what size containers to use? please help!

aimeruni · June 23, 2012

I don't do SFG, do container gardening; this is preemptive. 1 plant per container for all stuff listed. Storage containers are used, about 18" depth.

I'm mainly asking about what size containers to use for winter squash and melons.
Use compact varieties (short vines, conserve space) but still sprawl; spread is 4'-5' wide for melons, 36" wide for winter squash. Vines are 3'-5' long.

Use 49 gallon containers for melons, 45 gallon ones for squash (big plants, need big containers). Could I use 40 gallon containers? Would this be too small? Plants would be healthy, not grow as well cause of not as much growth space.

What size for cukes and zukes? Minimum size=10 gal. Debating 20 gal but too small? Would 30 gal be better?
Also what size containers for okra and how many could I fit in the container without overcrowding? Either 30 gal, 32, 35, or 40.

swinefka · June 26, 2012

Well I don't know about the other varieties but I grow all of my zucchini's and cucumbers in 5 gallon buckets without any problems. They do not get stunted and I get a really good harvest from them through out the year. Only 1 plant per 5 gallon bucket and you would be fine for these.

June 23, 2012	#1
aimeruni Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Brooksville FL, zone 9a Posts: 67	what size containers to use? please help! I don't do SFG, do container gardening; this is preemptive. 1 plant per container for all stuff listed. Storage containers are used, about 18" depth. I'm mainly asking about what size containers to use for winter squash and melons. Use compact varieties (short vines, conserve space) but still sprawl; spread is 4'-5' wide for melons, 36" wide for winter squash. Vines are 3'-5' long. Use 49 gallon containers for melons, 45 gallon ones for squash (big plants, need big containers). Could I use 40 gallon containers? Would this be too small? Plants would be healthy, not grow as well cause of not as much growth space. What size for cukes and zukes? Minimum size=10 gal. Debating 20 gal but too small? Would 30 gal be better? Also what size containers for okra and how many could I fit in the container without overcrowding? Either 30 gal, 32, 35, or 40. Last edited by aimeruni; June 23, 2012 at 11:41 PM.

June 26, 2012	#2
swinefka Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Gilberts, Illinois Posts: 27	Well I don't know about the other varieties but I grow all of my zucchini's and cucumbers in 5 gallon buckets without any problems. They do not get stunted and I get a really good harvest from them through out the year. Only 1 plant per 5 gallon bucket and you would be fine for these.