Container vegetable gardening in plastic bins? - Ask Extension
Would like to try some self-watering container garden bins this summer. No one ever talks about food-grade containers. Is it safe to plant my vegeta...
Knowledgebase
Container vegetable gardening in plastic bins? #786382
Asked April 10, 2022, 4:43 PM EDT
Would like to try some self-watering container garden bins this summer. No one ever talks about food-grade containers. Is it safe to plant my vegetable garden in non-food-grade containers? I know in my master gardener class there was discussion about NOT using womanized or treated lumber for your compost bins. But at the same time we were told that a standard PVC pipe for the air vents in the compost bin would be okay. Guessing if PVC plastic is not an issue in my compost pile, plastic shouldn't be a problem as a container for growing veggies.
Looking forward to hearing what the science says.
Thank you,
Sue Graham. Advanced EMG
Kalamazoo County Michigan
Expert Response
Currently, there is little research on the risks associated with growing vegetables in food-grade plastic containers. It is generally considered safe as long as the containers have not previously been used for inedible items.
Keep in mind that plastics break down when exposed to UV radiation. If you decide to grow food in plastic containers, you should do your best to shield the containers themselves from light and choose plastics resistant to UV breakdown. HDPE is one of the more common food-safe plastics with some UV resistance.
Another thing to consider is that self-watering containers can inconsistently wet the soil depending on the design. In addition, poorly designed self-watering containers can harbor pests and diseases in the water reservoir. If you decide to build planters yourself, I'd recommend trying one or two before committing too many containers.
https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/packaging-food-contact-substances-fcs
Keep in mind that plastics break down when exposed to UV radiation. If you decide to grow food in plastic containers, you should do your best to shield the containers themselves from light and choose plastics resistant to UV breakdown. HDPE is one of the more common food-safe plastics with some UV resistance.
Another thing to consider is that self-watering containers can inconsistently wet the soil depending on the design. In addition, poorly designed self-watering containers can harbor pests and diseases in the water reservoir. If you decide to build planters yourself, I'd recommend trying one or two before committing too many containers.
https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/packaging-food-contact-substances-fcs
