Gardening Naturally: Safe Containers
As more individuals explore for ways to raise their own food without using pesticides, organic gardening is gaining popularity. What kind of container to use when starting to plant, however, is a challenge that many organic gardeners encounter.
Some containers might not be healthy for plant growth because of the materials they were made of or how they were made. This article will discuss several secure container solutions that are ideal for your organic garden.
Keep in mind that organic gardening entails more than just plant growth. It entails providing food for humans that is chemical- and pesticide-free while simultaneously protecting the environment and preserving resources.
Plastic Dispensers
Because recycled plastic containers are strong and lightweight, they improve environmental conditions. They are available in a variety of colours to fit any kitchen, too!
Recycle numbers on recyclable materials allow you to compare them to low-risk products like PET bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate resin if there has been a high risk of them leaching harmful toxic compounds like BPA, which has been linked to cancer (PET).
What number is printed on your plastic? Better polymers exist than others. Pay attention to these numbers and, if at all possible, stay away from 1, 3, and 6 as they can hurt marine life.
Pottery Pots
Ceramic-style pots are one of the most widely used forms of containers. To make them durable, they are constructed of clay and heated during the firing process. They are available in a range of hues, styles, and sizes, so you may pick one that works for you!
Another advantage of ceramic pots over plastic containers is that they don’t sometimes release toxins into food when heated.
Wooden crates or boxes
Natural wood that hasn’t been treated, like cedar or teak, is a secure and appealing choice for a container for organic gardening. The trick to making sure you’re picking biologically safe materials is to apply preservatives before sealing them up with paint. You may either buy containers made of this type of material or manufacture your own.
There are safer alternatives like raw redwood, which gets its name because it’s naturally resistant to decay and termite infestation (also known as white ants), which contains chemicals if the wood has been pressure treated.
Stone
For organic gardening, stone pots are a beautiful and secure solution. Stone containers, on the other hand, are more brittle, therefore they might not hold up as well outside as wood or plastic pots.
Concrete is a durable substance that, due to its strength, can also make good container alternatives. Unfortunately, they are also quite hefty, making frequent movement about with plants impossible.
Compared to other materials like clay, frequent watering may be more necessary.
If you intend to maintain the plant primarily indoors, terracotta pots are required.
Natural stones like granite, marble, and travertine have been used traditionally by cultures for urns, although there has been some debate regarding this use because of the possibility that mining operations could contaminate nearby water sources.