Using clear containers as pots

[Guest]

I can't think of a reason why you shouldn't be able to use clear containers as pots with the exception of spuds but wanted to check if anyone knows a reason why it wouldn't be a good idea

Many thanks as always

[bramble]

Is there some train of thought that the light needs to be kept off the roots?
I stand corrected as its just sonething I remember hearing a long time ago.

[Lumpy]

I tried 2 years ago with the bottom of pop bottles and it didn't go so well.

It was probably me but I did think that clear containers allowed the sun to get to any roots that appeared around the sides therefore killing them

or...

if the roots got sun it meant that the top growth lost energy.

Other than that I don't have a clue!

[Scarlet]

I don't know why it isn't a good idea either but I'm sure ive also read that roots don't like getting sun on them. I know they can turn green if they are close to the surface.

What do you want to grow in clear pots and why?

[Bren In Pots]

Could you paint the pots or wrap something around them.

[Martin H]

You could line the pots with pieces of compost bag, black side outwards? Could even try some with and some without, to learn if it makes a difference?

[SusieG]

I didn't know that clear plastic would be detrimental to growing seeds ....
I've only just today sowed in clear (freebie) trays some nasturtium and some cosmos seeds ...
Fingers crossed ...........

[Martin H]

I didn't know that clear plastic would be detrimental to growing seeds ....

If it is, it won't have any effect until the roots of the seedlings are running along the sides of the container. So I wouldn't worry to be honest, it'll be time to pot them on when that happens anyway.

[SusieG]

If it is, it won't have any effect until the roots of the seedlings are running along the sides of the container. So I wouldn't worry to be honest, it'll be time to pot them on when that happens anyway.

Oh, phew ta Martin, they will be planted out as soon as they're viable anyway - only going to spend a short amount of their growing time in there!

[Guest]

Susie you are fine for seedlings. Never gave that a thought but I often sow things in the clear plastic fruit trays with no issues.

The reason I asked was I have a stack of the large bucket type tubs that fat balls (for birds before anyone says something silly ) come in and it seemed like an obvious thing to reuse them for.

[Scarlet]

I'd use them with a strip of compost bag around the inside like Bren and Martin has suggested.(just in case!!) Would be great for chillies

[Containergardener]

Oh , I was going to use 2 storage crates for planting . Would black membrane do to line them with. I don't actually know what the membrane was for, we have big roll of it.....

[Potstubsdustbins]

^^^^If it's plastic membrane it should be OK.

And everyone is right in their thoughts most roots do not like direct sunlight.

[Scarlet]

Oh , I was going to use 2 storage crates for planting . Would black membrane do to line them with. I don't actually know what the membrane was for, we have big roll of it.....

Be careful with those plastic crates, some of them split apart with really nasty sharp bits if left in the sun.

[Containergardener]

It's just a couple mum was going to skip...

This type sort of style , if they do this yr. be fine.