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View Full Version : Is it ok to use large plastic trash container as planting pot?


Want Them All
09-25-2009, 01:38 PM
Having a hard time finding any large, plain planting pot. The larger ones I see are very ornamental = expensive. Anything to worry about when planting my Solo papaya in a 30-gallon Rubbermaid container? I'll place in on a home made dolly for easy transport if the need arises. Of course I'll drill some holes at the bottom for drainage.

Thanks

turtile
09-25-2009, 01:59 PM
It will work fine. Just make sure you get a good trash container. When you have to pick it up, the weight from the soil can break weaker plastics. The sun will also speed the degradation of the plastic.

Jananas Bananas
09-25-2009, 02:04 PM
There are some heavy plastic tubs that usually have white nylon rope handles on them that make good large size planters. They come in all colors including black and can be found at Lowe's and Home Depot for $4.99 to $8.99. :)

LilRaverBoi
09-25-2009, 03:04 PM
Yeah, that sounds like it'll work just fine. Just as long as it has drain holes, I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work. If you want a good site to buy plain plastic containers for reasonable prices, check out this place (http://www.growersupply.com/blowmolcon.html). I've had some trouble finding plain plastic containers in stores around her as well...like you said, all they sell are expensive 'fancy' ones (which I could care less about, being the minimalist I am LOL :ha: ).

john_ny
09-25-2009, 03:53 PM
As I've said before, you need to find a local greenhouse/grower supply for something like this: one that delivers, or you could drive to for P/U.
Also, sometimes landscapers have some that they would, otherwise, have to pay for disposal. A couple of years ago, I had a landscaper customer that asked me if I could use some containers. He brought me a dump truck full, albeit not very many giant ones.

LilRaverBoi
09-25-2009, 04:53 PM
Check Craigslist.org for your area.....there might be someone on there trying to get rid of some.

sunfish
09-25-2009, 05:20 PM
In San diego used 15gal. can be found for $1.00 anything larger is hard to find.

Want Them All
09-25-2009, 11:05 PM
I took a look at the plastic container with nylon ropes for handles, very thin wall. It was $8. I opted for a clay color 30-gallon pot for $18, much thicker wall.

SoBe Musa
09-26-2009, 09:25 AM
My experience so far in pictures.. I got it early this year 2009…

March 30 2009 Potatoes
http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz77/SoBe_Musa/ContainerGARDENMARCH302009037.jpg

August 13 2009 Banana/Coleus
http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz77/SoBe_Musa/containerBanana81320
09010.jpg
Today Sep/26 2009
http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz77/SoBe_Musa/containerbananaSep262009.jpg

SoBe Musa
09-26-2009, 09:27 AM
August 13 2009 Banana/Coleus

http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz77/SoBe_Musa/containerBanana8132009010.jpg

bencelest
09-26-2009, 09:40 AM
Nice looking plants. I take it that you have holes on the bottom. How big?

SoBe Musa
09-26-2009, 11:03 AM
Nice looking plants. I take it that you have holes on the bottom. How big?

Just used a regular drill and them opened about 6 per cont.

mskitty38583
09-26-2009, 11:25 AM
walmart has some of the plain plastic pots. they usually range in prices from 1.96- 7.00. thats what i have a lot of my nanas in. just remember to pic up the trays for the bottom of the pots.....i bought a slew of the pots and them forgot to get the bottoms......things to make you go hummmmmmm. lol

LilRaverBoi
09-26-2009, 11:31 AM
Actually, I have used the LIDS for those type of containers under my banana pots (not rubbermade containers, just large nursery-type pots) for years. Otherwise, it's super hard to find a drain pan big enough to go under large pots like that. So maybe you could use BOTH!

Ohio'sBest
09-26-2009, 05:51 PM
If you paint the outside of the containers with white primer they will last longer in the sun. My .02 :bananas_b

djmb74
09-28-2009, 06:46 AM
If you were in my area I got a bunch of 35 gallon nursery pots I picked up really cheap I could of hooked you up with...