Grow Your Vegetables in Safe Plastic Containers
Growing vegetables can be a great way to enjoy flavoursome produce straight from your own garden. Choosing the right plastic containers in which to grow your vegetables is an important part of the process. To ensure that you are safely and properly growing your vegetables, here’s what you need to know when selecting the right containers.
Safe Plastics to Use
When selecting plastic containers to use for growing vegetables, opt for plastics which are marked with the Resin Identification Code (RIC). The RIC is the number usually found within the triangle symbol and indicates the type of plastic used:
- 1: PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate)
- 2: HDPE (high-density polyethylene)
- 5: PP (polypropylene)
These plastics are safe for safe and are commonly used for plastic bottles and containers, so are ideal for use with vegetable gardens.
Size Matters
When choosing plastic containers to grow your vegetables, size matters! Choosing containers that are too small may limit the growth and harvest yield. A good rule of thumb is to select containers which are no less than 12 inches deep and 2 feet in diameter.
Maintaining A Healthy Environment
Keeping your plastic containers in good condition is essential to ensure that you are creating a healthy environment for your vegetables. It is important to regularly check that plastics are free from cracks, especially if you are using used or secondhand containers. Again, regular maintenance of your containers will aid in creating the best environment for your vegetables.
Final Thoughts
Growing vegetables in plastic containers is a great way to enjoy homegrown produce. Choosing the right plastics and maintaining them properly will help to ensure a healthy and safe environment for your vegetables to grow. Opt for plastics marked with the Resin Identification Code 1, 2 or 5 and ensure that the containers you use are no less than 12 inches deep and 2 feet in diameter. With the right containers, you’ll be sure to enjoy a healthy harvest.
