i was rinsing out a soda can before putting it with the recycling and a thought came: alumnium cans conduct heat well and many seeds require bottom heat to germinate. i am curious - has anyone ever tried using old aluminum cans - soda especially, but any aluminum cans - to start heat-loving seedlings? just a random thought...
the penguin
I would be careful with allumininininum (can't say it or spell it!) It has been linked to Alzimers.
Alluminum utensils corrode and leech out when exposed to acids, thats why you should never cook tomatoes in an alluminum pot. If you have a neutral pH soil, there shouldn't be a problem, but I wouldnt take the chance.
For a little heat for your seedlings, try mixing in a pinch of grass clippings with the soil. They give of heat (and nitrogen) as they break down.
i have started seeds in aluminum cans many times before and I have never encountered any problems at all. Just remove the top of the can with an exacto knife, poke some holes in the bottom for drainage, fill with dirt and plant your seed. It works the same with plastic soda bottles and any other sort of recycled container and is a great way to be enviornmentally friendly! Not to mention you can save a few bucks on pots from the gardening store. I say go for it!
