Eco-Friendly Raised Garden Bed – 4′ X 8′ X 18″
07 months ago
Raised Garden Bed with 2″ Timbers
Here is a raised garden bed that is a great size, easy to assemble, rot and insect-proof, and would be perfect to start a garden now in the warm zones that cannot grow very much during the summer months. If you have poor soil, nowhere to make a garden, or just want an easier method to grow some fresh produce or beautiful flowers, this may be the raised garden bed for you.
This eco-friendly raised garden bed is made from green manufactured composite wood, which is made from 60% recycled plastic and 40% natural fibers. The timbers for the raised garden bed will not rot, splinter or become infested with critters. The timbers are 44.5″ long, 5.5″ high and weigh just 4.4 pounds. The only tools needed for assembly are a hammer and screwdriver. The assembly is very easy and the raised garden bed can be sited anywhere, on lawns, porches and even driveways.
This 4′ X 8′ X 18″ rectangular raised bed garden provides added soil depth for a plentiful crop of vegetables or flowers, and has sides at a great height to sit on while gardening. The 4′ depth makes it easy to reach from both sides. The raised garden bed easily adjusts for a variety of heights, shapes and sizes. It is simple to maintain and water, and improves overall drainage.
The estimated soil usage for this raised garden bed is 43.2 cubic feet, 1.6 cubic yards, or 4400 pounds. The height of the garden provides a deeper topsoil layer for poor soil conditions. The kit contains 18 composite plastic timbers and 9 2-packs of stacking joints.
Other items available for this garden are a veggie wall trellis system, garden fencing and barrier for small animals, and PVC greenhouse coverings.
Vegetable Gardening in South Florida – 10/1/12
07 months ago
Vegetable Gardening Finally!
I couldn’t wait until summer was over so I could start vegetable gardening. That sounds so weird, but then vegetable gardening in Zone 10 is very different than in most of the country. I’ve been a busy gardener over the last three weeks. I started a bunch of seeds that I got mostly from Botanical Interests, in recyclable cups made out of sugarcane that I got from Eco Products. The plants that I started were ones that either I knew I couldn’t get anywhere or were particularly good for growing in containers. I planted San Marzano Pole Tomatoes (I love to cook, especially Italian), Sweet Cherry Pepper Blend (little peppers that are great for appetizers), a compact type of pickling cukes (I pickle, but I love the flavor for just cukes too), a compact Zucchini plant called Emerald Delight, 3 compact types of lettuce heads-Tom Thumb Butterhead, Red Sails Leaf Lettuce, and Little Gem Romaine, and Dill and Parsley. These have all been replanted into either EarthBoxes, their own pots, or in the case of the lettuces – into a built in bed in front of the kitchen windows.
On transplantation to really begin my vegetable gardening, I gave each of the containers a good drenching of a combination of Soil Blast and Myco Blast that I got from Supreme Growers. The Soil Blast is a beneficial bacteria additive that fosters strong vegetative growth. The Myco Blast is a blend of Endo and Ecto Mycorrhizae and beneficial soil biology which increases soil fertility. I thought I’d try them and am I glad I did! Here’s a photo of my Zucchini and Pickling Cukes in an EarthBox that has only been out of the seed package for 3 weeks.
Two Zucchini plants are on the left side of the EarthBox and two Pickling Cuke plants are on the right side (picture on right). I have never had a plant grow so large so quickly ever. I’m looking forward to eating some of the vegetables, but right now I’m just waiting for enough zucchini flowers to make fried zucchini flowers. Yum!
Below on the left is my second EarthBox. The back row are Edamame Be Sweet 2001′s , and the front row are Royal Burgundy Bush Beans. These beans are supposed to be bright purple when grown and turn green when you cook them. I’m really looking forward to how those turn out. On the right is my indeterminate Better Boy tomato plant in a fabric 15 gallon Smart Pot I got from Master Gardening. I love this pot! It’s easy to move because it has handles, it lets the plant breathe and it’s easy to control the amount of moisture.
On the other side of the patio I’ve done some more vegetable gardening and planted other tomatoes and some herbs. There are also a couple of plants that are my grandchildren’s. Sophie (10) planted a Cherry Pepper plant and Brennan (8) planted a pickling cuke plant.
The tomatoes above are the four on the ground and from the left they are:
Heatmaster Determinate, Husky Cherry Red, Super Sweet 100′s Cherry and a Florida 91 Determinate. This is my first year doing determinate tomatoes, so I guess I’ll be making lots of sauce. I tried them because they are specific to Florida. The plant on the ledge on the corner is a strawberry. The two plant boxes (in an “L” configuration) in the picture top right have Sweet Basil and Rosemary in the front and Parsley and Dill on the “L”. The lower picture is another Dill plant with Chives planted on the other side, but they haven’t come up yet.
There are also 4 more plants that aren’t pictured yet, two San Marzano tomato plants, a Sweet Cherry Pepper plant and a Sweet 100 tomato plant. This plant to the right is Brennan’s Cuke plant. It’s doing well. 
My husband forgot to take a picture of Sophie’s Pepper plant, so you’ll have to wait until the next installment to see how it it’s doing. I’ll also bring you up to date on what’s going on in the bed in front of the kitchen window. Garden on!
Recycled Plastic Raised Garden Bed
07 months ago
Raised Garden Bed Kit – 4′ X 8′ X 16.5″
Here is a raised garden bed kit that has many desirable traits for southern gardeners, people who have poor soil, people who like raised beds – but don’t want to use wood (insects and rot), or just anyone who wants to set up a garden quickly and easily.
This perfectly sized raised garden bed comes in 9 different colors. The non-toxic color additives, containing a UV protection package, minimizes fading of the bed over time. Because of the number of color choices, the bed can fit into almost any landscape, and it’s easy maintenance makes it a great choice for a raised garden bed.
This raised garden bed is made from recycled high density polyethylene plastic in the USA. This is the same plastic used to make milk jugs and plastic bags. Besides keeping plastic out of the landfill, the bed itself can be recycled. It requires minimal maintenance, no sanding, painting, coating or staining. The plastic lumber used for these beds is mixed with minerals to increase its strength and durability, and decrease expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. The bed is guaranteed to last for years, is completely waterproof, and is impervious to insects, mold and mildew. The manufacturer gives a 50 year warranty, and there is a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
The raised garden bed comes in an easy to assemble kit and requires no special tools. The bed can be sited almost anywhere, on grass, pavement or patio. It’s 4′ X 8′ X 16.5″ is the perfect size for growing a good sized crop of almost any vegetable or vegetables, and also for ease of gardening. Most people can reach the back of the garden across a four foot span, so the garden can even be placed against a wall. The fact that it’s a raised garden bed also gives you lots of leeway for soil type and amendments.
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Oasis Cedar Complete Raised Garden Kits
08 months ago
Introducing The Oasis Cedar Complete Raised Garden Kits
These complete raised garden kits are well designed, self-contained gardens for your backyard. The kits measure 8′ X 8′ and are large enough for a good sized and abundant garden, sure to keep the family green thumb busy for the season. In south Florida, that’s a fairly long season.
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The design of the kit surrounds you, giving you easy access to all parts of the garden. Critters are kept out of the garden by the easy-latch gate in the front. This gate is wide enough to allow easy access for a wheelbarrow or gardening seat, and also easily allows wheelchair access. The beds are 20″ tall with a 12′ planting depth (allowing enough garden depth for most vegetables), making it very easy to garden while sitting down. The entire raised garden kit is constructed of solid cedar that is pretreated with a water-based stain. This further protects the already naturally rot-resistant wood.
Included in the raised garden kits are irrigation systems including a soaker hose, a battery operated water timer, a coiled garden hose and a garden sprayer.
The stained cedar boards measure 1.25″ thick. The screws used in the kit are rust resistant yellow zinc, and the gate hinges and latches are powder coated and rust resistant also.
The garden soil sits in a high density polyethylene (plastic) liner that contains drainage holes. This keeps the dirt away from the wood, and keeps moles and weeds from coming up through the bed. This plastic is durable, long lasting and inert; no chemicals leach into the soil. The liner also protects the inside of the bed from getting wet when watering. This liner holds about 40 cubic feet of soil and sits 7.5″ off the ground on a sturdy wood framework.
The tools needed to assemble the raised garden kits are: drill and a few bits, mallet, tape measure, pliers, wrench, and a level. Most parts are pre-drilled, but a hole must be drilled to run an irrigation hose through the bed. The assembly can take two people up to 8 hours to complete, assuming no prior experience with basic woodworking. The weight of the kit is 320 pounds.
There is a one year limited manufacturer’s warranty, but there is a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If in any way dissatisfied with the product, it will be exchanged, replaced or money refunded within 60 days of purchase.
Just a note: This particular kit is made in China. It is much less expensive than other similar kits. I encourage the purchase of American-made products, but sometimes there are budget considerations.
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Planting Vegetables in Wood and Metal Containers
08 months ago
Why Wood and Metal?
Both wood and metal planters have become very popular for planting vegetables, especially in the past decade with the rise of patio and rooftop gardens. These attractive pots come in a variety of sizes, although most are quite large, and blend in perfectly with any style of landscape. Although less common than other planter materials, wood and metal pots provide functional beauty and an element of structure for gardens of any size.
Wood Planters
With their rustic charm, wood planters are appealing for container gardeners of any skill level. Available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, these planters are ideal for decks, patios and vegetable gardens.
The Pros to Planting Vegetables in Wood Pots
Permeability: Unlined wood pots make very permeable containers, meaning that air and moisture easily pass between the soil and the outside air. This gives plant roots plenty of oxygen and keeps them cool during high temperatures, and provides a healthy soil environment as long as enough water is provided.
Versatility: Wooden planters can be just about any size and shape. The most popular form is round whiskey barrels, but rectangles, squares and tiered designs are also available. Some wooden planters are even wedge-shaped, making them perfect for difficult areas, such as the corner of a deck. Wooden window boxes are typically the smallest available wood planter and are an attractive and functional option for apartment dwellers or for those who wish to have an herb garden right outside their kitchen window.
DIY Possibility: If you are the DIY type, wood planters have another advantage: you can design and make one of your own. Some DIY gardeners even make wood planters out of leftover material from their newly-built deck to create a planter that seems to be a part of the deck itself.
Variety: There is a wide variety of wood to choose from when picking out a wood planter. Common choices include redwood (a durable and beautiful wood) and cedar (a naturally insect and rot-resistant material with a pleasant smell).
The Cons to Planting Vegetables in Wood Pots
Biodegradable: The most important factor to consider when deciding on a wooden planter is wood’s susceptibility to rot. Gardeners should consider lining the inside of their wood planters with a non-porous material, such as plastic, in order to minimize the risk of the wood rotting away.
Metal Planters
Metal planters may not be as widely available as other planter materials, such as plastic and clay, but their rustic and elegant beauty can make the search for the perfect metal planter worthwhile. These planters can be made of a variety of metals, including galvanized steel, wrought iron and copper. Metal pots can also have a variety of finishes ranging from dull and weathered to shiny and reflective. Although all metal planters are different from clay or ceramic, different metals vary in price, availability and durability.
The Pros to Planting Vegetables in Metal Pots
Stability: Thanks to their sturdy structure, metal planters are unlikely to tip or blow over when filled with soil and veggies. This stability, however, comes at the price of weight. Many of the larger metal planters can be very heavy and difficult to move. Consider using a wheeled dolly to make your metal container more portable.
Durability: One advantage of metal planters is that they aren’t likely to break. However, many types of metal planters can scratch or dent easily. Also, some metals, such as copper, need regular maintenance in order to prevent damage from rain and other weather damage. With proper maintenance, these planters can last for many seasons.
Variety: Like wood planters, these planters come in a wide variety of metals to choose from. Common choices include steel, copper and aluminum. In addition, there are many different metal finishes available, such as antique and polished.
The Cons to Planting Vegetables in Metal Pots
Price: Like wood pots, metal planters can be pricier than traditional plastic and clay pots, although prices of metal pots can vary widely. Depending on the size and type of metal you use, these planters can range anywhere from $30 for a small galvanized steel bucket, to over $1000 for a large copper planter.
Heat Conductive: All types of metal planters are very conducive to heat, so they absorb warmth and keep the soil at a higher temperature than the outside air, especially in sunlight. This can be great for giving seedlings a head start in early spring, but can be very detrimental to a plant’s roots in the heat of summer. Consider moving the planter to a shady location during the hottest months, and be sure to provide plenty of water, preferably in the morning.
Non-Permeable: Like plastic, metal planters are non-permeable, so air and water doesn’t move between the plant’s roots and the atmosphere. This can lead to root-rot if the plant is watered too often. Make sure your metal planter has adequate drainage and be sure to let the soil dry out sufficiently in between waterings.
Finding the ideal planter that suits your garden’s needs is the first step to a vibrant and productive container vegetable garden, and it’s important to consider both the pros and cons of each. Whether you choose wood or metal, these beautiful and striking planters are sure to stand out as a garden feature on their own.
GordonWorks LLC Announces New Website Launch, focusing on all things ‘container gardening’
09 months ago
by Sharna
in In the News
Boynton Beach, FL - August 13, 2012
Entrepreneurial company, GordonWorks LLC has launched myveggiepots.com , a site for gardeners looking for containers and information about planting above ground.
Sharna Gordon, President of GordonWorks and an avid gardener commented, “We moved from Connecticut to South Florida and had to learn to garden differently. Down here containers are almost a necessity. The site came about because finding attractive containers for gardening, be they pots, kits or raised beds, was difficult. If ones could be found, then they were either unattractive or duplications seen at big box stores.” The site is a source for containers for gardening, and also for all kinds of information on this type of gardening.
Studies have shown that people who garden eat more vegetables and include a wider variety of them in their diet. They have also shown that gardeners are more optimistic and happier with their life. The site will make it easier for people to garden, giving them many options in containers, and many ways to get the kind of garden that they are really looking for.
myveggiepots.com has three main source categories: Planting Pots, Planter Kits, and Raised Bed Gardens. The first has images and descriptions of pots made of different materials, sorted by materials. The second has images and descriptions of Planter Kits, like the EarthBox®. The third category has composite and cedar raised bed garden kits in a wide variety of sizes and shapes.
The most informative parts of the website are the posts on container gardening. Writer Jessica Woods did a great job of posting pertinent articles on subjects as wide-ranging as the basics of container gardening (how to) and a planting guide for South Florida to a post on plants that do well in partial shade. All the posts have to do with container gardening, and some are also pertinent to container gardening in south Florida.
The site offers a free e-book download of recipes that will use up some of those great veggies you have grown. You only have to enter your name and e-mail address. The recipes are all from Sharna, who happens to be a gourmet cook.
About GordonWorks LLC:
GordonWorks was recently founded by Joel and Sharna Gordon, a married couple out of Boynton Beach, FL. Joel was President of County Distributors in South Windsor, CT, a wholesale meat and deli purveyor that did business in CT, RI, MA, NY, and NJ. Sharna worked for many companies as an office manager and/or bookkeeper. In Florida she was a writer for workbooks and test examples for the country’s state tests, and also did some forensic bookkeeping. After a few years in Florida, both Joel and Sharna learned that they were unwilling retirees. Their entrepreneurial spirit led them into the world of e-commerce and to their site.
GordonWorks LLC
12189 Landrum Way
Boynton Beach, FL 33437
561-742-0700
Growing Partial Shade Vegetables
010 months ago
When growing partial shade vegetables, not all shade is created equal. Indirect light, light shade, dappled shade and partial shade are all common terms that experienced gardeners use to describe different low light conditions, and each shade type differs in light exposure. Dappled shade, for example, is the kind of shade found underneath a tree canopy. Partial shade is a combination of both sun and shade that varies throughout the day. Partial shade vegetables may get a few hours of direct sun in the morning, and full shade during the afternoon, or vice versa. Growing partial shade vegetables has its benefits, but like any other growing factor, it isn’t the best solution for every vegetable garden.
Benefits to Growing Partial Shade Vegetables
Growing in partial shade has many benefits, especially during the hottest summer months when the sun’s rays can be a little too intense even for sun-loving veggies like tomatoes and zucchini.
Partial shade can be a real water-saver, especially for container gardens, which heat and dry up quickly in direct sunlight.
Growing partial shade vegetables can also help prevent unsightly wilting and leaf burn. Sensitive leafy greens, are especially vulnerable to burning at the edges from the full sun’s harsh rays, and the heat from direct sunlight can cause even well-watered veggies to wilt (or “faint” as I like to call it). Giving these plants a little break from the hot sun can not only improve their appearance, but can also prevent other heat or sun-related issues, such as leaf-dropping or increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Partial Shade Vegetables
Generally, it’s the root and leafy vegetables that prefer being partial shade vegetables, but even sun-loving veggies may benefit from an hour or two of afternoon shade during the hottest summer months.
Cruciferous leafy greens such as kale, chard and collard greens will thrive on only a few hours of morning sun, as will other greens such as spinach and lettuce. Root vegetables, such as sweet potato, carrots and turnips also thrive in partial shade, although they may take longer to mature in less sunlight. This is also the case with peas and pole beans.
Tips for planting vegetables in the shade
One of the challenges of partial shade is how variable it is. Shade conditions change throughout the day, and even throughout the growing season. What may start out as only a few hours of morning sun in the spring can change to 5 or 6 hours of full sun in the summer, when the sun is at its strongest. It’s a good idea to know what seasonal changes will bring to your garden, and if you use containers, consider moving them if they start getting too much or too little sun. Remember, veggies need more direct sunlight during the cooler months, and less during the summer months.
Note: Gardens in high altitudes and near the equator experience harsher sun exposure. Vegetables in these climates will appreciate some dappled or partial shade when the sun is at its most intense in the middle of the day.
Take advantage of your house and plant on different sides to get different light and shade exposures. The east and west sides of the house usually offer the best spots for planting partial shade vegetables. Depending on which side you plant on, your veggies will get direct sunlight in either the morning or afternoon, and shade the rest of the day. Northern and southern exposures generally receive full shade and full sun, respectively, all day. Of course, other factors such as trees, walls and other buildings play a role in light exposure too.
Partial shade light exposure may be variable throughout the growing season, but by taking advantage of the cooler environment it provides, gardeners can protect their leafy greens and other veggies from the sun’s hot midday rays during the summer months. No matter what type of vegetable garden you have, choosing partial shade-loving vegetables can help you take better advantage of your garden space and even expand your harvest season for tasty – and healthy – homegrown veggies all season long.
Planting Vegetables in Fabric Containers
210 months ago
Why Fabric?
Fabric pots, sometimes known as “planter bags,” have become very popular for planting vegetables in the past decade with the rise in container and rooftop gardens. And it’s no wonder – fabric pots are more lightweight than plastic, and have even more permeability than clay. As an added bonus, many of these fabric planters are made of washable, recycled or biodegradable material, and some even come with handles for easy carrying. Portable, affordable and fun to work with, fabric pots are diverse and versatile containers that are ideal for a variety of garden needs, from planting vegetables for a patio or hydroponic system, to growing trees at a nursery.
The Pros to Planting Vegetables in Fabric Pots
Diverse and Lightweight: Fabric pots are without a doubt the most lightweight container available. Whether they are made of burlap, cotton fiber or synthetic material, these planters weigh even less than plastic. There are distinct differences between the materials of these planters, so it’s a good idea to do some research into your garden’s needs before deciding on a particular one. The type of fabric that you decide on will determine price, availability and other factors, such as the longevity and durability of the material. In addition, many of these lightweight fabrics are ecofriendly and even biodegradable.
Permeability: Fabric planter bags are very permeable containers. Air and moisture easily passes between the plant’s roots and the outside air. This gives plant roots plenty of oxygen and insulation from sudden temperature changes, and provides a healthy soil environment as long as there’s enough water.
Easy to Clean and Store: Regular pots made of plastic and clay may be easy to stack for storage, but fabric pots can simply be tossed in the washing machine and folded away for later use. Many fabric pots, such as those made of synthetic weaves, are durable enough to reuse for several seasons.
Versatility: These planters can be used for planting vegetables of just about any size, including root vegetables, melons and squash (potatoes and pumpkin are a popular choice). Fabric pots are available in a wide array of colors, patterns and styles, and their soft, flexible material allows for unique shapes and designs that can transform a difficult area, where ordinary planters won’t fit, into a lush, productive garden. Gardeners can try fabric “living walls” for planting vegetables or flowers in a vertical garden hung against a wall, or try “saddle-bag” style fabric planters draped over railing.
The Cons to Planting Vegetables in Fabric Pots
Stability: Lightweight fabric containers may be convenient to move around, but like plastic pots this comes at the price of stability. Fabric pots can easily tip or blow over if the soil is dry or if plant is root-bound. Vegetables that require tall supports, such as tomatoes and pole beans, can be especially vulnerable. Gardeners should consider protecting these container veggies from strong winds and high traffic areas, and wet the soil a bit to add more weight if necessary.
Permeability: Like clay pots, the permeability of fabric containers means that water evaporates and drains quicker than in plastic or resin. While this is often a benefit and prevents root-rot, it also means that vegetables in these pots will need to be watered more often. On a related note, the tight weave of most fabrics in these planters is surprisingly strong, but plant roots from root-bound veggies can still break through if given enough time. It’s a good idea to inspect used fabric pots for wear before planting vegetables in them at the start of the season.
Whether you choose burlap, cotton, synthetic, or another material, fabric pots offer a healthy environment for planting vegetables. However, the price, availability and durability of these diverse containers varies widely, so as usual it’s a good idea to shop around and consider the specific needs of your garden before deciding on a particular fabric pot. The good news is that the rising popularity of these flexible fabric planters comes with new and inventive designs that are sure to fit even the most difficult garden areas. With the perfect fabric container, gardeners of all abilities are sure to enjoy tasty rewards all season long.
Planting Vegetables in Unusual Containers
010 months ago
Planting vegetables in unique containers can be a fun and rewarding experience for gardeners looking to add creativity to their garden. Unusual planters such as old boots, rusty red wagons and milk cartons are great for growing veggies and are a real conversation starter. Reusing containers for vegetable planting is also a great way to reduce waste and hardly costs a thing. Of course, the veggies don’t seem to care what they’re planted in, as long as it provides them with the right drainage and soil environment. .
To ensure success with your unique planter, make sure the container that you choose is cleaned and given drainage holes first. Also, never use any containers that once held chemicals, such as paint cans and oil barrels. Even safe containers may not make the perfect vegetable planter for every garden. Before planting vegetables in an unusual container, consider factors such as the weight and stability of the container, the container material (porous or nonporous?) and the container’s size and shape. With a good scrubbing and a plastic liner if needed, these creative containers can be a perfect addition to your vegetable garden.
Planting Vegetables in Unusual Containers
Old Boots & Shoes
Old shoes and boots make whimsical little planters for herbs or small veggies like onions and lettuce. Depending on what kind of material the boots are made from, these containers can last from one to several seasons. And because shoes aren’t water-tight, there’s no need to worry about drainage holes. Planting vegetables in shoe planters is a fun way to reuse old hiking shoes or cowboy boots, and is sure to add some extra flair to any container garden.
Old Wagons & Wheelbarrows
Old or unused wagons and wheelbarrows can make great vegetable planters and are sure to add visual interest to a container garden. Overflowing with lettuce…As an added bonus, wagon and wheelbarrow planters are portable, as long their wheels work at least. Like most unusual planters, they need holes drilled in the bottom for drainage. Most wagons are shallow, so they may not be suitable for root veggies, and wheelbarrows can easily topple over, so it’s important to have a safe place if you’re going to be using one for planting vegetables.
Milk & Juice Cartons
Empty milk and juice cartons are perhaps the most popular unusual containers for planting vegetables, especially tomatoes. Veggies can be planted upright in one of these containers, or even hung to grow upside down. Milk and juice cartons make small containers, however, so they aren’t the best choice for large vegetables, and can dry out quickly. Growing tomatoes in one of these containers can be a fun and easy project, and is a great way to introduce children to the joys of gardening.
Canvas & Reusable Grocery Bags
Although they don’t usually last more than a single season, canvas bags (such as large rice bags) and the more common reusable grocery bags make fun and trendy vegetable planters. The porous material means that the plant roots stay cool and get plenty of airflow. These bags dry out quickly, however, so they’ll likely need more water than other containers of the same size.
Wash Tubs & Storage Bins
A metal wash tub from the storage shed or an old Tupperware bin from the attic can make an excellent veggie planter. They are often deep enough to grow carrots, potatoes and other root veggies in addition to tomatoes and eggplant. Simply make enough holes in the bottom to ensure proper drainage.
There are countless other unusual containers that are perfect for planting vegetables. Gardeners have made planters from colanders, watering cans, and have even turned kiddie pools into a cheap raised garden bed. When looking for a fun container, keep an eye out at garage sales, thrift stores, and remember to use your imagination – the possibilities are endless!
Planting Vegetables in Resin and Fiberglass Containers
010 months ago
For some gardeners, planting vegetables in a fiberglass or resin container may be the best choice for a container garden. Both of these synthetic materials are rising in popularity, as they can be molded and painted to look like a fancy ceramic pot – without the price tag or the weight. Durable, lightweight and pleasing to the eye, resin and fiberglass planters have some drawbacks, but for most gardens they provide a healthy environment for planting vegetables, flowers and other garden plants.
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| Resin Pot | Fiberglass Pot |
Resin
Resin is most commonly used to make garden planters, but you can also find statues and even hollow fake rocks for the garden made out of this lightweight and rigid material. Resin planters can fade and stain over time, but they are easy to clean. Resin pots are also nonporous, so they retain moisture longer, and double-walled resin planters can help keep roots cooler. Resin containers are great for planting vegetables that would benefit from the extra moisture without as much risk to overheating as plastic.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass planters are another popular synthetic choice for gardeners who like planting vegetables in containers that have the look of ceramic pots without the weight or price. Fiberglass planters are very similar to plastic containers. Like plastic, fiberglass is nonporous and single-walled fiberglass pots are likely to keep the root ball warmer than the outside air.
The Pros to Planting Vegetables in Resin and Fiberglass
Lightweight: The resin and fiberglass planters’ claims to fame are their lightweight structures, that belies their heavy ceramic appearance. This makes these pots ideal for gardeners who need to move their containers easily, or if necessary, bring their containers indoors during bad weather. Plus, it’s kinda fun to easily lift a 26 inch “ceramic planter” with one hand.
Durability: Resin containers are rigid and durable, but fiberglass pots can be brittle and are prone to cracking if dropped. Both fiberglass and resin planters are frost-resistant and are less likely to endure damage from ice than clay pots.
Price: Many container gardeners turn to resin as an attractive and cheaper alternative to large ceramic planters, which can be costly and very difficult to lift and move.
The Cons to Planting Vegetables in Resin and Fiberglass Pots
Price: Although not nearly expensive as the natural ceramic planters that they appear to be, resin pots are still more expensive than plastic, and are sometimes pricier than unglazed terracotta containers.
Availability: Resin is gaining popularity as a container material for planting vegetables, but it can still be harder to find, and with fewer options to choose from than other planter materials. Wider selections of these synthetic planters are available online, and some stores may allow a special-order.
Stability: Like plastic, resin is a lightweight material that can tip over easily if root-bound vegetables get too big, or if it gets bumped into. Although the resin pot itself isn’t as likely to break as a clay pot, the trauma from the fall could seriously damage the vegetable’s roots and stems. It’s a good idea to protect veggies planted in resin pots from strong winds or exposed areas, just in case.
Lightweight and durable, resin and fiberglass planters are a popular alternative to the heavy and pricey ceramic containers. Although not as widely available as terracotta and plastic, resin and fiberglass planters are available in a wide range of colors, textures and styles. These nonporous pots offer vegetables a healthy growing environment, but are prone to tipping over, and fiberglass in particular can crack or break. With some research into the needs of your plants and garden, however, you may find that planting vegetables in these containers to be the best choice for a lush and productive vegetable garden.
