Janet Baraclough wrote:

The message ]
from Chris ] contains these words:


I thought I'd try growing bush tomatoes in various ways to see what
works best - and one idea was to use pots on the patio.


The seed packet advises 12" pots but when I went into the local garden
centre I was appalled at the price - about six quid for a pot - and over
two quid for a corresponding saucer!


Lots of GC's have a stash of old, used pots round the back, which
they don't want, (especially in big sizes) and are happy to give them
away if you ask. They last for years. Wash used ones thoroughly.


This seems totally crazy!
Is there any reason for such high prices?


Are there good alternatives?


Ask any hotel, restaurant, food-outlet if you can take away some of
the empty plastic commercial food containers they would otherwise throw
away. They come in many sizes and are really strong; all you need do is
wash them out and make drainage holes.

Janet
To make holes in plastic heat a pointed metal rod and burn the hole.
The forms a nice tough ring around the hole. If you cut or drill holes
the plastic tends to split. Of course do it in the open so as not to
breathe in obnoxious fumes.