant seeds in empty jars/cans. There are lots of little ways you can create that magical little space for you and your girls. Good luck!

If you live near a Habitat for Humanity Restore Store, you might be able to find flower pots at a reduced price. You might also try charity sponsored thrift stores.

In the meantime, perhaps you could recycle some used kitchen food containers as temporary flower pots. A large can or plastic container that once held food could be washed, holes punched in the bottom for drainage and flowers planted in them.

Some plants, such as vines or the babies from spider plants, will root and grow in only water for a time, perhaps until you could pick up a few actual flower pots.

Your baskets should be kept dry or they'll quickly smell and rot. Perhaps the baskets could be used to hold toys, dolls, coloring books and crayons, etc., instead.

Many retail nurseries and garden centers will have used black plastic nursery pots available for recycling to customers in need. They just need to be cleaned thoroughly and then will work fine for any number of years. Wide range of sizes available as well.