How to Use Storage Bins for Container Gardening

Tomato plants do well in containers

Using storage bins for container gardening will allow for control of the growing environment and for increased mobility, so that you can find the best placement of plants. Container gardening makes gardening in urban areas possible because the need of a large plot of land is no longer necessary. Complete control of the plants' needs is provided to the gardener, while external factors such as weeds and disease are minimized with the use of containers.

Things You'll Need

• 10-gallon plastic storage container
• Bleach
• Electric drill with 1/2-inch spade bit
• Landscaping cloth
• Potting soil or potting mix
• Plants

Instructions

1. Drill 12 holes with the 1/2 inch spade bit in the bottom of the container, to provide for sufficient drainage. Insufficient drainage will keep the soil too wet inviting disease such as root rot.

2. Cut out a piece of landscaping cloth large enough to cover the bottom of the container. The landscaping cloth will allow water to escape while keeping the soil in. The landscaping cloth will also keep roots from growing out through the drainage holes.

3. Mix one cap full of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Wash out the storage bin to kill any bacteria and wash out any impurities. Rinse well.

4. Fill the container with potting soil or potting mix. Compost can be added to provide additional organic material or as a side dressing to help provide for plant nutrition. Many potting soils and mixes are amended with a time-release fertilizer that will provide for plant nutrition for a number of weeks.

5. Place the container in the plant's preferred environment--sunny locations for sun-loving plants or partially shaded areas for shade-tolerant plants. Fertilize and water as recommended for your specific plants. Water container plants more frequently. The container is exposed to the weather from the top and the sides, this will dry out soil much faster than an in-ground garden. More watering means more nutrients will be washed out of the container so more frequent plant feeding will also be required.

6. Remove spent plants and soil at the end of the growing season. Dispose of the used landscaping cloth. Since the cloth may harbor harmful bacteria, it shouldn’t be reused.

7. Wash out the storage bin containers with a diluted solution of bleach and water to kill any bacteria that may survive until next season.

8. Store bins in a clean, dry area to lessen or totally avoid the chance of fungal or bacterial growth.

References

• Aggie Horticulture: Vegetable Gardening in Containers
• West Virginia University: Lawn and Garden

Resources

• Colorado State University: Container Gardening