Doin' The Can Can

[Lauren S]

Is there any valid reason why I can't use tin cans (opened at both ends) as a substitute for root trainers and plant pots.  ??? For potting on prior to planting out.
Thanks in advance
Lauren  :)

[Lauren S]

[saddad]

Apart from the sharp edges on the inside could be a problem..
:-\

[Barnowl]

Isn't a tin can rather wide for a root trainer?

[Eristic]

Why no use a plastic bottle? A lot safer.

[VP]

I use loo roll tubes in a tray. You can then plant out the whole thing, so the roots don't get so disturbed. The cardboard rots down, so there's a bit of compost making going on at the same time!  :D

[Tee Gee]

Apart from what the others have said I think you could have difficulty removing the plants from the tin if they become somewhat pot bound.

Root trainers are designed with this in mind.

Apart from that and the fact you will use a lot of compost I see no reason why you cant!

But I will stick to my 70mm square pots which are quite cheap providing you buy in bulk

see here; http://tinyurl.com/2j5j4z  they are £32.40 for 1500

When I bought mine about 10 years ago, I bought 4000 at around 1p each and sold them to people in our garden club and Chrysant & Dahlia society.

I kept around 2000 for myself and they are still going strong, I just washed over 800 of them on Tuesday last

[Multiveg]

Want to come and wash my pots Tee Gee?   ;D
I use the cans to make labels, writing on the outside but backwards with a spent biro.

[springbok]

I saved lots of baby yoghurt pots to plant my flower seeds in.  Made a few holes in the bottom for drainage and they are working really well.  Saves them going to the tip :)