Yesterday I took down the hanging flower basket and was pleasantly surprised the biodegradable pulp container was in excellent condition. I normally don’t buy many annuals {or flower baskets for that matter} but this year was a little different for us as we were knee deep in remodeling this spring and got a late start on our garden.
As I emptied the hanging basket out I couldn’t help but think the basket probably has 2 or 3 summers worth of use left in it. The same goes for all those black plastic plant packs the flowers came in.
I don’t know about you, but I’m saving all of my containers.
I’ll plant my own hanging basket next year {for a fraction of the original cost} and I’m planning on using the plant packs to start seeds for next years vegetable garden. All the containers really need is a good rise with some hot soapy water and they’ll be good to go.
It sure beats having to buy them from the store next year, don’t you think?
Do you re-use your planting containers too? Please tell me I’m not the only one who does this to save a few bucks.
~Mavis
lilton says
No, I do this ALL THE TIME, too. Plus, it’s much easier to share extra seedlings or volunteer plants from the garden with friends because I don’t have to worry about getting my “good” flower pots back.
krista s. says
i just did this, this morning, i planted my fall seeds and also some peach tree seeds i will bring in during the winter. I saved all my containers from the nursery this year. They are perfect size for seedling starters
Chelsey says
I do this and I grab all the ones I can get at the Lowe’s plastic pot swap. Whenever they have plastic pots they won’t use, they put them on a labelled rack. They are free! I have scored all sizes of plastic containers. I love being able to reuse things over and over again. Keeps it out of the landfields and recycling factories.
Judy says
I do this too!! Going to Lowe’s to pick up free pots is great! Sometimes they even have the big 3 or 5 gallon ones for big plants!
Felicia says
Do all Lowes do this?
Chelsey says
I believe so. If not, just ask someone that works there. They might grab them for you.
Jennifer Meyer says
I totally do this to start my seedlings! I also use yogurt/sour cream containers instead of buying pots. I always start more seedlings than I need so I use these to give them away in. At first I had to bribe people to take my extra seedlings and now they actually ask for them once summer hits lol! I love being able to share my hobby to help others save money! 🙂
Donna F. Wilson says
Love the tip about the yogurt containers – thank you!
Rita Kerr says
I sure save mine too, Mavis. I like to save seeds for our garden and my flower beds from year-to-year, so having a few of those black separated containers are great. Plus, starting my own plants I am able to order the specific varieties of non-GMO, heirloom and organic seeds I want. Be blessed!
Pam says
With 40% of the earth’s oceans covered by plastic-we have to re-use.
Norma says
I have been saving and reusing pots and other large containers for years. I also use them to repot the plants I thin out, or want to give away. If you want to replant your strawberry runners, put a pot under, and let the runners grow right in them.
sandra fisher says
This past winter our Garden Club got together and had a winter seed sowing party. I have done this for the past couple of years successfully so I led the group. We were so happy with our seedlings that this summer we are saving seeds as well. The greatest temptation is to plant too many seeds in one container. This winter we will be cutting our little flats to fit into the milk cartons we use to keep roots together. I hope you and others give this a try.
Sandi
Mavis says
A winter seed sowing party sounds like my kind of party!
Becky says
The multi cell packs don’t seem to last long here, but the larger pots are keepers 🙂