Growing In Drain Pipe & Gutters Question. :)

[gardening_gal]

Hi guys, long time no see!

Since I had to move and give up my garden and polytunnel I've had growing withdrawals! I did nothing last Summer but I want to do something in a small way this year.

Due to lack of suitable space and usable ground, I need to think small, raised and / or vertical.

I'm not planning on growing much, just the likes of lettuce / strawberries.

Gutter or drain pipe gardening would be absolutely suitable for the tiny walkway bit I have that gets sun. It's quick, easy and very 'temporary' in nature so wont be an issue for the landlord.

I've uneasily reconciled myself with the 'pvc leaches' school of thought but I can't get it out of my head that white pipe/guttering would be slightly better in this dept than terracotta / grey or black.

I can't find anything online that mentions anything about whether coloured pvc would leach more, either due to whatever extra additives go into the manufacturing process to produce the colour, or simply because colour absorbs more heat than white does so a terracotta or black pipe might leach more due to it becoming warmer.

Has anyone any idea about this please?

[boatsman]

I have been using plastic planters 80 cm long resting on iron brackets screwed to the walls. The plastic is terracotta coloured and has been treated so as not to be affected by UV light. I have been using them for several years without any complaints. The depth and width of each planter is about 20 cm (8") and there are drainage holes in the bottom. I have a piece of heavy duty grey plastic piping that I am thinking of using as a growing tower if I drill 2" or 3" holes in it for the plants. I would imagine they would be ideal for strawberries, but then you would need a lot of them to give you a decent crop. I expect the planters would be OK for lettuce.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Whilst some small leaching can occur at higher temperatures the levels found in humans have so far proved to be very low, so low that I would not be concerned. After all we can't dodge plastics these days our water comes through it and a lot of out food comes packed in it. Even some food tins are lined with it.

As to your question of colour, the 'terracotta' coloured pipe-work is for use underground and is not UV stable.

The black and white are for use above ground and can handle sunlight much better.

[gardening_gal]

I'm so sorry for not acknowledging your replies sooner. I didn't know I had any! Last time I looked no-one had replied to this.

Thank you, appreciate the info.