The following post is inspired by a thoughtful contributor at the Helpful Gardener Forums. You can view the original thread about free/inexpensive plastic containers here.
Plastic containers are a crucial component of most home hydroponics systems. They can be used as plant containers, reservoirs, rain barrels, and even humidity domes.
Plastic buckets for home hydroponics systems can be expensive and counter productive to the project at hand; saving money and eating healthier in the process. If you are willing to ask around you can probably find what you need for free.
5 Places You Can Ask For Plastic Containers
1. Deli – Have you thought of using pickle jars or other deli containers?
2. Grocery Store – Sometimes the different departments of the grocery store will be tossing out buckets, see if they can be tossed to you.
3. Ice Cream Shop – 5 gallon buckets of ice cream.
4. Fish Restaurant – They may keep different kinds of food in plastic containers.
5. Various Mom and Pop Restaurants – These places may be more willing to help out local gardeners.
When you are out there, don’t forget, it never hurts to ask. Good luck Green Thumbs!