Safe Containers for Organic Vegetable Gardening

Posted by Jamie McIntosh May 18, 2009

A reader recently wrote me with a question about the right container for organic vegetable gardening:

• I am interested in growing some vegetables in containers. My concern is that the containers themselves are toxic and will leach toxic chemicals into the foods grown. Which containers are not toxic? Are there any? Plastic, pressurized wood, and even concrete I think are out...what's left?

Great question! Terra cotta is always a good choice for a natural container garden.

Drawbacks of terra cotta include its expense, that it cannot be left outdoors during subfreezing temperatures, and its heavy weight.

Plastic containers are still OK for growing vegetables. Choose a plastic that's stable, and doesn't leach hormone-disrupting phthalates into the soil. Look at the "chasing arrow" symbol on the plastic. #1, #2, #4, and #5 plastics are safe. Avoid using #3, #6, and #7 plastics.