5-Gallon Container Varieties & Techniques

travis · February 16, 2006

Okay, I know this subject has been about beaten to death here and at other forums, but ...

5-gallon containers like pickle buckets, lard tubs, drywall mud buckets, etc., are so readily available, have handles, and are dirt cheap. I just bought 20 never used buckets for a buck apiece, and the guy had a hundred more without handles that he only wanted 75c apiece for.

All that's left to do is drill some drain holes, poke in a wick, and fill'm with some good growing media.

BUT ... here's the thing I need to know. I had trouble last year with some varieties, especially big indeterminates, and particularly a couple of potato leaf pinks that don't produce a whole lot under ideal in-ground conditions.

What I would like to see discussed is you folks' best experiences with 5-gallon containers and with regard to varieties that did well, how frequently you had to water and fertilize, and any other special instructions specifically for 5-gallon containers.

Thanks for any and all specifics.

PV

February 16, 2006	#1
travis Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Evansville, IN Posts: 2,984	5-Gallon Container Varieties & Techniques Okay, I know this subject has been about beaten to death here and at other forums, but ... 5-gallon containers like pickle buckets, lard tubs, drywall mud buckets, etc., are so readily available, have handles, and are dirt cheap. I just bought 20 never used buckets for a buck apiece, and the guy had a hundred more without handles that he only wanted 75c apiece for. All that's left to do is drill some drain holes, poke in a wick, and fill'm with some good growing media. BUT ... here's the thing I need to know. I had trouble last year with some varieties, especially big indeterminates, and particularly a couple of potato leaf pinks that don't produce a whole lot under ideal in-ground conditions. What I would like to see discussed is you folks' best experiences with 5-gallon containers and with regard to varieties that did well, how frequently you had to water and fertilize, and any other special instructions specifically for 5-gallon containers. Thanks for any and all specifics. PV