Painting my pots... - Page 2

squirrel789 · May 25, 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueaussi

In the vegetable garden, I did notice that the pots on the southern side did get pretty hot. I didn't want to spray paint since they already had plants in them, so I wrapped the pots with a bit of aluminium foil. That worked, too.

That's really good to know! I am growing in galvanized tubs and a neighbor stopped by and asked if they might get too hot in the sun and burn the roots, but it makes sense that a shiny reflective surface should help, not hurt.

Granted, metal may conduct heat differently than plastic pots, but I'm hoping it will be fine. If not, maybe they'll get painted a flat white color next year.

Best of luck to all!

Stvrob · May 25, 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by squirrel789

That's really good to know! I am growing in galvanized tubs and a neighbor stopped by and asked if they might get too hot in the sun and burn the roots, but it makes sense that a shiny reflective surface should help, not hurt.

Granted, metal may conduct heat differently than plastic pots, but I'm hoping it will be fine. If not, maybe they'll get painted a flat white color next year.

Best of luck to all!

I would think that galvanized tub would be ideal. Certainly better than black plastic.

Stvrob · May 25, 2015

You could slip a thermometer down about an inch behind the sunny side of the container to see how warm the soil is.

squirrel789 · May 25, 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stvrob

You could slip a thermometer down about an inch behind the sunny side of the container to see how warm the soil is.

I'll definitely try the thermometer and see what kind of temps I get, especially once we get into the usual weather here. Now it's barely in the 80's and that is nothing like the 90 or 95+ temps that are the norm for this time of year.

Also, since I was concerned about root burn against the metallic sides when I designed the project (thanks to nosy neighbor that scoffed at growing in a metal container), I am trying this method. I water with a soaker hose that goes around the very edge of the perimeter before snaking into the middle of the trough and around the plants. I figured this would help keep temps down around the container's sides as the water from the spigot is always cold.

Your opinion is reassuring, and thanks for the ideas and input. I appreciate all the info I can get!

May 25, 2015	#18
Stvrob Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 1,413	You could slip a thermometer down about an inch behind the sunny side of the container to see how warm the soil is.