Ethan Clarke
With an increasing number of people living in smaller spaces, container gardening is becoming a popular alternative for gardeners who want to grow plants in lightweight, portable plastic containers. However, there are concerns about the safety of plastics and their potential health effects. While some argue that chemicals from plastic can leach into the soil and be absorbed by plants, scientists and professional growers generally believe that growing plants in plastic is safe. The key considerations are the type of plastic used and how it is used, as certain plastics are approved for food use and safe for gardening.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Most scientists and professional growers believe that growing herbs in plastic is safe. However, some people are concerned about the chemicals that may leach out of plastic. |
| Pros | Durability, lightweight, flexibility, and strength. Plastic containers are also suitable for moisture-loving herbs. |
| Types of plastic to use | RIC 5 for edible crops, and RIC 1, 2, 4, and 5 for non-edible plants. Polypropylene (PP), High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Low-density polyethylene (LDPE). |
| Types of plastic to avoid | RIC 3, 6, and 7 as they can leach dangerous chemicals. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) as it contains phthalates. PET as it can release Bisphenol A (BPA). |
| Other precautions | Keep plastic containers out of intense sunlight, and when possible, opt for light-colored containers. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic containers may release chemicals into the soil
Some plastics are considered safe for growing food, such as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), which is used for food-safe plastic sheeting and is recommended by Iowa State University. Another example is Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), which is used for food storage containers and is safe in a wide range of temperatures. Polypropylene (PP), marked as RIC 5, is another plastic that is safe for growing edible crops. It is approved for food contact by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is sometimes recommended as a cover to protect sprouts from frost.
However, some plastics should be avoided for growing food. These include plastics marked with RIC 3, 6, and 7, which can leach dangerous chemicals into the soil and cause various health problems. Additionally, PET plastic, marked as RIC 1, is considered safe for single use but can release harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) when reused or heated. BPA is released from plastic up to 50 times faster when in contact with boiling water compared to room temperature water.
To minimise the risk of chemical release, it is important to monitor the type of plastic used and ensure it is suitable for growing food. Keeping plastic containers out of intense sunlight and opting for light-coloured containers can also help. Using a potting medium with a high amount of organic material can act as a filtering system to catch chemicals before they reach the roots.
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Some types of plastic are safer than others
Plastic containers, even those deemed safe for gardening, may release small amounts of chemicals into the soil. The type of plastic you use is important, as some types of plastic are safer than others.
Some plastics are considered safer for growing food in. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a type of food-safe plastic used in milk jugs, water bottles, trash bags, and some buckets, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Iowa State University recommends using HDPE as food-safe plastic sheeting for garden beds made of treated wood, as it can shield plants from chemicals in the wood. However, HDPE containers are not typically made for outdoor use, as exposure to the elements can break them down over time.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is another common plastic used to make milk jugs, water bottles, and trash bags. LDPE is very safe in a wide range of temperatures and can even be used in the microwave. It is also used to make semi-flexible plastic pots for growing plants in.
Polypropylene (PP), marked as RIC 5, is commonly used in products that require injection moulding, like straws, bottle caps, or food containers. It has a high melting point and is approved for food contact by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is also sometimes recommended as a cover to protect sprouts from frost. Recycled plastics are less prone to leaching.
A form of PVC called uPVC or rigid PVC contains no phthalates and is considered food safe. It is best for the environment to avoid using regular PVC in the garden.
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a newer type of plastic derived from renewable resources like corn, wheat, and rice. It is most commonly used as a material for 3D printing.
PET is considered safe for single use but is less safe as a reusable container because it can release harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) over time, particularly when heated.
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Plastic containers are lightweight and durable
Plastic containers are a popular choice for growing herbs and other plants due to their lightweight and durable nature. They are especially useful for those who live in apartments or have limited garden space, as they are easy to move and maintain. Their durability means they can withstand some level of rough handling and extreme weather conditions without breaking.
Plastic containers are also flexible and strong, making them suitable for a wide range of plants, including moisture-loving herbs. They are often made of inert and recycled materials, which can be beneficial for the environment. The lightweight nature of plastic containers also makes them a good option for herbs that require hanging baskets or for those who wish to move their plants indoors during colder months.
While plastic containers have their advantages, it is important to consider the potential health risks associated with them. Some plastics may release chemicals into the soil, which can then be absorbed by the plants. This is particularly true for plastics containing Bisphenol A (BPA), which has been linked to various health concerns. It is recommended to use plastics with recycling codes RIC 5 for edible crops and RIC 1, 2, 4, and 5 for non-edible plants to minimise these risks.
To further reduce the potential for chemical leaching, it is advisable to keep plastic containers out of direct sunlight and opt for light-coloured containers, as heat can accelerate the release of chemicals. Additionally, using a potting medium with a high amount of organic material can act as a filtering system, catching and collecting chemicals before they reach the roots of the herbs.
Overall, plastic containers can be a lightweight and durable option for growing herbs, but it is essential to be mindful of the type of plastic used and take precautions to minimise any potential health risks associated with chemical leaching.
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Plastic containers can be reused
Firstly, it is important to understand the different types of plastic. Plastic containers marked with a 5, for example, are made of polypropylene (PP), which is commonly used for food containers and has a high melting point, making it safe for food contact. PP fabric liners can also protect plants from chemicals in treated wood. HDPE, marked with a 2, is another type of food-safe plastic used in milk jugs and water bottles. LDPE, marked with a 4, is also considered safe for food and is very flexible, making it ideal for garden hoses and irrigation.
On the other hand, plastics marked with a 3 are made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), which often contains chemicals known as phthalates that enhance the material's durability and flexibility. While PVC is commonly used in irrigation pipes and bottles, phthalates may not be suitable for humans. PET, a single-use plastic marked without a number, can release harmful chemicals like BPA when reused or heated, so it is not recommended for growing plants.
To safely reuse plastic containers for growing herbs, it is essential to follow a few guidelines. Firstly, avoid using plastics with RIC 3, 6, and 7 for growing edible crops as they can leach dangerous chemicals. Instead, use RIC 5 for edible plants and RIC 1, 2, 4, and 5 for non-edible plants. Secondly, keep plastic containers out of intense sunlight and opt for light-coloured containers, as heat accelerates chemical leaching. Finally, use potting mediums with high organic content, as they can act as a filtering system to catch chemicals before they reach the roots.
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Plastic containers are commonly used in commercial growing
Plastic containers are lightweight, flexible, strong, and durable, making them a common choice for commercial growers. They are also used for covering crops, plastic mulches, and even organic food crops. However, there are concerns about the safety of plastics due to the potential leaching of chemicals.
It is important to note that not all plastics are the same, and some are safer than others for growing herbs. For example, plastics marked with a 5, indicating polypropylene, are commonly used for food containers and are generally safe for growing plants. Recycled polypropylene plastics are less prone to leaching. Polypropylene has a high melting point and is approved for food contact by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Another safe option is high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is used in milk jugs, water bottles, and some buckets. HDPE is considered food-safe and is not known to transmit chemicals into the soil or food. It is also recommended as a food-safe plastic sheeting for garden beds to protect plants from treated wood chemicals. However, HDPE containers are not typically made for outdoor use and can break down when exposed to the elements.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is another safe option for growing herbs in plastic containers. LDPE is used in plastic produce bags, trash can liners, and food storage containers. It is very safe in a wide range of temperatures and can be used in the microwave. LDPE is a flexible plastic commonly used in irrigation hoses and semi-flexible plastic pots.
When using plastic containers for growing herbs, it is important to monitor the type of plastic and use it correctly to prolong its life and prevent chemical leaching. Keeping plastic containers out of intense sunlight and opting for light-colored containers can help reduce the release of potentially harmful chemicals like BPA. Using potting mediums with high organic material can also act as a filtering system to catch and collect chemicals before they reach the roots.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not bad to grow herbs in plastic containers. Most scientists and professional growers believe that growing plants in plastic containers is safe. However, it is important to monitor the type of plastic used. Some types of plastic are known to leach harmful chemicals into the soil, especially when heated.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is considered safe for growing herbs and vegetables. It is a food-safe plastic commonly used in milk jugs, water bottles, and trash bags. Polypropylene (PP) is another option, which has a high melting point and is approved for food contact.
Plastics marked with RIC 3, 6, and 7 should be avoided, as they can leach dangerous chemicals into the soil. PET plastic should also be avoided as it can release harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) over time, especially when heated.
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