aluminium containers

I have the opportunity to manufacture some aluminium containers at work. I was thinking of growing my tomatoes in said containers. Does anyone reckon this inadvisable,would it maybe impair flavour for instance?

 

I doubt if it would have an effect on flavour. I would worry though about the possible leaching of aluminium oxide via your watering and being taken up by the roots?

Aluminium poisoning - Altzeimers - I would stick to plastic pots just to be safe!

Unless you have a means of coating them? IMHO

 

Metallic aluminium oxidizes very rapidly to Aluminium Oxide (alumina - precious forms are ruby and saphire) which is prety well inert in the body. Al203 has a very strong bond (ionic from memeory). In normal atmosphere the oxide forms a complete protective layer over the metal which inhibits further oxidization. What is likely to happen though is thin sheet in contact with soil and compost will quickly loose its protective layer of oxide and become porous unless it's a resitant alloy and/or it has been annodised.

It's a personal thing but I've seen alluminium containers (usually cast and polished) and they look pretty awfull. I much prefer plastic, wood, teracotta or glazed ceramic.

For growing toms you can get empty flower buckets from florists either for free or nominal cost. Simply pierce a few holes in the bottom and you are away. I really don't think it worth the effort of trying to make something from scratch

As a matter of interest, some plastics have nasty colourants and plasticisers in them that can leach chemicals over a long period but if anyone is worried go for food grade (wine making) buckets etc.

 

paulo - if I was a tomato, I would prefer a tomato-grow bag: big compost bag, where you pierce some holes and you grow tomatoes directly in there.

 

plastic grow-bags - plasticisers again!! :eek: :rolleyes: