Cheap Plant pots

[Growbe]

I use toilet rolls for sweet peas mainly

Yougart pots are worth saving and also old coke/lemonade bottles.

I use the tops as a mini bell cloches/propagators

[Growbe]

[lorna]

If you have a plant auction firm near you go and have a look. My late husband just could not help buying BOXES of 2nd hand pots. Last year I managed to give away about 200 of mixed sizes. I still have at least that amount again to dispose of. (trying to clear my sun room) Have got one of the  metal coal bunkers which is also full of the da*n things!!!.

[bupster]

What's a plant auction firm? Never heard of them ???

[amanda21]

Re the toilet rolls for sweetpeas - do you put anything over the bottom or just stand them up in a pot or jammed in a tray - wondering if they will fall over spilling compost everywhere??  ???

[lorna]

Bupster. There are two firms that hold auctions of plants every Saturday  and I think the other big day is Wednesday . The auction halls are opposite each other in Wisbech.. My husband loved going to them (or any kind of auction for that matter) and this is how I have landed up with so many plant pots!! Very often there are boxes of plant pots and you just bid on them, usually very very cheap.
Going off topic slightly, last year I went on my own and bought some very nice plants which I spoke about on here. My heathers @ 28p each have turned out brilliantly.

[bupster]

Ooh, Wisbech, I can get there! Might just see you there one of these days  :)

[lorna]

Bupster. I thought the same when I looked at where you live!! I don't know if I am allowed to give the names of the firms, if I am you could always ring and ask if there are any pots in the auction that week. Have spent many a Sat morn'afternoon there. Thousand of plants , trees/bulbs depending of time of year. The thing to do is to look for small lots which are suitable for the non commercial gardener.

[christine]

Amanda - if you stand them in a plastic ice-cream box they won't fall over.  :)

[bupster]

Sounds fabulous. Whereabouts in Wisbech? I can get there by bus, I think?

[Growbe]

amanda21 they are all jammed in a tray. 

The reason I use toilet rolls for sweet peas is that it is a cheap option and they allow for a longer root system.

[supersprout]

Re toilet rolls ...
I use a tray with a perforated bottom so the compost runs out between the rolls when you fill them with compost and the rolls stay together longer (like bread trays, one of my lottie neighbours gets them from work). I use a jam pot filler for better aim  ;D(funnel with the end cut off and a big hole!)
Re Wisbech ...
Grounds and Maxey's are two of the Wisbech auction houses, there are others. Plug, plug, Downham Market on Friday mornings is always good in season for seedlings e.g. leeks, brassicas - 70p for ten in 2005 ::), they are in good nick and there are always more than ten in each bundle. Best to get there early, they go like hot cakes!

[lorna]

Bupster. As Supersprout has said one firm is Maxey, the other is Clifford Cross opposite each other in Chapel Rd. Just off OLD Market place.

[Val]

I picked up 50 polysterene cups for a quid in a Pound shop. ;D

Great for propogating as they retain heat, and my late Nan used to swear by them.

Dave 

A brilliant idea Dave, pound shops here I come. I always save yoghurt cups but I think the polystyrene would work better.

[kenkew]

Check the 'origami posting in 'Top tips' for DIY pots.