Styrofoam ...toxic?...

[mick5500]

This is my first year doing all containers( I can not plant in the ground due to mostly high winds and less sun in the shielded areas). I used to plant in the ground when I lived in Pasadena ,CA Now Victorville, CA)
I liked the idea of self watering totes only because I thought the plants would be healthier from root rot using a 25 gallon tote with the reservoir.
It is not a matter of money for the most part. I can buy 15 gallon basic black plastic containers from a hydroponics store for $7.00 each but a small earth container is $30.00

I will have about 35 plants mostly tomato and peppers in the next month. Half are still in 6 inch pots. I could use some advice .
So starting from scratch on the rest I have to plant ,using cheap 10 to 15 gallon black plastic containers with perlite and weed blocker screen or window screen sheets be the best way to go ? Do not need to be worry about self watering aspect as I will not be away much this summer
Thanks