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

Don't forget florists, the last time I needed a lot of large pots, growing
on lots of bamboos, I went to a florist. They often get flowers delivered
in large black pots, which they never return and have to dispose of. Got
about a dozen for something silly like 2 pounds.

Duncan