Self watering tub?

barryla61 · July 18, 2011

I have some tubs that cattle mineral came in that I would like to convert into SWC's.
They are 22 inches in diameter and 14 inches deep.
If I were to drill/cut the necessary holes in the bottom of one and set it in another over the wick (dual tub method) would this work for growing 1 indeterminate tomato plant such as Big Beef or Goliath?
Is 14 inches of potting mix deep enuff?
Is 1 wick gonna keep the potting mix moist enuff?
Thanks,
Barry

Should I post this in another section?

rnewste · July 18, 2011

Barry,

If the walls of the tub are rather "vertical", then the "tub-within-a-tub" will work fine. You can cut off the upper 4 inches of the internal tub and use it (cut in two) as a base support. Then bolt the walls of both tubs together near the top in a couple of places. Use a 5 inch "net pot" for the center wicking basket.

I would recommend the 3:2:1 Combo Mix I use in the EarthTainer.

Post some photos when you have them built.

Raybo

barryla61 · July 19, 2011

What is a "net pot"?
Is it similar to an aquatic plant basket?
Where do I find the ingredients for your 3:2:1 mix?

rnewste · July 19, 2011

Barry,

I would urge you to read the EarthTainer Construction Guide as this will answer many of your questions ahead of time. See link:

http://earthtainer.tomatofest.com/pd...tion-Guide.pdf

Raybo

Worth1 · July 19, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by rnewste

Barry,

I would urge you to read the EarthTainer Construction Guide as this will answer many of your questions ahead of time. See link:

http://earthtainer.tomatofest.com/pd...tion-Guide.pdf

Raybo

Raybo do I have permission to save this PDF file to my computer?

Worth

rnewste · July 19, 2011

Worth,

By all means. This Intellectual Property has been designated as "Free-ware" for all to use / modify to their heart's content. The only restriction is that it is not to be sold on Ebay, etc. for commercial gain. Free is good.....

Raybo

Worth1 · July 19, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by rnewste

Worth,

By all means. This Intellectual Property has been designated as "Free-ware" for all to use / modify to their heart's content. The only restriction is that it is not to be sold on Ebay, etc. for commercial gain. Free is good.....

Raybo

Thanks, what I want to do is put this method to use where my soil is poor in my back yard.

The terrace idea is still cooking and I want to have the terraces be vats to hold water runoff.
A lot of details I have worked out and some to still work out.

It would be an entertainer on a large scale.
Something a person might think about in Haiti with their poor soil and hilly terrain .

Worth

July 18, 2011	#1
barryla61 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Bedford, VA Posts: 257	Self watering tub? I have some tubs that cattle mineral came in that I would like to convert into SWC's. They are 22 inches in diameter and 14 inches deep. If I were to drill/cut the necessary holes in the bottom of one and set it in another over the wick (dual tub method) would this work for growing 1 indeterminate tomato plant such as Big Beef or Goliath? Is 14 inches of potting mix deep enuff? Is 1 wick gonna keep the potting mix moist enuff? Thanks, Barry Should I post this in another section?

July 18, 2011	#2
rnewste Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Campbell, CA Posts: 4,064	Barry, If the walls of the tub are rather "vertical", then the "tub-within-a-tub" will work fine. You can cut off the upper 4 inches of the internal tub and use it (cut in two) as a base support. Then bolt the walls of both tubs together near the top in a couple of places. Use a 5 inch "net pot" for the center wicking basket. I would recommend the 3:2:1 Combo Mix I use in the EarthTainer. Post some photos when you have them built. Raybo

July 19, 2011	#3
barryla61 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Bedford, VA Posts: 257	What is a "net pot"? Is it similar to an aquatic plant basket? Where do I find the ingredients for your 3:2:1 mix?