Question? And need help.

Hi,
I'm in Kalama, Wa. Just off I-5, maybe about 10 miles south of Longview/Kelso.
I'm desperately in need of 3" & 4" nursery pots. I'm running out and have 100's of seedlings to pot-on.
The nursery where I usually get recycled pots haven't had any this year.
Does anyone know where I could get a bunch of them for free or very cheap in my general area? Or if you have some and you're not too far from me, I'd be happy to trade some of my plants for your pots. I have a lot of perennials, annuals, some tropicals and houseplants.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Joy

Joy, we are practically neighbors. I wish I could help but this year have zero. Garage sales? I will give you a 'call' if I find any.

From what I understand, nurseries are no longer recycling pots because of Sudden Oak Death stuff. They are all being thrown away - such a shame.

Can you try a Freecycle group in your county or area. I see pots up for grabs every once in a while.
www.freecycle.com

Growin what is the Sudden Oak Death stuff? A brief description, if you can. I'll try to google it but am rudely interrupted by work!

Thanks everybody. I did try looking at the freecycle and craigs list before posting here. I just posted under wanted at Craigs list, so we'll see if that might help.
I may just have to buy a bunch of plastic cups if nothing else.

Never had so much problems finding these pots. It's gotta be because they aren't recycling them now. Makes sense, but it's so sad.

Thanks,
Joy

I only heard it second hand but I'd say it's probably true. Sudden Oak Death (SOD) but the Sod Industry doesn't want you using that term as it gives sod grass a bad name (LOL). It's easier for a nursery to use new pots than recycle as full sterilization is required. See below links for more info.

http://www.suddenoakdeath.org
http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:ydEU9k2Q_hwJ:extension.oregonstate.edu/emergency/Nursery_Guidelines%2520_Nov2004.pdf+nursery+pots+recycle+sudden+oak&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=6

This is probably the reason you're not seeing recycling of nursery containers, pots, trays, etc. IMO.

when I first got my little greenhouse built, I went nuts growing seeds so I started using styrofoam cups, poke a hold in the bottom with a large nail a few times, and its good to go. And easy to get out, had real good luck using them. and they are cheap. If all else fails.

That's a great idea. Thanks

Joy

Joy, my daughter will be driving back to Salem today. If you get this message before she leaves, I could put a bunch of pots in the car with her and you could meet her on the way down. I'm sure I can scrounge up pots for you. do you need other sizes? I'm always looking for people who want to recycle them. I'll check this thread before she leaves.

Two ideas; thrift stores accumulate them and give them away. The second idea is to cut the bottom half of 1 liter soda bottles and punch hole in the bottom

Hi Pixydish.

Yes! Thank you.

I've Dmailed you.

Joy

Joy, my local Ace Garden Center puts empty pots (and pots with so-called deal plants) out in back for people to take, plus customers drop their empties off as well . . . you might want to check a place like that. I've made a real killing with many sizes - lots and lots of 4 inchers and gallon size.

Great ideas. I'll start asking at some of these places. We have a Ace hardware and a few thrift stores in the next town over.

Thanks

Joy

I meant to say "dead" plants, not "deal plants." I actually have saved quite a few plants that had been tossed.

I figured that's what you meant. ;-)
Those typo's can give a whole new meaning to what we're trying to say. LOL


Joy

That's for sure!! And as a former secretary, I am always horrified to see one that can change the meaning!!!

Joy, the recycle centers here on the island also have a day once or twice a year where people can bring in their pots and someone else can have them for nothing. And at the last Master Gardener Workshop that I attended, one of the instructors has a Rhododendron Nursery at his home, but mostly plants them in the ground. So I asked him if he had any pots to get rid of - and he did . . . over 60 of them (gallon size). My most exciting find, though, was about a block north of my parents house in Seattle . . . I saw, out of the corner of my eye as I passed it, a stack of pots . . . with a sign in front of them that said "FREE." Needless to say, I made a u-turn that would have shocked anyone who saw me do it, and made a bee-line back. There were 96 pots (92 gallon and four larger)!!!! Was I a happy camper???

Anyway, just keep your eyes open . . . never know what you'll see!!

Actually, Sense I've made it be known that I'm needing them, they are starting to show up. Got a whole bunch from Pixydish. Still workin on those! And today a neighbor brought me a bunch and so did my Dad and Stepmom. I haven't even had to leave home. I'm doing pretty good now!
Thank you all for your great suggestions. I have more places to ask/look now and more ideas of things to use even if I don't find any.
You've all been such a great help.

Thank you.

Joy