Can I recycle a polystyrene box as a planter?

[heebiejeebie]

or will chemicals leach into the compost?

I received some perishable goods in a big, sturdy polystyrene box that is just the right size for filling with compost and planting some carrots or parsnips in (instead of our heavy, stony clay soil).

Any advice before I go ahead?

[Sue]

Heebiejeebie
I think it must be inert, people recommend breaking it up to put in the bottom of large pots (done that, repotting a nightmare, trying to tease it out of the roots) and I've happily grown carrots in the polystyrene containers so go ahead.
Was really impressed when I bought a deep fat fryer this week, the once polystyrene packaging was replaced with papier mache forms which was a nice donation to the compost heap, there was a bit of bubble wrap to add to my greenhouse bubble-wrap for free project and a cardboard box for the cat to play with before that too heads for the compost bin.
best wishes
Sue

[heebiejeebie]

Ta!

It has a lid too - can I leave that on until the seeds germinate? (keep my moggies out - I know exactly what they'll think a compost-filled box is for!)

[Dobby]

if you are worred about it you could line it with a compost bag rember to put holes in for dranage

[libbyloulou]

Ta!

It has a lid too - can I leave that on until the seeds germinate? (keep my moggies out - I know exactly what they'll think a compost-filled box is for!)

I would'nt put the lid on, maybe cling film, or a sheet of glass?

[Protea]

I too recieved a large polystyrene box today - i was thrilled and had exactly the same thought (except mine isn't deep enough for carrots).

Lots of people grow in the polystyrene boxes the fishmongers use - perfectly fine don't worry about it. just remember to put some drainage holes in the bottom so it doesn't get waterlogged.

[denise]

A friend at work uses one as a proigator, it gets warm on a sunny window ledge and of course then it holds the haet in. have to keep an eye that it doesn't over heat, she goes some good strong seedings this way.

[noidea]

My mushrooms are thriving away in the polystyrene box...

C

[rustylady]

Go for it! Polystyrene is light, fairly sturdy, insulating, etc, etc. As far as I know it is inert and won't leach any chemicals into your soil/compost.

[terrier]

Garden centres use polystyrene all the time for seedlings without any probs.

[TonyF]

I get them from the fish lady on the local market, work great.

[heebiejeebie]

ta!

I'll get planting.