Bellegallica: I hoard plastic pots, and friends hoard them for me -- not only the black ones, but the dark green ones, brown ones and the maroonish ones. They're cheap (as in free, usually), easy to store, durable (some more so than others) and almost infinitely re-useable. Who DOESN'T love 'em? However, I don't agree that plastic is superior in all ways to clay. When I've potted-up multiples of a single variety -- some in clay, some in plastic -- I've found that the ones in clay generally develop more quickly, both above and below the soil. Try a test of your own to see if you observe the same difference. If, during the course of a summer day, one were to go to the trouble of monitoring interior soil temperatures in the two types of pots, my strong hunch is that the soil in clay would consistently be cooler than the soil in a plastic pot of comparable size. Plants in clay do dry out faster -- not only because of heat, but due to the porosity of the clay and the attendant higher rate of transpiration. The more moist the soil, the more heat it will retain under summer conditions. IMO, the fact that plants in clay dry out faster is a good thing. Clay makes for better aeration of the soil which, in turn, promotes good root growth. Throughout the summer months I have to water everything in my pot ghetto frequently anyway, so the fact that the plants in clay get thirsty more quickly makes very little difference, time-wise or water-wise. There are a couple of independent specialist nurseries near here that whitewash the exteriors of black plastic pots to reflect heat. I've considered attempting that, but haven't (and probably won't). You're probably correct that black plastic will absorb more heat from winter sun than clay. How long that heat is retained, though, likely depends on the gauge of plastic used in fabricating the pot.

Id be interested in your pots. I'm in Buena Park. They may be gone?? (714) 827-6488 I'm Valley View/Ball area (south of Cypress College). If I don't hear from you will assume - they've been taken. Love the work you've done in your yard - was looking forward to seeing it in person. Linda If I don't hear from you, will think they're gone.

Hi, I have 6 HUGE round black plastic pots that plants came in. The diameter is approximately 14 inches and the height is 18 inches. I believe they are 15 gallon size. I no longer need them and would like to sell them. You see them at nurseries everywhere, but rarely for sale. Some select nurseries will sell them for $5 to $7 each. I have a total of six. I would prefer to sell them together, but will sell them separately if you want less than six. I am asking for your best offer. They are in great condition, a little dusty with dirt, but that will wash off quickly with a garden hose. They are great for plants that will be moved or transported. Also great to grow flowers and vegetables in! They are large enough for long term growth. Perhaps you don't have a large enough backyard or no soil space, so grow your plants in these pots instead! I am using 3 of these (the same size)to grow pumpkins! :o) If you need photographs, please ask! I posted this same ad on Craigslist (it will expire in 7 days): http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/for/833166131.html I am located in the SFV. Thanks! Here is a link that might be useful: Craigslist Post -- 6 Large Black Plastic Nursery Pots

I'm not exactly famliar with the site yet...sorry! I was coming on to take this off here..last night my neighbor came over and gave me some tomato plants for them. lol I will have more though, I'm addicted...I'll post again for you when I accumulate more pots. So next week. lol just kidding.