 October 29, 2010 | #5 |
Tomatovillian
Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: 6a - NE Tennessee Posts: 4,538 |
Use NO products that have the word "soil" in their name or contents. "MIX" is the only thing to put in buckets. Also, get some shade on the buckets themselves. You must be concerned with the temperature of the growing medium. Water only once a day on average days with average humidity, etc. Your holes in the buckets should be 3/8" to 1/2" in diameter, especially on the bottom. You want the growing medium (mix) to be damp, but not wet. You want it to contain some "voids" - small air spaces that provide oxygen to the roots. Totally WET mix doesn't have many air spaces. Think about beach sand just outside the damp effect of the waves. It will feel damp, but is well drained. That and slightly drier is what you're looking for. Because you will be washing out many of the nutrients, you must add them back with fertilizers and such more frequently than for an in-ground garden. And when you get all of the stuff about the growing medium correct, then return here and we can discuss the numerous critters that will want to chomp on your healthy plants. Then, it's on to "Pathogens 101". Take care Ted __________________ |
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FAQs
How many plants can I grow in a 5 gallon bucket? ›
One 5 gallon bucket can be home to one vegetable plant or two, or three small herbs. Before you go off to start building your bucket garden, let's go over some common questions about bucket gardening for beginners.
Is it safe to grow plants in 5 gallon buckets? ›If you have five-gallon buckets from the hardware store, they make great planters for larger vegetables such as tomatoes or pole beans. Just drill holes in the bottom. And make sure that you don't overplant!
What vegetables are good to grow in 5 gallon buckets? ›Vegetables and Herbs to Grow in Buckets
Choose compact or dwarf varieties of tomatoes to plant in 5-gallon buckets. Cucumbers, beans, tomatoes, tomatillos, and some peppers need a trellis or support to keep them upright. Plant cole crops including cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower one to a 5-gallon bucket.
You could even use a larger can as long as you provide each plant with 5 gallons of water per week. For instance if you use a 5 gallon bucket and plant 2 tomato plants around it you fill the 5 gallon bucket 2 times per week. Or a 13 gallon can filled twice yields 26 gallons, so you could plant up to 5 plants around it.
How often do you water plants in buckets? ›A few more tips on containers. Early in spring when your plants are smaller and the temperatures are lower you may only have to water every 3 or 4 days. As the plants get larger and the mercury creeps higher be prepared to water every day, with small pots or water “pigs” you might even have to water twice a day.
What is the easiest vegetable to grow in a bucket? ›Vegetables which are ideally suited for growing in containers include tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, green onions, beans, lettuce, squash, radishes and parsley. Pole beans and cucumbers also do well in this type of garden, but they do require considerably more space because of their vining growth habit.
How many potatoes will grow in a 5 gallon bucket? ›You want a high yield, so 2 seed potatoes per 5 gallon bucket is perfect. Once you have them in the bucket, add about 2 more inches of soil to completely cover the potatoes. Two weeks later, you will see the magic happen.
Can I grow cucumbers in a 5 gallon bucket? ›Ideal pots are a foot or more in depth, and that size will increase your harvest. A pot that's 20 inches wide can accommodate four to six plants. Two or three plants will fit in a five-gallon bucket or grow one cucumber in a 10-inch-wide container.
Are Home Depot buckets safe to grow food in? ›Home Depot Homer buckets are great for holding lots of things, but they're not food-grade. Yes, these buckets are made from HDPE (high density polyethylene) and have a #2 recycling symbol.
Can you grow strawberries in a 5 gallon bucket? ›And I put just one plant in a one-gallon container. I've tried two or three plants (as pictured above), but they quickly outgrow that volume. You need a five-gallon container if you want to grow more than one strawberry plant in a single container for more than a month or so.
How many carrots can you grow in a 5 gallon bucket? ›
A 5 gallon bucket has enough space to grow roughly 12 large carrots. Find out how to grow a great carrot crop with these tried and tested tips.
What plants grow best in buckets? ›Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, tomatillos (one plant per pot) • Beets, carrots, radish (space according to directions on seed packet) • Green beans, bush peas, • Summer squash, zucchini, cucumbers (one plant per bucket) • Lettuce, kale, spinach, chard (don't overcrowd) • Mint (a perennial), herbs (generally one plant per ...
How many holes does a 5 gallon bucket have for plants? ›*When using a 5-gallon bucket as a garden container, ensure that the bucket is food-grade plastic and not previously used for storing toxic materials. Drill or punch holes every 3 inches into the bottom of the bucket to allow for drainage.
How many carrots can you plant in a 5 gallon bucket? ›A 5 gallon bucket has enough space to grow roughly 12 large carrots. Find out how to grow a great carrot crop with these tried and tested tips.
How many collard greens can I grow in a 5 gallon bucket? ›Sun: Plant in full sun (6 to 8 hours). Space 12 inches apart within rows or 1 plant per 5- to 7-gallon container. Plant February through mid-March and mid-August through mid-September. Soil: Amend with organic matter to create a well-drained soil.