Question
Hi, can you tell me if it is safe to grow vegetables to eat in plastic containers.
I am led to believe that petrochemical products leech small amounts of chemicals and estrogen.
Do the plants absorb these as they grow?  

Answer
Dear Dave:

I can't confirm your concerns from any of my reference material or resources.  However, from a pragmatic viewpoint, I tend to think that petrochemicals in plastic containers used for growing vegetables could possibly leach residues into the root system of seeds and transplants as the temperature increases.  Again, this is an opinion and is not based on any available scientific evidence or research.

Alternatives to plastic containers would be clay, wooden, or glass pots.  Don't forget the containers will need to have good drainage.

Regards,

Mack Jean
AllExperts
Master Gardener
Tennessee