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.

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.