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  • Newbies Container Questions

    Hi All,

    Three weeks into allotment ownership (and with very limited previous gardening experience) we're already worrying that our half plot may be too small for us and we are looking for ways to maximise the space we have got.

    Since getting the plot, we have embarked on a skip diving spree which has so far netted 4 of the old recycling bins which the council replaced with wheelie bins a few years ago. Not sure of the exact dimensions but picture below.



    I've also got a small steel dustbin (30cm x 45cm), various buckets, rubble sacks, fertiliser bags etc.

    From my research on here and elsewhere, plastic 30 litre tubs seem to be the optimum size for growing potatoes in (about what my steel dustbin is) and I'm wondering how to make the best use of what I've accumulated so far.

    Questions (so far)

    1. Would the green recycling bins be better used for tomatoes in the greenhouse (and possibly outside later) or would they be suitable for spuds.

    2. Drainage holes - the green bins already have 4 small drainage holes on the base. Is it better to add more holes in the base or 1.5" up the sides as I've seen suggested.

    3.Watering - is there any point in putting a bit of pipe (I've got my eye on some in a local skip) into each of the containers to improve/speed up watering?

    I'm sure there will be other questions and apologies if they are dim or have been done to death elsewhere - if so please point me in the direction of other threads.

    Many thanks,

    Mr & Mrs C.
    Attached Files

  • #2
    1, I think tomatoes....for spuds bigger is better

    2, I certainly think you'll need more drainage holes. I'm not sure where though. I don't like my plant roots sitting in water so I always put the holes on the bottom. Having said that, lots of people on here are far more successful than me so wait for more answers!

    3, A holey hose can be a good idea....better is an upturned fizzy drink bottle with the bottom (now the top) cut off and the neck (now the bottom) buried down to root level.
    http://goneplotterin.blogspot.co.uk/

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    • #3
      Holes up the side create a water reservoir - if your tubs already have holes in the bottom then theres no point in putting them higher up and the first four will drain out any reservoir.

      New all singing all dancing blog - Jasons Jungle

      �I have not failed 1,000 times. I have successfully discovered 1,000 ways to NOT make a light bulb."
      ― Thomas A. Edison

      �Negative results are just what I want. They�re just as valuable to me as positive results. I can never find the thing that does the job best until I find the ones that don�t.�
      ― Thomas A. Edison

      - I must be a Nutter,VC says so -

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      • #4
        If I am right those recycling bins are a good 12" deep so After putting in a few more drainage hole I would use them for early spuds.

        For your toms use black flower buckets again make drainage holes 99p for 8 they make the cheapest decent pot going.
        Potty by name Potty by nature.

        By appointment of VeggieChicken Member of the Nutters club.


        We hang petty thieves and appoint great ones to public office.

        Aesop 620BC-560BC

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        • #5
          We use these sort of bins and some bigger ones as well. Buckets for tomatoes
          Nannys make memories

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          • #6
            I havnt done spuds this yr but I've always just used pots 20-30cm or just rolled down inside out compost bags , they worked perfectly .
            Toms I have used flower buckets to20cm . Havnt done any this year .
            (Life not veg related reasons)
            Northern England.

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            • #7
              Originally posted by Jay-ell View Post
              Holes up the side create a water reservoir - if your tubs already have holes in the bottom then theres no point in putting them higher up and the first four will drain out any reservoir.
              Obvious now you say it - although I'm still still new to gardening I have been living with gravity for over half a century now so I should have worked that one out all on my own!

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              • #8
                I have two of those council tubs and I'm using them for carrots and parsnips this year so I can control the soil they're grown in.

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