I’m planning to store some liquid fertilizer outside next to our greenhouse because the storage shed is completely full. The drums I’m looking at are made of HDPE and the seller mentioned they’re suitable for outdoor use, but I’m not entirely convinced. I found a 50 ltr HDPE drum that seems perfect size wise for carrying between rows, but I’m worried about the material getting brittle after a few months in the sun here. The summers are brutal and I’ve seen plastic containers go chalky and crack after one season. Does anyone have real experience leaving these blue plastic drums outside long term? Should I build a simple shade structure or throw a tarp over them, or is the UV stabilizer in the plastic actually enough on its own? Also wondering if the lid seal will degrade faster outside. I don’t want to end up with fertilizer leaking everywhere or water getting in and diluting the mix. I’d rather spend a bit extra on covers now than replace drums every year. What’s your experience?
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