Packing peanuts are expanded polystyrene. I believe they will leach break-down
products under certain conditions (acidic conditions?...I forget...my organic
chemistry isn't what it used to be ;) ). I would avoid them, if you can.
HTH,
-L.
Penny Morgan wrote:
> Honestly, I've never tried using them- usually I use broken clay pots or > stones. My gut feeling would be to not use them being that there has to be > some chemical content in them. Unfortunately, we're not scientists and > don't know the chemical makeup. Maybe call your local Cooperative Extension > office and ask them their opinion. I have to say that we have used them in > our greenhouses in the bottom of houseplants, but nothing ever edible. Good > Luck. > > Penny > Roy &/or Becky Turner wrote in message > news:MOD$010322.19905@rec.gardens.ecosystems... > > > > Hi, gang. I was wondering why there were so few postings the other day. > > I posted this and it went into the black hole. > > I am thinking of using the packing peanuts in the bottom of containers > > shallow rooted veggie plants this year, and am wondering if anyone knows > > of any toxicity that may result to the plants or to us who eat them. I > > am going to container gardening this year. So far I am hearing that > > they are not harmful. Of course I am not referring to the water soluble > > ones. > > Thanks, Becky > > > >