I want to start my own organic garden, but what I am wondering is.. Is it okay to plant organic plants in plastic containers? Or do they pick up the toxins from them? I don't believe in using plastic because it's manufacture is horrible for the environment, but if it's already made, can I use it??Basically I just need to know if all sorts of nasty things will harm the organic nature of my plants if planted in plastic.
you will surely die if eat vegetables grown in plastic.
There is no agreed upon definition of organic. However, most people agree that it means that it is grown without using manufactured fertilizers or pesticides. By this definition, using a plastic pot would not render your plants non-organic. However, I am sure there are some purists who would say that no manufactured products of any kind should ever come in contact with your plants. Ultimately, it is what is important to you that matters.
I've always had much more success growing in clay (terracotta) pots than in plastic ones. Not because of any leaching chemicals, but simply because they tend to get too hot and stuffy in the sun and I often get the impression that the roots get 'cooked'. Here's a very apt quote from a fellow gardener, which I think says much: Just imagine yourself having to live and breath in plastic clothes, yuck! Plastic really suffocates, and that creates a breeding ground for disease. Mind you...I've seen many very healthy and lush plants in nurseries which have always been in plastic pots and are thriving nevertheless. I think if you really want to use plastic, just make sure that the pots themselves don't get too much direct sunlight and don't heat up too much. Good luck! :)
