Thoughts on cardboard planters/containers?

[happycamper15]

Hello folks

I am curious about growing plants in cardboard containers/planters. For example, if I were to drill holes in the bottom of a cardboard box, fill it with soil and plant seedlings within, how would it turn out?

Would the cardboard decay within 10-12 weeks?
Would the cardboard have a detrimental effect on the soil? (for example, alter ph or add harmful chemicals?)

Has anyone grown plants in cardboard containers/planters?

Nothing of such could be found using the search function, but I have seen a few grows around here using various containers, such as goldfish snack boxes.


Thanks all!
hc15

 

[MumblyJumJum]

I used tropicana juice cartons with holes punched in the bottom for drainage. It worked alright for a little while, but by the end of the grow mold was a big problem. That would be my main concern, as it probably isn't good for you or the plants to have moldering cardboard blowing around.

 

[happycamper15]

Thanks mumbly, good point with the mold. I grow auto's mainly, and I don't put them in the final container until after they show sex, normally around week 2 or 3. Considering most are 9 weeks from seed to harvest, they would only be in the cardboard for about 6 to 6.5 weeks.

Is cardboard mold present at week six for you? Or does it tend to show earlier? Later?

 

[RobMarley420]

Plastic party cups and 2 leiter soda bottles are non-moldy alternatives to cardboard containers.

 

[Jellyfish]

Why (I wonder) are you asking about cardboard when there are MANY alternatives that won't be affected by water? Are there some advantages to cardboard?

 

[apep]

If you spray the inside with that aerosol vegetable oil cooking spray, like Pam or something they will last longer. Have done this with paper lunch bags but it was only for two weeks then i transplanted them outside. Hope that helps.

 

[FreezerBoy]

You're begging for trouble. Don't do it. Pots of plastic or clay are dirt cheap. Next time you finish a large soda or a 1/2 gallon of milk, just lop off the top... voìla, pots.

 

[happycamper15]

Thanks for all of the thoughts.

I have used half gallon milk jugs, two liter bottles, and gallon tropicana jugs in the past. I feel the half gallon is too small, and the two liter's tip over far too easily. I am quite fond of the gallon tropicana jug as they're rectangular, have handles for easy transport, and hold about 0.75 gallons of soil (which is just about perfect for autos).

As mentioned, I mainly grow autos. I ask about the cardboard because I was curious about a SOG bed with autos. Fill a box with soil, put 4 plants per sq foot and let go.


A 27 quart plastic storage bin might be perfect. Six gallons of soil would be just about right for four plants for 7 weeks.

The 27 quart bin I have is clear, unfortunately. Any suggestions on how to protect the roots from light?

 

[Jellyfish]

Um, get another bin that isn't clear?

 

[supermanlives]

i have never had any problems with clear containers

 

[Oldmans_Herbs]

i like em

 

[Pointswest]

Never use clear containers for the root zone of the plants.

There are many types of potting containers available for cheap prices or many choices available for making your own pots from buckets with drainage holes or ask a landscape crew for some pots when they are finished. Many will give them away for free or a small price. Don't use materials that will degrade before the plant is finished, this is only common sense.

Clear and white pots are only asking for trouble. These pots will grow algae and moss on the outside of the root-ball and rob the plant of needed nutrients..