Sofia Martinez
Plastic totes can be easily turned into planters. This is a great way to save money and reuse old containers. It is important to note that plants can absorb chemicals from plastic containers, so it is recommended to use food-grade plastic. To create a planter, you can use a soldering iron or a sharp tool to puncture holes in the bottom of the container for drainage. You can then fill the container with potting soil and add your plant. For a self-watering planter, you can place a plastic tray at the bottom of the tote and invert it to create a water reservoir. This method allows you to water your plants without worrying about flooding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic tote size | 18-gallon |
| Plastic tote cost | $5-6 |
| Plastic tote colour | Dark blue |
| Plastic tote plants | Hibiscus, thyme, moss roses |
| Plastic planter creation tools | Soldering iron, hot glue, rope, sharp scissors, knife, screwdriver |
| Plastic planter creation steps | Poke holes in plastic tote, add water tray, fill with potting soil, add plant, water |
| Plastic planter caveats | Leachate from plastic may affect plants, use food-grade plastic, provide drainage |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the plastic tote
To prepare a plastic tote to be used as a planter, you will need to ensure that it is clean and dry. You can use a soldering iron or gun to poke holes in the tote for drainage—this can be done outside to avoid plastic fumes. It is important to note that plants can absorb chemicals from plastic, so it is recommended to use food-grade plastic containers.
You can lightly sand the plastic tote before using flexible acrylic paint or spray paint to decorate it. Be sure to use spray paint in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer's instructions for cure time.
If you are concerned about BPA and BPS leaching onto your plants, you can place a plastic plant tray or saucer inside the tote to create a barrier. You can also use a weed block cloth to separate the potting mix from the plastic tote.
Additionally, consider using an 18-gallon plastic tote, as these are large enough to accommodate a variety of plants and can be found at hardware stores or Walmart for a low price.
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Add drainage holes
Adding drainage holes to your plastic tote planters is essential to ensure that excess water can escape and that your plants' roots don't sit in soggy soil. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to add drainage holes to your plastic tote planters:
Mark the Drainage Hole Locations:
Using a pencil or marker, mark the spots on the bottom of your plastic tote where you want the drainage holes to be. Space the holes evenly across the bottom of the tote. You can also mark a few holes along the lower sides of the tote, just above the bottom, to provide additional drainage if needed.
Drill the Holes:
Use a drill with a drill bit that is appropriate for plastic. Start with a slow speed and gentle pressure to create the holes. You can adjust the speed and pressure as needed, but be careful not to apply too much force, which could cause the plastic to crack or melt. Go slowly and let the drill do the work.
Alternative Method:
If you don't have a drill or prefer not to use one, you can create drainage holes using a heated metal probe, such as a soldering iron or a heated screwdriver. Heat up the tip of the tool and carefully poke through the marked spots on the plastic tote. This method may take a bit more time and precision, but it can effectively create drainage holes without the need for a drill.
Test and Adjust:
Once you've created the drainage holes, test your planter by filling it with soil and watering it thoroughly. Observe if the water drains out properly and adjust the number or size of the holes as needed. Sometimes, the holes may need to be a bit larger to provide adequate drainage, so you can carefully widen them using the drill or heated tool.
Line the Planter (Optional):
If you plan on planting directly into the plastic tote without using a pot or liner, consider lining the tote with landscape fabric or a similar material. This will help retain the soil while still allowing water to drain through the holes. Cut a piece of landscape fabric to size, place it inside the planter, and then add your potting mix or soil on top.
By following these steps, you'll ensure that your plastic tote planters have adequate drainage, creating a healthier environment for your plants to thrive. Remember, proper drainage is crucial to prevent root rot and promote the growth of happy and healthy plants.
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Add a plastic tray
Turning a plastic tote into a planter is a clever and cost-effective way to repurpose plastic items. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to add a plastic tray to a plastic tote to create a planter:
Firstly, source an 18-gallon plastic tote and a plastic tray, such as the disposable kind that plants are brought home in. Next, place the plastic tray at the bottom of the tote, and invert the tray to create a water reservoir. This will help with the drainage of the planter.
Now, you need to prepare the tote for planting. Drill holes at the bottom of the tote for proper drainage. It is recommended to make around six holes for even drainage throughout the tote. If you want to create a self-watering planter, drill a hole on the side of the tote, about 2.5 inches from the bottom. This will create a weep, or drainage hole, for when you water the plants.
Once the holes are drilled, place a weed block cloth over the tray to prevent potting mix from filling the reservoir. Then, fill the tote with high-quality, homemade, or organic bagged soil. You can also add an all-purpose fertilizer to boost the nutrients in the soil.
Finally, place a plastic plant tray into the tote's bottom and add your potted plant. You can now enjoy your new planter!
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Fill with soil
Once you've chosen your plastic tote, you'll need to prepare it for planting. If your tote is second-hand, make sure to give it a good clean. You can use a soldering iron or gun to poke holes in the tote for drainage—this is very important, as plastic containers that hold water well can flood and saturate the roots, eventually killing the plant. Be sure to poke the holes from the inside, poking down and away from yourself.
If you're concerned about chemicals leaching into the soil from the plastic, you can line the tote with a plastic plant tray, a weed block cloth, or a kitchen trash bag. This will also protect the tote from standing water. If you're using a tray, invert it to create a space for a water reservoir. You can also place a 2-foot-long piece of 2-inch PVC pipe along the side of the container to make watering easier.
Now, you're ready to fill your tote with soil! Use good-quality potting soil, filling the container to around two-thirds full. You can now add your plant and top it off with more soil. Give your plant a good drink of water, let it rest, and then water it again.
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Add your plant
Once you've prepared your plastic tote by adding a plastic tray and drilling drainage holes, you're ready to add your plant.
If you're using a smaller plastic container inside your tote, as recommended by Hymns & Home, you'll need to carefully puncture several holes in the bottom of your chosen container. Use a sharp tool such as scissors, a knife, or a screwdriver. Place the plastic tray or saucer in the bottom of your planter, and then add your plastic container. Fill the plastic container with potting soil, and then add your plant. Top off with more soil, and give your plant a good watering.
If you're planting directly into your tote, as recommended by The Seattle Times, you'll need to place a plastic throwaway tray at the bottom of your tote, inverting it to create space for a water reservoir. Cover the tray with a weed block cloth to keep the potting mix from filling the reservoir. Fill the tote with good-quality potting soil, and then add your plant.
You can grow herbs, vegetables, and flowers in your plastic tote planters. One user on The Seattle Times commented that they had success growing tomatoes in plastic tubs, although they noticed a difference in taste between the ground-grown and tub-grown plants. Another user on PlantVillage commented that they had no negative experiences growing vegetables in plastic containers. If you're concerned about chemicals leaching into your plants, opt for food-grade plastic containers from bakeries and food suppliers.
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