Are you thinking of growing vegetables in a PVC pipe? Polyvinyl chloride is commonly used plastic that is seldom recycled, which is probably why you’d like to reuse it in the garden.
But before you do, you need to learn if it’s possible or if it will do more harm than good. Read on to learn about whether or not it’s safe to grow vegetables in PVC pipes!
Growing Vegetable in PVC Pipe
PVC is used for making pipes and to manufacture other kinds of products.
Some people say it’s safe to grow specific plants in a PVC pipe. It will give permeability, allowing plants to thrive in environments that aren’t really meant for them. However, you have to keep the PVC products away from the soil, as the plastic may poison it!
If PVC product gets into the soil, all of the soil becomes contaminated and all production processes should be stopped right away. There is a reason why PVC was banned in many areas worldwide, as it’s bad for the environment. Since it’s naturally biodegradable, it can become absorbed by the soil, causing serious issues.
Instead of PVC being eaten up by any bacteria, it ends up releasing toxins to the soil from corrosion. If ever your vegetable plants were planted on soil that was infected from chemicals from a PVC pipe, you will most likely consume some of the chemicals as well. This would lead to respiratory diseases and other health problems.
Yes, PVC pipes aren’t only toxic to plants or the environment, but us humans as well! While it’s fine to use in products like cars, toys, pipes, among other things, the plastic will deteriorate, with the pipe cracking, breaking into chemicals and microplastics.
That’s why it’s highly recommended to avoid PVC pipes altogether for planting and to use safer alternatives. If you have PVC pipes lying around, keep them away from the garden and find ways to repurpose them properly for the sake of the environment.
Alternatives to PVC Pipes
If you can’t use PVC pipes, what else can you use instead?
One good option is polyvinyl chloride. This isn’t the most durable plastic but it lasts long, it’s UV-resistant, handles harsh weather, humidity, and saltwater, and it’s safe for plants!
You can also use a Dacron, which is strong and can be molded into various shapes. While it isn’t the most durable, it is recyclable and friendlier to the environment.
Also, there is a way to use PVC in the garden, provided that they aren’t anywhere near the plants or soil. Here are some tips you can follow:
- Protective structures such as small greenhouses or children’s tents
- Underground irrigation
- Coiled hose storage
- A way to store gardening tools
- Towel rack
- DIY sunshade
- A long material to help clean out high areas, like your gutter drain
- Create your outdoor lamp
There are many ways to be creative and help recycle your PVC pipes for the environment.
Wrapping It Up
As mentioned above, I strongly suggest that you avoid PVC pipes for your garden and vegetables. As much as possible, reduce the use of products made of PVC altogether for the sake of the environment. There are ways to prevent garden contamination with PVC and how to properly repurpose or dispose of this toxic material.
Hopefully, this article informed you of the dangers of PVC to your garden and vegetable plants. Do spread the word and let fellow gardeners know never to use PVC when planting!