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Polyethylene flexi tub as planter

StoufferooStoufferoo Posts: 10
in Problem solving
Hope you can help! I'm looking for large, cheap garden containers to plant up some evergreen shrubs to sit on a gravel driveway. I found these: https://www.diy.com/departments/birmingham-innovations-black-polyethylene-73l-flexi-tub/1744328_BQ.prd
I wondered if anyone thought these would be suitable? I've had plants in the large rigid containers with rope handles before but these are a wee bit cheaper. I'm guessing they should be okay if I drill some holes in the bottom or do you think they would just split?

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    i have had quite a few of these in the last few years and use them as garden trugs for mixing compost for planters, filling with weeds when working in parts where a wheelbarrow is awkward, holding water for dunking plants as I'm planting out and so on and so forth.

    I find they are very convenient but also very flimsy and every single one has lost its handles and/or developed slits and splits even when kept sheltered in a shed or polytunnel over winter.  You'd be better off with old-style plastic dustbins if you can find them.   
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • StoufferooStoufferoo Posts: 10
    Thanks Obelixx, I thought they might be a bit too thin. The dustbin is a good idea though, I have one and hadn't thought of using it!
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    If they're sitting on the driveway, wouldn't you want the containers to be as nice as the shrubs? I wouldn't want to be looking at a floppy plastic thing. Maybe have a look at galvanised tubs?
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
    I use those trugs  in my poly tunnel at the allotment but I think you could find something a bit more attractive for not much more if you shop around? Maybe try Wilkinson’s? Even the prettiest shrub looks nicer in a pretty pot. 
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Have a look in places like B&M and Home Bargains if you have them in your area.  They often have decent-sized plastic plant containers at good prices (particularly the bigger branches). Don't bother with their websites though, they don't have everything on there.

    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • StoufferooStoufferoo Posts: 10
    Thanks for all the suggestions, I've ended up with sturdier black plastic pots and am now on the hunt for evergreens that are happy in containers. Just need to decide exactly where they are going as once they are full I don't fancy trying to shift them again!
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