Plastic pots are the most used by gardeners and plant enthusiasts. They are very inexpensive and can also be beautiful, but they have a serious drawback: they wear out over time. What to do to make them last longer?
With these simple tips and tricks that we offer you, you will know what is the maintenance of plastic pots and, most importantly, how to extend their useful life.
Plastic is a material that we use a lot today, I would say even too much. The problem it has is that it can remain practically intact for several centuries, so unless it is recycled what we are doing is building mountains and mountains of plastic. It is true that we do not see them in our towns or cities, but we do need to know that there are what they call plastic islands.
Each and every one of us can do a lot to take care of the planet, and since we are on a gardening blog, I encourage you all to do your best to make your plastic pots last longer. How do you do that? Actually it is very simple.
Choose the right color for your climate
Yes Yes, color can be the difference between a longer or shorter shelf life. Why? Because of the effect that the sun's rays have on the pot. For example, if it is white, the rays will come into contact with the plastic but will soon be returned to space; On the other hand, if it is black, just the opposite will happen: the container will absorb the heat. For this reason, it is not a good idea to buy dark colored plastic containers if you live in an area with a strong insolation (such as the Mediterranean region, for example).
Do not put them near areas that absorb a lot of heat / a lot of cold
We don't usually think about it, but if we put the pot for example on a shelf that is made of stainless steel during the summer it can overheat, which would harm the roots. To avoid this, we can put them on a shading mesh.
Likewise, during the winter it will be highly recommended to put them a little sheltered - as much as possible, taking into account the needs of the plant we are growing - in order to cool it excessively.
Avoid breaking them
When we go to transplant a plant, we have to avoid breaking the container, otherwise it will no longer be of any use to us. That is why, if we cannot get it out of the pot, we have to tap the sides and, if necessary, cut the roots that come out of the drainage holes.
I hope that with these tips and tricks your pots will last much longer 🙂.