Tip for 2011
By bjs
14 comments
Many years ago i had no option but to have my lunch time drinks from a vending machine which supplied them in polystyrene cups (Tasted awful) and they cracked .however i used save some of the cups and use them for small plants and it was very obvious that the plants liked the insulation properties they provided even more so if I slipped one inside the other.
Those supplies have long gone but i have never forgotten how the roots clung to the sides of the cups and for many years now have placed pieces of broken polystyrene as crocks in the bottom of my pots, it provides good drainage and you can use the pieces large or small according to the pot size,I just break it with my fingers and the roots love it, you will have to take my word for it or try it.
Taking it a step further like most of us i plant up containers all shapes with bedding, bulbs, and more and i have notice in the last few years how much heavier the compost is becoming,i used to carry 80 Litres no problem now i am down to 60 Litres, and how about the containers I plant up they are heavier to,so into the bottom of the containers go a goodly amount of polystyrene the plants are happy i am happy they now weigh the same as when I was in my prime. lol
As there is a ready supply i think almost every where from the greengrocer to a delivery of white goods when i empty the containers i discard it and use fresh for the plant hygiene. I have also made troughs from it which i think is recognized way and there are web site that explains how it is done.
Hope you find it useful
Brian
14 Jan, 2011
13 likes
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Comments
I've done this with medium and large pots, even a wooden half-barrel, as it reduces the amount of compost/soil required. The only downside is when emptying the pots, there's always a family of Woodlice or, even worse for me, spiders at the bottom!
14 Jan, 2011
Thank you Brian for the tip, it would also keep them warm too would nt it in frosty weather. By the way that, beautiful blue plant you sent me belongs to the nightshad family, has survived the frost and snow and is just comming up, will up load a photo later.
14 Jan, 2011
Sixpence
Do you refer to the Corydalis? that belongs to the Fumitory Family,anyway pleased to here it has survived will check on mine,should be OK lives where the Pandas come from and it gets cold there.
14 Jan, 2011
Yes thats the one I thought you said night shade family lol me going a bit dippy, yes it comming through lovely, hope yours has come up too.
14 Jan, 2011
I have used it for years too,lots stored in the loft,ready for a new start this year..If I have some bigger size pieces,I put them in the base of my cold frame,and around the sides,as it is stood on a flagged area,and stand my seedlings and pots on them..keeps them protected from the elements.
14 Jan, 2011
I sing with a choir on Thursday evenings Bjs. and we always get our cuppa served in poly.cups. I always pinch as many as I can, they only get thrown away, and I use them to start off my tomato plants, they grow quite happily in them until its time to pop them into growbags.
14 Jan, 2011
I am surprised how many of you are useing it,visitors here in the past have not been aware of its possibilities.Just goes to show we have a lot of bright enterprising GOYers.
15 Jan, 2011
Think we like it because its free!!!!!!! Us gardeners are recyclers at heart.
15 Jan, 2011
I use it aswell.
15 Jan, 2011
thanks for the tip Bjs.
15 Jan, 2011
i have used it 2 ...............thanks 4 reminding me !!!
15 Jan, 2011
Fancy finding this blog Brian. Just bought some Agapanthus bulbs and the place I bought them from suggested I put polystyrene pieces in the bottom of the pot when planting up, so I might even try repotting some of my roses with it!
4 Feb, 2011
bin saveing any i have ready to go ...........
5 Feb, 2011
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I agree Brian, I keep all mine for my pots, just have to make sure I hide it away from my dogs, otherwise It takes an age to clear up.........
14 Jan, 2011