Keeping Containers From Drying Out

MuddyBuckets · October 22, 2023

Hi All

Last season after growing in containers (5 gallon buckets) and grow bags I tried an experiment to prevent the soil from drying out when I was away. Much to my surprise it worked!

I have tried "Depends" in smaller containers and it worked OK. Now i find semi rotted tree limbs (~2"-3" in diameter), cut them to 5"-7" so they will fit in the grow bag or bucket and soak them for a week. Then I place 2" of growing media in the bottom of the bag or bucket followed by a few soaked log pieces and fill the container, water thoroughly and let dry for a few days.

Then I plant the peppers, tomatoes, okra and eggplant, mulch and let them grow. This has worked out very well in the SE high temp, dry summers since the plants will absorb the moisture from the "soggy" logs.

Give it a try this season and post your results.

Happy growing, get ready to start your seeds now for Spring 2024!

Muddy Buckets in NC

October 22, 2023	#1
MuddyBuckets Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Eastern/Coastal NC 8b Posts: 192	Keeping Containers From Drying Out Hi All Last season after growing in containers (5 gallon buckets) and grow bags I tried an experiment to prevent the soil from drying out when I was away. Much to my surprise it worked! I have tried "Depends" in smaller containers and it worked OK. Now i find semi rotted tree limbs (~2"-3" in diameter), cut them to 5"-7" so they will fit in the grow bag or bucket and soak them for a week. Then I place 2" of growing media in the bottom of the bag or bucket followed by a few soaked log pieces and fill the container, water thoroughly and let dry for a few days. Then I plant the peppers, tomatoes, okra and eggplant, mulch and let them grow. This has worked out very well in the SE high temp, dry summers since the plants will absorb the moisture from the "soggy" logs. Give it a try this season and post your results. Happy growing, get ready to start your seeds now for Spring 2024! Muddy Buckets in NC