Alexei Volkov
Plastic plant containers are a common source of waste, with Americans disposing of 30 million tons of plastic each year. While recycling is always an option, there are many ways to reuse plastic plant containers in your garden. From protecting your plants during mulching to creating self-watering planters, plastic plant containers can be upcycled in a variety of ways. You can also return them to local nurseries or reuse them for your own gardening.
What to do with plastic plant containers
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse | Plastic plant containers can be reused for gardening, for example, as a base to lift the planter, as scoops for soil or mulch, or as self-watering planters. |
| Recycle | Plastic plant containers can be recycled at some local nurseries and at Lowe's. |
| Upcycle | Plastic plant containers can be used for DIY decorations or construction projects, such as making borders around plant beds, lawns, and walkways. |
| Check local recycling programs | Some local recycling programs accept plastics with recycling codes 1 through 7, while others only accept plastic bottles with codes 1 or 2. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Reuse them for your own gardening
Plastic plant containers can be reused for a variety of purposes in your garden. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Larger plastic containers, such as three or five-gallon pots, are excellent for growing vegetables. The size provides ample space for the roots to grow and thrive. If you have smaller plastic containers, such as four or six-packs, they can be used to start seedlings or root cuttings. This allows you to nurture young plants before transplanting them to larger pots or your garden.
When it comes to mulching, use plastic containers to protect your plants. Simply cover each plant with a plastic container before dumping the mulch into the bed. This prevents accidentally burying the plants or getting the mulch too close to their crowns. Another clever use for plastic containers is to create a scoop for potting soil. Look for containers with thin, rigid edges, as they make the best scoopers.
You can also use plastic containers to overcome drainage issues. If you have a solid container without drainage holes, place a plastic pot with drainage holes inside it. This setup will raise the plant slightly from the bottom of the solid container, allowing for proper drainage while still utilising the aesthetic appeal of the solid container.
To reduce the amount of soil needed in larger pots and decrease their overall weight, overturn a plastic container at the bottom of the larger pot. This creates more space for roots to grow while reducing the weight of the pot. Additionally, if you like to swap out container plants seasonally, you can create permanent planting holes in your garden bed. Dig a hole and insert a black plastic pot that is larger than the containers you typically use. This way, you can easily sink and lift seasonal plants without constantly digging holes.
Vitamix Containers: Safe for Hot Soups?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Return them to local nurseries
If you have plastic plant containers that you no longer need, consider returning them to local nurseries. Many nurseries will gladly accept these containers for reuse, reducing waste and contributing to a more sustainable practice.
Before returning your plastic plant containers, it's essential to ensure they are clean and free from any residual soil or plant material. Wash and sanitize the containers to prevent the spread of plant diseases, such as root rot, that can linger on pots from year to year.
When returning the containers, target nurseries that sell perennials, trees, and shrubs. These nurseries often reuse larger containers, typically gallon-size pots and above. For example, nurseries in your local area, such as Tinga Nursery, Pender Pines, and Phillips Nursery, accept gallon-size pots and larger.
Some nurseries may also accept smaller containers, but it's best to contact them beforehand to confirm. Additionally, certain nurseries may have specific preferences or requirements for the type and condition of containers they are willing to take back.
If you have a large number of plastic plant containers to return, consider contacting local backyard growers or gardening groups. They may be thrilled to receive these containers for their own planting projects or to donate to other growers.
Sabre Plastic Containers: Safe or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use as a base to lift planters
Plastic plant containers can be reused in various ways, and one such way is to use them as a base to lift planters. Here are some ways to do this:
Firstly, you can use an overturned five-gallon plastic container as a base to lift a planter above neighbouring plants. The black colour of the plastic container will blend in with the surrounding foliage, making it almost invisible. To ensure stability, it is recommended to use more rigid black pots or double up pots with flexible sides to prevent collapse under the weight of the planter. Using lightweight potting soil can also help reduce the overall weight. Lifting the planter in this way also makes it more accessible for watering, as you don't have to bend down as far.
Another method is to create a permanent planting hole in your garden bed. Dig a hole and insert a black plastic pot that is larger than the containers you plan to swap out seasonally. This allows you to easily sink and lift the seasonal plants as needed, without disturbing the roots of shrubs or other surrounding plants. The black pot blends in with the soil, making it inconspicuous.
Additionally, plastic containers can be used to elevate potted plants within solid containers. By placing a plastic pot inside a solid container and raising it slightly from the bottom with stones or other similar objects, you can create a drainage system. This method helps prevent water pooling at the bottom of the pot, which can be detrimental to plant health. Remember to lift the liner occasionally to check for standing water and adjust your watering frequency accordingly.
If you have smaller plastic containers, such as old yogurt pots, you can reuse them as well. Punch holes in the bottom for drainage and use rope or twine to create hanging planters. These lightweight hanging planters can be easily moved around and are perfect for seeds or small plants.
Reusing plastic plant containers as a base to lift planters is a creative way to reduce waste and add functionality to your gardening setup. By employing these methods, you can make your gardening experience more enjoyable and environmentally friendly.
Silicone Containers: Plastic-Free or Plastic-Laced?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Make self-watering planters
Plastic plant containers can be reused to make self-watering planters. This is a great way to recycle old containers and ensure your plants are always watered.
To make a self-watering planter, you will need a plastic plant container with no holes, a wick (a plastic bottle with holes), a pipe, a barrier (such as a window screen or plastic bag), rocks, and soil. You will also need tools to cut holes in your container and bottle, such as a drill or a utility blade.
Start by placing the plastic bottle wick inside the pot to determine where to cut it. The bottle should be filled with soil and placed below the waterline so that it can absorb water through the holes and feed the soil above it. Cut a hole in the side of your planter for the pipe, which will be used to fill the bottle with water. The pipe should sit at an angle so that water can escape at the bottom.
Next, add a layer of rocks to the bottom of the pot for drainage. You can also add a layer of kitty litter on top of the rocks to stretch your rock supply, but make sure it is chemical-free. Then, place the screen or plastic bag barrier over the rocks, making sure it doesn't cover the wick. Start adding soil to the pot, working from the centre where the wick is out towards the sides.
Now it's time to plant! Place your plant in the soil and continue adding soil around it and the pipe until the pot is full. Water your plant from the top like a traditional planter, and then pour water into the pipe until you see water coming out of the drainage hole. From now on, you can water your plant through the pipe, and the roots will absorb the water they need from the wick.
You can leave your self-watering planter open to be watered by rain, or you can cover the soil with black plastic and let the plants poke through. With this system in place, you can forget about your plants for a week without worrying about them drying out!
Plastic Containers: Safe or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use as a scoop for soil or fertiliser
Plastic plant containers can be reused as scoops for soil or fertiliser. This is a great way to reduce waste and get more use out of the containers.
To reuse plastic plant containers as scoops, ensure they are clean and free of any residual chemicals or plant diseases such as root rot. You can do this by washing and sanitising the containers before use.
When using plastic plant containers as scoops for soil, consider the size of the container and the amount of soil you need to move. Smaller containers may be useful for scooping soil into pots or small beds, while larger containers can be used for transferring larger amounts of soil or fertiliser.
It is important to note that plastic containers may leach chemicals into the soil, especially if they are exposed to sunlight or high temperatures. These chemicals can then be absorbed by plants and potentially impact their health. To minimise this risk, avoid using containers with high levels of chemicals or those that are not marked as food-safe. Additionally, frequent watering can help wash away any chemicals, including fertiliser, that may be present in the soil.
By reusing plastic plant containers as scoops for soil or fertiliser, you can extend their lifespan and reduce the amount of plastic waste sent to landfills.
Creative Ways to Reuse Gum Containers
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Plastic plant containers can be used in a variety of ways, such as:
- As a base to lift the planter above neighbouring plants.
- As shakers for fertilizer, animal repellent, and other granular material.
- To cover plants when mulching.
- As a scoop for soil or compost.
- To reduce the amount of soil needed in larger pots.
- As seed starters.
- As self-watering planters.
- As a border around plant beds, lawns, and walkways.
Yes, plastic plant containers can be recycled. However, not all municipalities accept the types of plastic from which plant pots are made. Check your county or municipality's website, or call your local public works department, to find out what types of plastic they accept.
Some local nurseries will reuse plastic pots if you return them. You can also check with your local Lowe's.
You can reuse plastic plant containers for your own gardening. They can be especially useful for growing vegetables or starting seedlings or root cuttings.
![ArtBin 6953AB ClearView 6" x 6" Box Art & Craft Organizer, [1] Plastic Storage Case, Clear](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81DHIoeM84L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
