20-gallon totes on sale at HD

Hardcoir Sat Feb 16, 2013 11:36 am

I was at Home Depot yesterday and found a real bargain for those that want to do SFG in containers.

They have 20-gallon totes on sale for $4 each. They are a little more than 2 SF, so you can probably squeeze a bit extra than 2 squares. I am thinking that it will hold 4 tomatoes, 4 peppers, 6 cucumbers, 2 zucchini, or even 4-6 corn.

The tote is considerably deeper than the needed 6 inches, but if you convert to a self-watering container, you can have your 6 inches as well as a nice reservoir for the water. If you get the brown ones, it gives the impression of dirt.

Of course, now I have just forced us to go buy yet another 4cf of vermiculite. I hope we don't end up with the proverbial $64 tomato Shocked

JackieB999 Sat Feb 16, 2013 6:34 pm

LOL to the $64 tomato and thanks for the tip!

20-gallon totes on sale at HD 3170584802

akaGiGi4now Sun Feb 17, 2013 4:35 am

Hi, I am new here and was wondering if there are any recommendations as to how many and how big the drainage holes should be if you use something like a rubber or plastic tote for container gardening? Thanks! thinking

JackieB999 Sun Feb 17, 2013 2:30 pm

Hi GiGi... I drilled holes in my potato container and I used a 1/2 inch drill bit and drilled holes about every 4 inches. After you drill the holes you may want to line the bottom with a weed cloth to keep the dirt from falling out. Good luck to you!

Hardcoir... I went to get some totes but they didnt have any for $4. It may be a regional thing Sad

I did find some 10 gallon tubs that I thought would work well for tomatoes, eggplants, squash, etc and I bought those for $7 instead. I'm doing container gardening, SFG style. I liked these containers a lot because they're shallow, maybe 8 inches deep, so I wouldnt have to overload it with soil. I like that I can put the cover underneath it too. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-203297502/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=10+gallon+tote&storeId=10051#specifications

**Turan** Sun Feb 17, 2013 2:49 pm

I found those 10 gallon rubbermaid tubs work a treat. I have raised herbs and tomatoes and flowers and now amaryllis in them. I did find that I need an inch of rocks/gravel to improve the drainage above the drain holes. I also use extra vermiculite/sand/perlite/ what ever thing like that I can find in the mix. I think one could use plastic packing peanuts instead of the gravel.... I know people do for deeper containers like half barrels.

Somewhere here there is a lot of info on raising tomatoes and peppers in 5 gallon buckets and the tricks for that. Those are even cheaper than the totes.

JackieB999 Sun Feb 17, 2013 7:33 pm

Thanks Turan... good to know about adding the rocks. I'll put a layer on the bottom. My tomatoes are just about ready for a bigger home Smile

akaGiGi4now Mon Feb 18, 2013 3:00 am

Hi Jackie, thanks for your reply and suggestion, I also read Turan's comments, there were some good ideas there as well. I will definitely be trying this shortly. GiGi Very Happy

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