How much potting soil in DIY? Intro advice please

carolg · July 8, 2007

Do it Yoursef-DIY

When you are making your own containers, let's say 20 gallon containers, like trash can barrels, how much soil are you using? Do we normally fill up half full or what? Thanks.

Are you starting seeds in these containers?

Is it one tomato plant?

What about other veggies like cukes? Just curious if I ever get to the DIY version.

I know it probably saves lots of money, but are they really worth the difference in savings? Bumper crop? Early crops?

Thanks.

I assume you are drilling holes in the bottom for water to drain out?

I am using first year 10 EB, originals, that I purchased from EB way back.

I am enjoying seeing the pictures of you all growing in containers, your DIY kinds, and not the EB from the company.

carolg co z5

squibT · July 8, 2007

Trash can barrels!...great idea! Lots of room for roots!

<When you are making your own containers, let's say 20 gallon containers, like trash can barrels, how much soil are you using? Do we normally fill up half full or what? Thanks.

I have not made one from a trash barrel but I would use 8 inch nursery pots to hold up the screen and a couple of 8 inch pots for a wicking chamber. Golf club sleeves for the fill tube and an airy soiless mix like "Al's" mix or "Al's" mix with compost and steer manure and lots of perlite. Sounds like a great idea for next year.

<Are you starting seeds in these containers?

I wouldn't start seeds in them but if you could keep the trash cans warm in the spring in a greenhouse for an early tomato start I guess you could..gonna need the trash cans with wheels...hmmm...another great idea....
I like starting seed indoors, transplanting a few times when they get big, every time I replant I strip the bottom leaves off and bury it right up to its neck. Makes for nice thick stalks and lots of roots.

<Is it one tomato plant?

Many are growing 2 plants per pot

<What about other veggies like cukes? Just curious if I ever get to the DIY version.

Prolly able to grow almost anything in them...my cukes are going crazy. Got a fish net and sticks for them to climb on.

<I know it prolly saves lots of money, but are they really worth the difference in savings? Bumper crop? Early crops?

In my opinion YES. Money savings, time savings, worry free...bumper crop??? We will see...My EB plants are out preforming the same plants in pots/buckets.

BTW...no drain holes in the bottom of the EB's...just an over flow hole a little bit below the soil screen.

squibT

July 8, 2007	#1
carolg Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 29	How much potting soil in DIY? Intro advice please Do it Yoursef-DIY When you are making your own containers, let's say 20 gallon containers, like trash can barrels, how much soil are you using? Do we normally fill up half full or what? Thanks. Are you starting seeds in these containers? Is it one tomato plant? What about other veggies like cukes? Just curious if I ever get to the DIY version. I know it probably saves lots of money, but are they really worth the difference in savings? Bumper crop? Early crops? Thanks. I assume you are drilling holes in the bottom for water to drain out? I am using first year 10 EB, originals, that I purchased from EB way back. I am enjoying seeing the pictures of you all growing in containers, your DIY kinds, and not the EB from the company. carolg co z5

July 8, 2007	#2
squibT Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2007 Location: Nanaimo, BC (7b) Posts: 89	Trash can barrels!...great idea! Lots of room for roots! <When you are making your own containers, let's say 20 gallon containers, like trash can barrels, how much soil are you using? Do we normally fill up half full or what? Thanks. I have not made one from a trash barrel but I would use 8 inch nursery pots to hold up the screen and a couple of 8 inch pots for a wicking chamber. Golf club sleeves for the fill tube and an airy soiless mix like "Al's" mix or "Al's" mix with compost and steer manure and lots of perlite. Sounds like a great idea for next year. <Are you starting seeds in these containers? I wouldn't start seeds in them but if you could keep the trash cans warm in the spring in a greenhouse for an early tomato start I guess you could..gonna need the trash cans with wheels...hmmm...another great idea.... I like starting seed indoors, transplanting a few times when they get big, every time I replant I strip the bottom leaves off and bury it right up to its neck. Makes for nice thick stalks and lots of roots. <Is it one tomato plant? Many are growing 2 plants per pot <What about other veggies like cukes? Just curious if I ever get to the DIY version. Prolly able to grow almost anything in them...my cukes are going crazy. Got a fish net and sticks for them to climb on. <I know it prolly saves lots of money, but are they really worth the difference in savings? Bumper crop? Early crops? In my opinion YES. Money savings, time savings, worry free...bumper crop??? We will see...My EB plants are out preforming the same plants in pots/buckets. BTW...no drain holes in the bottom of the EB's...just an over flow hole a little bit below the soil screen. squibT