What to clean old garden pots with and can you paint them?
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I have some used plastic garden pots I got at tag sales and will be planting vegetables in them in the spring, specifically tomatoes and cukes. I'd like to know how to clean them (can I use dilluted bleach) and what to paint them with. Something that is non-toxic which wouldn't harm the plants and which would be safe to consume the vegetables. Thank you.
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https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/06/clean-flower-pots-vinegar_n_1748197.html
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/tips-cleaning-plastic-flowerpots-96334.html
Wash them out with a mild soap, rinse well,make sure there is drainage holes in them, allot to dry and spray paint with Rustoleum 2X for plastic ,giving them two light coats allowing to dry in between, seal with a clear UV sealer
Soapy water and some bleach to kill any lingering micro -organisms. Just make sure you RINSE well!
Sure, diluted bleach is good...will kill any bacteria on them from someone elses plants. And I use Rustoleum or Krylon spray paints for plastics. I would only use on the outside of the pots to avoid any worries.
Clean them with bleach water, inside and out. Rinse it with vinegar, just in case they are harboring any mold or mildew spores. If you paint the outside only, you don't have to worry about anything toxic coming into the plants. You would need a paint that will work with plastic and will probably need some sanding to rough up the surface and an undercoat. Your local home improvement stores should be able to help you with the most durable outdoor paints you can use and if you need to use a top coat to help it last longer. One thing you will need to know, is that potted tomatoes are very susceptible to blossom end rot and you will need a calcium supplement. If by chance that doesn't give it enough and you notice it happening, use a foliar feet supplement you should be able to find at a greenhouse. It won't cure the already affected tomatoes, but it will quickly take care of the rest of the tomatoes to prevent it. Repeat the application as directed on the bottle to prevent it in the future tomatoes. Good luck!
Yes, bleach water will kill any old spores or whatever is lurking. You could use the spray paint that is specifically for plastic, it works great and once dry no problem. You wouldn't need to paint the inside if you don't want to, it will be filled with dirt! Happy gardening & make sure those pots are big enough for the vegies, they dry out quickly in the heat
I use Oxyclean on my pots and bird bath.