skip to main content

Florida Gardening

need suggestions for cheap containers to move plants in

16 years ago

hi all,

I am always on the look out for cheap, really big pots. any suggestions? I found some 15 or 20 gallon pots for $4 each but shipping bumps that up to $7 each and besides, I would rather not impact the environment by buying new when I am certain there are used ones out there. please give me suggestions. I would want to use these to eventually move my plants in these to my next home. I asked a local rose nursery but the owner wanted way too much money for his throw aways.

michelle

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

tropicalfreak
16 years ago
Drive aroudn the neighborhood on weekends and night/morning before trash day. I have gotten lots of pots that way.

Sometimes at Mom and Pop Nurseries you can ask if they have any they plan to throw out or maybe you can get for real cheap.

Good Luck!

Tropicalfreak
Irma_StPete
16 years ago
Great question. Might it work to use plastic bags (strong enough to re-use later) inside free cardboard boxes?
Related Discussions
Cheap plants and cold container garden
Q
Comments (8)
Hi there, How big are the fish? I know it's hard to believe but goldfish will quickly outgrow a 19 gal. container, if they haven't already. But if you're already planning a bigger and better container pond for next year, it might be a good transition :-) I don't know if others will agree with me but if you've got an iris and a water lily, I don't think you really need the aquarium pump. I tend to try and avoid spending more $$$ if I can, and in this case I think if you have the iris (which is supposed to be a very good water cleaner) and just two small fish you will probably be okay. You will just have to stay diligent about water changes, no different than if you had an indoor aquarium. And to be safe I'd probably add in a few submerged plants (anachris, hornwort, etc.) and floaters (water lettuce, water hyacinth, etc.) For the plants you bought, I'd take them out and re-pot them. The mesh stuff sounds like landscape fabric designed not to let roots grow through, so you'll need to remove it, wash most of the existing stuff off and *then* repot. For lilies, I use a mix of soil and kitty litter too, but if you do that, make sure to top them off with plenty of pea gravel or stones so all the soil doesn't wash into your water and turn it into a muddy mess. I plant my iris in plain gravel. Mine seems to be doing great that way and I figure it's sucking more excess nutrient from the water. A lot of it is trial and error to see what works for you, but hope this helps :-)
...See More
Need suggestions..Banana plant in container
Q
Comments (2)
What are the growing conditions like (temperature...light, etc)? Is this just for the summer? You might try: Musa basjoo (a cold hardy variety that seems to hold its leaves better in the winter than the real tropicals) Lasiocarpus (Chinese banana--this one produces stunning yellow flowers that last a LONG time) The leaves are unlike those of most bananas (genus Musa) in shape and color (more blue green). Also rather COLD hardy. Any of the dwarf banana varieties should work. Ensete maurelli (spelling?)--the one with red/bronze leaves and relatively tolerant of quite chilly temps--stunning!
...See More
Suggestions for container plants, please
Q
Comments (14)
Howdy, OG. I'm okay now, but was sick most of the summer. Hope you're doing well. Can't care for plants when one isn't feeling right. Thank you. Yes, H. Multiflora has pretty flowers, and smell delicious, lol. Scent and shape differ from other Hoyas. During winter, my Hoyas are placed in south windows, but you know how gloomy IL can be. No room for artificial lighting either, wish there was a way. How dim do you mean? In a window and which direction? To be honest, the more light Hoya Multiflora is given, the better, espeically since they can bloom year round. However, if light isn't bright enough, '2-3 months,' as soon as daylight lengthens, it should be placed in brighter light. Also, if in too much shade, proper watering is very important. I allow soil to dry quite a bit during winter months..like a succulent, although not to the point soil cracks. So, you're going to collect Hoyas, too? lol. Hoyas are very pretty, and there are so many different varieties. I want a Hoya called Sigillatis, but they're impossible finding. I looked everywhere...oh well. Maybe one day. Check Accents...they have Shoot Star. Toni
...See More
Plant suggestions for these small containers?
Q
Comments (8)
Asp. fern will get way too big for such small containers I suspect. Succulents can be very difficult -- not only are most prone to rot if too moist and in stagnant air, but many require strong light. In containers that small, they could cook. You could try mosses. Many types like moist conditions and some do not require high light. Moss forum may be able to help out here. [Though then you need to report back to us & share what you learned. :-) ] A mini african violet might work in that last glass you posted -- they're cheap and easy to get at Lowes & HD Here is a link that might be useful:
...See More
abendwolke
16 years ago
those black plastic pots are no throw aways at nurseries. They have to pay for them, too. When I worked at a 'mom and pop' nursery, we had to figure the cost into the price of the plant. We appreciated when people returned them.

I also find lots of them on trash days in newer neighborhoods.

Evelyn
yukichan
16 years ago
You could scrounge some large buckets and maybe drill a few holes for drainage. Ditto for 2-liter plastic bottles.
AmberSky
16 years ago
Pickle Buckets from fast food places, well rinsed?
AmberSky
16 years ago
The cheapest laundry baskets are like 88c each, and can be lined with heavy garbage bags.
coffeemom
16 years ago
Find someone with a cat. I have lots of empty kitty litter plastic containers. You can drill holes or not, and they have a handle.
Or check Big Lots.
Target and Wal mart will be putting more summer stuff on clearance to make room for school supplies. Check out the plastic buckets for picnic drinks.
I thot HD and lowes sold the black plastic pots,too.
Hope this helps
naplesgardener
16 years ago
Landscapers throw out their pots as they plant but you have to be on their job site to get them. I'd look for new homes when landscapers come thru to do the yards...of course the builders have slowed way down lately.
goldenpond
16 years ago
I would line boxes with burlap not plastic bags
zozzl
16 years ago
Google "Freecycle" for your city and post a wanted ad for free. I have received and gotten rid of pots this way. You would for sure get some offers and it is very convenient.

Pat

Related Stories

URBAN GARDENS Plant a Garden That Can Move With You

By Steve Taylor

Think mobile when planning your outdoor space and you can enjoy it wherever you move next

CONTAINER GARDENS Container Garden Basics: How and When to Water Potted Plants

Confused about soil moisture, the best time to water and what watering device to use? This guide can help

SPRING GARDENING 7 Great Container Plants for Early-Spring Appeal

Good things sometimes come to those who impatiently head to the nursery for plants that can take a chill

MOVING The All-in-One-Place Guide to Selling Your Home and Moving

By Laura Gaskill

Stay organized with this advice on what to do when you change homes

MOVING Relocating? Here’s How to Make the Big Move Better

By Jennifer Phelps: Organize. Design. Reinvent!

Moving guide, Part 1: How to organize your stuff and your life for an easier household move

MOVING Relocating Help: 8 Tips for a Happier Long-Distance Move

By Laura Gaskill

Trash bags, houseplants and a good cry all have their role when it comes to this major life change

BUDGET DECORATING 15 Ways to Ready a Summer Home on the Cheap

By Laura Gaskill

Set up a comfy getaway where stress goes down the drain, without sending wads of cash along with it

BUDGET DECORATING 10 Beautiful, Decorative Gifts to Make on the Cheap

By Laura Gaskill

Save money while spreading the love with these personal DIY projects (pssst ... you can even keep them for yourself)

BATHROOM DESIGN 15 Cheap and Easy Ways to Makeover Your Bathroom

By Becky Harris

Makeover Magic Can Happen When You Think Outside the Bathroom Box

FALL AND THANKSGIVING 5 Container Gardens for Fall, the Holidays and Beyond

Make planting easy with a single container, year-round plants and a sprinkling of simple seasonal accents

Sponsored

Pool Professionals Ohio

Industry Leading Swimming Pool Builders in Licking County, OH

More Discussions

2024 January : upload your photos of first blooms of season

19

Rats in the garden ID?

6

Greening Satsuma

2

New Blooms Feb./Mar.

26

Leaving my final garden

5