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Is Growing Food in a Plastic Container Safe?

by Mike Lieberman on August 4, 2010 · 47 comments

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One of the questions that people frequently ask me is revolved around the health concerns of growing in the plastic containers.

Is it safe to grow in plastic containers? Is it leaching harmful toxins into the soil, water, plants and eventually my body. I honestly have no clue, nor do I claim to. I think there is a valid concern in those beliefs and generally avoid plastic, but I rationalize doing so in a few ways.

  • The containers are being saved from the landfill. While this doesn’t directly effect my health. It does effect the health and well being of the planet, which in turn effects my health. None of the containers were purchased. All of them were already used.
  • I’m growing organically. The soil, plants, compost, manure tea and even the water is filtered. Does that counter balance any potential leaching? I dunno, but in my mind in kind of does.
  • Since I don’t have land, what am I going to use if I don’t use plastic containers? I’d have to buy pots of some sort which would increase the amount of money being spent and resources used in the production of the pots.

I don’t know the exact health effects and carbon footprint of everything (I don’t believe that anyone really does). For the reasons mentioned above, I can rationalize growing my own food in plastic containers simply because I know how the plants are being taken care of and am cutting down severely on the transportation costs of the food.

What are your thoughts on this?


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  • http://domesticefforts.blogspot.com Jenni

    Mike,
    I also use plastic containers. From what I've read, they're fine as long as they're food grade (number 2 or 5 plastics). You should avoid no. 3 and no. 6 plastics, and probably no. 1, since the latter starts breaking down faster in the heat. My hope is to eventually move somewhere with dirt in the ground, but for now, I have no choice but to stick with containers, and I can't afford a bunch of terracotta ones.

  • Mike Lieberman

    Thanks for the info. There is so much info out there about plastic and I get it. But am with you about it being to expensive about terrcotta. I can afford the used plastic ones and use organic methods.

    One day, I too would like some land with actual soil to grow in.

  • http://www.facebook.com/pauloone Paulo

    Tough one! I use old plastic milk jugs to start plants.

  • http://www.YourOrganicLife.com Danika Carter

    The type of plastic you are using will determine if there's a chance of leaching. If you are using PVC you will likely leach lead. It's also possible you could leach out BPA if you are using #7 plastics. This is also compounded by the fact that the containers are usually in the sun, so the heat helps the leaching process.

    However, you also have the same potential if you are using ceramic pots that aren't intended for food. It could very well have lead in the glaze. So, it is a valid question and worth looking in to.

  • Sketchkat06

    Good topic.

    I did a little research into the types of plastics commonly used and how safe they are. If you need to grow food in plastic looks like types 1 and 2 are best http://www.care2.com/greenliving/which-plastics… , and 4 and 5 technically ok but some production process issues on those. Of course that's all on data of currently known carcinogens, etc. and we may discover something negative later… for that reason my guy is steadfast against growing in plastic. I'm on the wall.

    So for the beginning of the year I tried to keep all my edibles growing in ceramic and terra cotta pots, and put ornamentals in plastic. Due to the need to expandy my growing area I'm planting in some recycled 5 gal. nursery pots that are #2 plastic. I'm going to try to keep the plastic edible growing to a minimum, and to keep those containers in more shaded, cooler areas to help prevent anything from leaching out of them.

    I am really considering just going for #2, then I could find some of those 5gal. buckets from local eateries to build some self-watering containers like you have….

    If you ever do wanna splurge on a little terra cotta they have some discounts at pottermfg.com it's a warehouse in Gardena, just got a cylindrical 14″ pot for $9.

  • Mike Lieberman

    That's the conundrum (I just wanted to use that word). Do I grow my food in 20 5-gallon containers that I got for free or do I invest $180 in terra cotta? That's a huge difference.

    It's also likely a deal breaker for most people (myself included).

  • Mike Lieberman

    These are #2 containers. It's either this or nothing. I think this is a good enough solution for me.

  • Mike Lieberman

    Do the Aussies do it that way too?

  • Jasonpalenske

    I'd say that as long as food came in it your fine, there's no official food safe plastic out there anyway. They just use plastics not likely to leach a chemical out. Do what works I guess.

  • Mike Lieberman

    I'm feelin that.

  • Sullivus

    I've had a lot of good luck finding Terra Cotta pots at yard sales or thrift stores – and occasionally left outside to be thrown away. My boyfriend is also a carpenter and has built me some planter boxes out of wood, but then you need to be careful to use the appropriate type of wood….

  • Mike Lieberman

    Exactly. I'll stick with the plastic for now until I gets me some land.

  • http://lifeonthebalcony.com Fern @ Life on the Balcony

    I take a “I'm going to do the best I can” approach, and try not to worry about anything else. I have grown and continue to grow food in plastic pots. It doesn't keep me up at night. What about scavenging untreated wood and making a planter box? Also, I have a bunch of extra Smart Pots (breathable fabric pots, your edibles will love them) that you can have if we can ever arrange to meet in person. :-)

  • Mike Lieberman

    I'm with you. I wouldn't buy plastic containers, so I justify it because they are reclaimed. The fact that I use plastic are likely the biggest hate comments that I get next to being an asshole for blocking up my fire escape.

    You, Adriana and I will definitely meet up soon. My transportation situation is still the same. I'm setting the goal of before Halloween. Best believe that.

  • Whenuwish1

    I get nearly all of my buckets from the local grocery stores bakery or deli depts. That means they are all “food-grade”. What that means, and how it translates to what leaches out of them in the sun? I have NO idea……and I don't plan on getting a degree in chemistry anytime soon. We're doing the best we can….and at least we're doing SOMETHING.

    BTW…….by next summer I will be moving to a place out in the boonies. Nearly THREE acres! We just got the place and will be spending the next year clearing the lot, which has been used as an old trailer/auto graveyard. I've already got plans for the chicken coop, the sheep corral and the pig pen.Still considering whether goats will be worth the effort. I'm also studying up on how to plan and care for an orchard!

    I'm gonna be a REAL farmer! (insert happy old hippie dance here)

  • Mike Lieberman

    Brag much ;-) Hhahaha. Congrats!

  • Whenuwish1

    I'll send you a bushel of home-grown apples — It ain't braggin' if it's true! ; )

    BTW — my husband blames YOU for me actually getting off my butt and DOING something about wanting a farm. Lucky for you I married a short, teddy-bear looking, hippie…….hahahhaha!

  • Mike Lieberman

    I will gladly accept your brag then. Tell your husband that I said you're welcome ;-)

  • http://www.YourOrganicLife.com Danika Carter

    Yes, I believe #2 is one of the safer plastics.

  • http://www.YourOrganicLife.com Danika Carter

    Yes, and avoid #7 because of the chance of BPA or lead. #2 & #5 are considered to be non-leaching plastics and should be perfectly safe.

  • Johnknightsd

    Can you direct me to how many plants I can plant in a 5 gallon bucket? I saw guidelines on this somewhere. Like 1 tomato plant, 4 swiss chard, 2 pepper etc..

  • http://veganscene.wordpress.com/ caitlin

    i appreciate that rationalization. we're always having to put the line in the sand somewhere and it isn't easy.

  • Mike Lieberman

    Not sure on the exacts. I use the rule of thumb of anything that vines or can be trellised like tomatoes and cukes to one per container. Everything else, I do by trial and error.

  • Mike Lieberman

    Exactly. Def not easy and people want to be perfect. Not for me.

  • Mstuhlman29

    I have use old aquariams that were being thrown out for cracked seals etc. I had a 50 gallon and used cardboard to section off for different herbs. Worked great, I sat it in my bay window. Never tried it with being outside but you can experiment with ways to cut back on the weight of the soil. I dont know maybe you could still figure out a drainage technique, I'm sure you could cut a hole in the bottom or something. could still line the glass with newspaper or something to protect the roots. A way to keep any chemicals from leaking into your soil for people who are looking for alternative and green ways to grow. Just a thought.

  • Mike Lieberman

    Great idea. Love it. Thanks for sharing.

  • http://grandbobsgarden.blogspot.com Robertlee97

    I think the question of using the plastic buckets might be detrimental to your health or the environment is silly to say the least. Did you not say Mike that these are buckets were from Deli's, Supermarkets, Farmers Markets answers that question. What were in the buckets to start with if it was not some kind of Food Material in the first place. Well Duhhh! Restaraunts have Pickle Buckets, Vegetable Oil buckets etc, etc. The same thing
    Using these buckets a second time for growing food is helping the environment Double.
    GrandBob
    http://GrandBobsGarden.blogspot.com

  • Mike Lieberman

    Yes the buckets previously held food in them, but there are reports and information out there saying that they are still toxic. I think that is the issue for some.

  • Mike Lieberman

    Thanks. It’s about finding a balance. Your daughter can def grow something. She can at least grow some sprouts.

    Thanks for the comment and the kind words.

  • http://www.practical-parsimony.blogspot.com Practical Parsimony

    You can get five-gallon buckets from a deli, bakery, or the bakery/deli in a grocery store that are food-grade. I figure if I am going to go to the trouble of trying to grow food safely, then getting a container that will not leach toxins into the soil and plants is part of the process. However, if you feel safe, how can anyone argue with you? Maybe, over time you can get rid of any iffy container. Good job! My daughter lives in NYC and has nowhere to grow any food. SAD! I have plenty of room in my yard but live too far away to give her food! I just found your post and have it as an icon on my desktop. That means I like it and want to come back.

  • http://www.practical-parsimony.blogspot.com Practical Parsimony

    She is newly-single, two children, and swears she cannot grown herbs and does not have the time. So, I am not there to help out by getting anything started. Since she has the whole top story of a house, it seems that herbs in the windows should be possible in at least one room!

    I have offered to come from the Deep South and dumpster dive for her. She thinks i would get killed.

    Just because a bucket came from a food establishment does not mean that the bucket held food. It could have held cleaning liquid or powder of some kind. The buckets that originally held food should be the safest, the least harmful. So, they may be leaching something, just less toxins than a paint bucket.

  • Mike Lieberman

    That’s nice of you to offer to go help your daughter. Def don’t use the containers if paint has been in them.

  • Elizabeth

    If there are a lot of old cars on the place, you might want to have your soil tested, just a thought. Old cars had lots of contaminants in them, like asbestos, lead, petroleum, plastics, antifreeze, etc.
    And if you have any old cars still out there, you can often make a surprisingly good amount on junkers, selling to people who restore vintage autos. Congratulations on your land acquisition – I hope to do the same one day!

  • http://www.UrbanOrganicGardener.com Mike Lieberman

    Word. Thanks for sharing the info.

  • http://www.UrbanOrganicGardener.com Mike Lieberman

    I’d love to find an affordable alternative, but can’t right now.

  • Sherburn

    In Mel Bartholomew’s very organic ‘Square Foot Gardening’ you’ll find just how many plants you can plant in a square foot. 100% of the garden at 50% of the cost in 20% of the space, 10% of the water, using 5% of the seeds and 2% of the work. I done it, it works like magic.

  • Jonah

    There is a difference between using a container to hold food and using it in your garden for 10 years, exposed to sun and rain, to grow food. We’ve all read that plastic photodegrades and releases PCB’s in the ocean (for example, the Pacific Trash Vortex). I am not satisfied with the answers I’ve been seeing here myself. I’d like links to real research that proves that exposed plastic bins do not release toxins into soil over years of exposure. I think wood, ceramic and the good old fashioned ground are the way to go for long term container farming.

  • http://www.UrbanOrganicGardener.com Mike Lieberman

    I’m not concerned with 10 years from now right now. Ideally I won’t be using the same containers.

    When using wood, you need to make sure that it’s not pressure treated lumber.

    I’d love to use an alternative, but haven’t found anything that’s affordable and reasonable yet.

  • http://twitter.com/HomeSteadingRhi Rhi W

    A similar
    question has been nagging me the last couple weeks. Ive been wanting to make
    some drip irrigation containers out of recycled plastic and got to wondering
    about the chemical laden water feeding the tomatoes and such. After a bit of
    research, I’ve decided against using plastics in the garden whenever possible.
    I’ve made an effort to be as chemical free as possible and may be getting a bit
    carried with it, oh well. I say if your choices are grow in plastic or don’t grow
    at all, grow in plastic. Maybe someday soon someone will do the appropriate
    studies and put an end to all of these questions. Anyhow, Happy Gardening!

  • http://www.UrbanOrganicGardener.com Mike Lieberman

    Absolutely. If I had my choice, I’d go no plastic and the like. I’ve yet to find an affordable and suitable alternative…

  • Anne

    I grow organic vegetables in containers.  I am slowly switching over to fabric pots such as Smart Pots or Hydrofarm Dirt Bags.   I have red potatoes and sweet potatoes growing in them this year and so far they are doing great.   Not only are they safer than plastic but also allow the roots to breathe.  I’ve found that Amazon.com is the least expensive (I can’t find them locally).   Most plastic planters are made of #2 plastic.  I don’t use 5 gallon buckets because  too much soil is needed which gets very expensive (especially for organic soils and fertilizers).  I just began a compost bin this spring so hopefully that will cut down on the cost next year.
    I bought most of my plastic planters at yard sales (recycling) for around 50 cents or on clearance  for 75% off.
    By the way,  the fabric pots are reusable and  fold up so they take up very little space when storing them for the winter.

  • http://www.UrbanOrganicGardener.com Mike Lieberman

    Interesting. Thanks for the tips. Will have to look into those containers.

  • Booyah

    Smartpots are made from woven polypropylene.  They are plastic.

  • Laurel

    Smart Pot is made of inert fabric (polypropylene) which claims to be completely safe for edible plants.  Inert means there is no chemical reaction and so it does not leach.  It’s possible that what is now considered safe will eventually found not to be, but currently, the following plastics have no KNOWN health hazards:Code 1: Polyethylene Terephthalate, or PET / PETE
    Code 2: High Density Polyethylene, or HDPE
    Code 4: Low Density Polyethylene, or LDPE
    Code 5: Polypropylene, or PP

    You should never heat up food in a microwave or put hot/boiling liquid in these containers.

  • http://www.UrbanOrganicGardener.com Mike Lieberman

    I will expand on that and say that you should never use a microwave…period.

  • KR

    I would recommend purchasing plastic “food grade” containers from a restaurant supply source. The containers come in alot of sizes to give you some choices. The most important part is that they are “food grade” meaning that they are made to contain food and not leach out. I know this does not solve the land fill issue – but those buckets we buy at paint stores and big box stores are mass produced and cheaply made… who knows what the impact on your food is.

  • http://www.UrbanOrganicGardener.com Mike Lieberman

    Good points.