The interest and practice of people in gardening are increasing with each passing day. And the cost-effective nature and versatility of PVC pipes make them an excellent idea for gardening. However, whether PVC pipe is safe for gardening or not is a topic up for discussion and confusion to many people.
Whether or not PVC pipe is safe for gardening depends on the type of PVC used. Food-grade PVC pipes are safe for gardening as these are deemed safe for food and drinking water. The other types release toxins into the soil when heated to a high temperature.
So, to help you with your gardening skills and interest, I have brought this guide together. Here, I will discuss why PVC pipes are a good choice and other relevant topics.
Table of Contents
- 5 Reasons Why PVC Pipe Safe For Gardening
- 1. PVC Pipes Are Long-Lasting
- 2. These Pipes Are Versatile
- 3. These Pipes Are Cost-Effective
- 4. PVC Pipes Do Not Corrode
- 5. The Pipes Are Lightweight
- 3 Things You Should Look For Before Using PVC For Gardening
- 3 Disadvantages Of Using Regular PVC Pipe For Gardening
- 1. Releases Toxins In The Soil
- 2. Builds Up Biofilm
- 3. It Is Not Food Grade
- Related questions:
- How Does PVC Help In Growing Foods And Vegetables?
- How Do You Use PVC Pipes For Gardening?
- Does PVC Leach Chemicals Into Water?
- What Types Of PVC Are Suitable For Gardening Most?
- Final Touch:
5 Reasons Why PVC Pipe Safe For Gardening
PVC pipes have recently grown to be a popular part of gardening. Several reasons make these pipes a safe choice, including versatility, cost-efficiency, and many more. So, let me tell you the details of why PVC pipes are an excellent gardening choice.
1. PVC Pipes Are Long-Lasting
One of the top reasons behind relying on PVC pipes for gardening is that these pipes are long-lasting. PVC pipes have a life expectancy of at least 100 years. Not only that, but these pipes have outstanding material strength. And this helps to prevent damage even in extreme weather conditions.
2. These Pipes Are Versatile
In the garden, PVC pipes are famous for their versatility. PVC pipes with soil (1) inside can be turned into a hanging garden for lettuce, spinach, and so on. The pipes can also be used to plant vegetables such as tomatoes.
Moreover, PVC pipes can also be used to build a dome for the greenhouse. So, the possibilities with these pipes are endless, making it a wise and top-notch choice.
3. These Pipes Are Cost-Effective
Purchasing pots and buckets designed for gardening costs a decent amount of money. And not many people or gardeners are open to spending hundreds on containers and pots. And PVC pipes are a great way of reducing the cost of gardening.
PVC pipes are available at a low cost and come in excellent quality. In addition, the long-lasting performance ensures that the gardeners do not have to pay for PVC pipes frequently. This is what makes these pipes a good investment at a low price.
4. PVC Pipes Do Not Corrode
Many people rely on metal containers or buckets in the garden. And this is not a viable choice as metal buckets easily corrode. Over time, the metal comes in contact with air and water, resulting in a buildup of rust. The rust corrodes the metal and eats it away.
PVC pipes are the best solution when it comes to preventing rust. These pipes do not rust in any way and can be in the garden for years without trouble. PVC can withstand significant damage without breaking or cracking.
5. The Pipes Are Lightweight
Another reason behind using PVC pipes for gardening is that they are lightweight and relatively easy to work with. The light feature reduces the transportation cost of the pipes. Not only that, but it also helps the gardener to carry and work with the pipes in the garden.
3 Things You Should Look For Before Using PVC For Gardening
There are a few things (2) that help avoid unnecessary trouble when working with PVC pipes in the garden. Let me guide you through what must be considered before using PVC for gardening.
- PVC Pipe Type
There are four common types of PVC pipes available in the industry. However, regular and food-grade PVC pipes are largely used worldwide. When it comes to gardening, it is essential to choose food-grade PVC pipes. This is because gardening and other outdoor projects are safe as no chemical is added.
- Quality Of PVC
Another essential factor to look for is the quality of PVC. The quality of the PVC is determined by its flexibility and durability. The poor quality of these pipes shows signs of damage, such as cracks and breakage, when bent to a certain level.
On the other hand, the top quality of these pipes shows no change in durability even when the flexibility is checked. Check the quality of the PVC before you use the pipes for gardening to make sure that the best ones are chosen.
- UV Stability
UV stability is a factor that requires close attention when the PVC pipes are being used for gardening. Over time, the color and strength of the material reduce due to exposure to heat and sunlight. It is essential to ensure that the PVC pipes are UV stable to prevent this from happening.
- Purpose Of Use
In a garden, PVC pipes are used for several reasons. Vertical plant towers and hanging plants are the most common uses of the pipe. These pipes are also used for drip irrigation, greenhouse dome, and crop protection. Understanding the purpose of using PVC will help gardeners determine the length and number of pipes they require.
- Material Strength
PVC is naturally a solid and durable material. However, considering this factor before using it in the garden is essential. When used outdoors, the pipes go through several extreme weather conditions, and withholding these conditions is necessary. Make sure there are no cracks or leaks on the pipe before using it to ensure a better and longer performance.
3 Disadvantages Of Using Regular PVC Pipe For Gardening
Disadvantages such as toxin release, biofilm growth, and so on come with the standard PVC pipes. So, take a look at some disadvantages of using regular PVC pipes for gardening.
1. Releases Toxins In The Soil
A significant disadvantage of using regular PVC pipes is that it releases toxins into the soil. This happens when the pipe gets too hot and reaches a high temperature. The pipe reaches a temperature of 73 degrees before releasing the toxins. The toxins will harm the plants and make them unsafe for consumption.
2. Builds Up Biofilm
Regular PVC pipes do not exclude light. Biofilm growth inside the pipe affects the growth of the plants. Not only that, but it makes the food unsafe as pathogens that survive in the biofilm can be present in the plants.
3. It Is Not Food Grade
Food grade PVC pipes are those that are declared to be safe for food and drinking water. Chemicals and formulas are added to make the regular PVC pipes more robust and flexible. These chemicals get released into the soil, harming the plants. Food-safe PVC pipes do not contain harmful chemicals, making them a safe choice.
Related questions:
How Does PVC Help In Growing Foods And Vegetables?
PVC does not accurately provide any additional help in growing foods and vegetables. But there are quite a few reasons why they are used for gardening. The PVC pipes are typically used to plant flowers, fruits, etc.
It offers a cost-efficient planting opportunity without taking up much space or money. The corrosion-resistant quality makes it a long-lasting choice in the garden and replaces metal containers and buckets. In addition, it helps with drip irrigation, greenhouse, and many more.
How Do You Use PVC Pipes For Gardening?
PVC pipes are well-known for their outstanding versatility. And these pipes have multiple uses in gardening. The most common uses of these PVC pipes are elevated planters or vertical towers for fruits or flowers.
In addition to that, these PVC pipes are also used for drip irrigation in the garden. They are also used to build seed planters or cages to protect fruits and vegetables from animals. PVC pipes are popularly used for tomato cages to protect the tomatoes and as an organizer for the tools in the garden.
Does PVC Leach Chemicals Into Water?
PVC leaches chemicals into water depending on the type of PVC pipe used. Regular PVC pipes with added chemicals for flexibility and durability often leach chemicals into the water. And when the pipes get too hot due to sunlight and heat, they leach chemicals into water and soil.
On the other hand, food-grade PVC pipes are perfect for gardening and other outdoor projects. These pipes are free of harmful chemicals, making them a safe gardening component. So, ensure that the PVC pipes used in the garden are food-grade pipes.
What Types Of PVC Are Suitable For Gardening Most?
There are several types of PVC pipes in the industry. However, PVC pipes with a food-grade quality are suited for gardening. These food-grade pipes do not release toxins or help grow biofilm buildup inside the pipe.
These PVC pipes are determined safe for food and drinking water, making them a wise choice for gardening. Rigid PVC or uPVC are typically used in gardening and other outdoor projects for their quality, durability, and safety.
Final Touch:
Due to the PVC pipes’ quality, flexibility, and versatility, these pipes are an excellent idea for gardening. Now that you know that PVC pipe is safe for gardening, you can rely on these pipes to build a beautiful garden.
Ensure to follow all the above mentioned when using PVC pipes in the garden. Now go ahead and build a pretty garden with the help of PVC pipes and grow eye-catching flowers and tasty fruits and vegetables.
References
James, C. C. (1997, Nov/Dec). Container Gardening For Kids. https://www.proquest.com/openview/c07e3cb1bb69a805d5858ad474e15a38/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=41736
Peterson, C. (2018). The PVC Pipe Book: Projects for the Home, Garden, and Homestead. Voyageur Press. https://books.google.com.bd/books?id=kKF5DwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=the+pvc+pipe+book&hl=bn&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
