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

MrsJustice · February 10, 2024

Dear MuddyBucket "
We the Farmers & Gardens do funny things to keep our Plants Alive, Ame!!

I wish I could you about the containers I use each year, but I will have to write this Company for Permission. I was working with these containers today and thought about you.

Yes, we do funny things to keep our Safe and Plants Alive, Amen!!!!

slugworth · February 13, 2024

Heavy,but one year I used real dirt in hanging 5 gal buckets vs the usual potting soil.
They only had to be watered every 3 days vs everyday.
I had cuke plants hanging so you could spot them from a distance before putting the bib on.

MrsJustice · February 13, 2024

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsJustice

Dear MuddyBucket "
We the Farmers & Gardens do funny things to keep our Plants Alive, Ame!!

I wish I could 'tell' you about the containers I use each year, but I will have to write this Company for Permission. I was working with these containers today and thought about you.

Yes, we do funny things to keep our Safe and Plants Alive, Amen!!!!

Funny Funny

We do funny natural things to keep our Plants in those Buckets before they hit the ground running and growing, Amen!!

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

February 10, 2024	#2
MrsJustice Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hampton, Virginia Posts: 1,494	Dear MuddyBucket " We the Farmers & Gardens do funny things to keep our Plants Alive, Ame!! I wish I could you about the containers I use each year, but I will have to write this Company for Permission. I was working with these containers today and thought about you. Yes, we do funny things to keep our Safe and Plants Alive, Amen!!!! __________________ May God Bless you and my Garden, Amen https://www.angelfieldfarms.com MrsJustice as Farmer Joyce Beggs

February 13, 2024	#3
slugworth Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: connecticut,usa Posts: 1,152	Heavy,but one year I used real dirt in hanging 5 gal buckets vs the usual potting soil. They only had to be watered every 3 days vs everyday. I had cuke plants hanging so you could spot them from a distance before putting the bib on.