Which Plastics Are Safe to Use as Containers to Grow Food?

Plastics have always invoked a certain amount of debate, the recycling issue being the most common. Plastic containers have many uses, and gardening is definitely among them. Individuals who are short on space often create small fruit, herb and vegetable gardens on their windowsills or even in a small space in the backyard. Several types of plastic containers that you come across every day can be used for this. The key is differentiating between the good and the bad.

Plastic containers that you may consider using to grow food will need to be from plastics Nos. 1, 2, 4 and 5. Find out the plastic number by looking on the bottom of plastic containers. There is usually a recycling sign that is a circle made up of three arrows; inside the arrows there is a number--this is the number that you need to pay attention to. Plastic containers and plastic wraps made of No. 3 have PVC in them, and the ill effects could percolate through the plant into your body. Styrofoam cups are made of plastic No. 6, and these have been found to have cancerous effects if used excessively. No. 7 contains bisphenol A and is harmful to the behavioral growth of children. A plastic container requires a drainage system. Simple holes punched in the bottom of the container will do.

Using plastic to grow food can be very cost-effective, especially if you know which ones to use. Take, for example, the plastic baskets you get when buying fruits and vegetables at the store. These can be used to kick-start a small indoor garden. All you need to do is line the bottom with damp kitchen paper and allow seeds to germinate. You could grow greens as well as a variety of sprouts in these. Curved plastic plates and deep saucers are good items to place the plastic containers on. They help conserve water for the plant and prevent the rotting of the surface below. So the next time you have a chipped saucer or plate, reserve it for your gardening needs.

Job Ebenezer, a former director of Hunger Education and Environmental Stewardship, worked toward making the growing of food simpler for the masses. He conducted studies that proved that fruits and vegetables could be grown in plastic objects such as children's swimming pools, old tires, plastic bags and more--thus making it possible to grow food on rooftops, concrete areas and windowsills. All that is needed is to create drainage systems in these containers and make them porous to prevent heat from accumulating. Plastic bags can be filled to a certain level with soil and then holes punched into the bottom. These are effective for growing root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and beets--and you will not have to dig in order to harvest your crop.