How to Garden in Plastic Tubs
Creating a container garden allows you to grow edible and ornamental plants without the need for a garden bed. Whether you live in an apartment or just have minimal outdoor space, container gardens can be used to suit your needs. Planters and pots are one of the more expensive elements of a container garden, if you buy them. Instead, use plastic storage bins as containers. They are available in a range of sizes from small to extra large. They are also inexpensive and readily available. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Plastic tub
- Drill
- Bricks
- Potting soil
- Peat moss
- Compost
- Sand
- Fertilizer
Instructions
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1
Choose a plastic storage tub that is the proper size for the plants you are growing. Larger plants, such as tomatoes, should be planted one to a medium size tub or two to a large tub. Smaller plants should be planted according to the spacing requirements listed on the seed envelope or plant label.
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2
Turn the tub upside down. Drill 1/2-inch holes in two rows along the bottom, spacing the holes 4 inches apart.
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3
Set the lid on the ground upside down and place two bricks on top of it. Set the tub on top of the bricks. The bricks elevate the tub for proper drainage while the lid acts as a drip tray so water doesn't stain patios or decks.
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4
Fill the tub with a quality potting mixture or create your own by combining 1 part peat moss, 1 part compost and 1 part coarse sand. Mix in a slow release fertilizer with the soil, following label application amounts.
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5
Moisten the mixture evenly throughout before planting. Water until it begins to drip from the bottom drainage holes, which ensures the soil in the bottom of the tub is also moist.
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Sow each plant in the tub to the same depth it was at in its nursery pot, with the exception of tomatoes, which are planted 2 to 3 inches deeper. Follow the recommended plant spacing on the seed or plant label.
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Water as needed to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Check soil moisture daily as containers dry out faster. Water when the soil surface begins to feel dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Additional fertilization is needed two months after planting with the slow release fertilizer. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every one to two weeks.
The bottoms of your tubs may become soggy, damaging the roots. Stick a twig into the soil all the way to the bottom and pull it out. If soil clumps to it, allow the container to dry for a day or two before watering.
