Are Homedepot HDX Storage Totes Good for Growing Plants?
Asked by G4rdenL0v3r99
Has anyone used the 27-gallon HDX Tough Storage Totes from Home Depot as planters? They cost about $10 each and seem really sturdy, but I'm curious about any potential chemicals they might leach. I've heard the Home Depot buckets are generally safe, but what about these totes? I know the black plastic can absorb too much heat, harming plant roots, but could there be other concerns I'm overlooking? I'm hoping to grow some berry bushes in them.
Answers
I used similar light-colored muck buckets for growing tomatoes, and they worked great! Just remember to drill some holes in the bottom for drainage. I avoid black plastic because of how much heat it absorbs and I've heard it can leach harmful chemicals. I’ve found large garden pots through freecycle as well—it's a good option!
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I’ve tried these types of containers before, and a common problem is that they can get brittle over time, especially with UV exposure. It might be a better idea to use containers specifically designed for planting. If you want a more durable option, building some from wood could be worthwhile!
G4rdenL0v3r99: I’m renting right now, so I can’t go the wood route. Do you think they’ll fall apart after just one year?
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These totes are pretty popular for hydroponics, but I haven’t really seen them used in regular outdoor gardens. For hydro, black is good to prevent algae, but for the outdoors, lighter colors help with heat management. I’ve bought quite a few large resin planters from Home Depot, and they’ve worked out well for my veggie garden!
G4rdenL0v3r99: Could you share a link to the planters you’ve used? The black definitely makes me nervous about heat.
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G4rdenL0v3r99: Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll definitely check out freecycle.