Luckily, tomatoes and peppers have a rather large number of acceptable companion plants so it's just a matter of finding ones that work in the size container you're using and won't compete for sun, water and nutrients too badly. Its fine to use a smaller container, like a 5-gallon bucket or 10-gallon. I normally plant several nasturtiums and marigolds in 3lb (#10) coffee cans and plunk them all around the garden which should also work to help control some of the more aggresive herbs like basil, mint and borage. When using a fabric pot or other type sold by volume, aim for 20 gallons. But I have planted chives/garlic chives (aggressively pruned) and bunching (green) onions around the edges with minimal issues, and they're both good for keeping most of the crawlies away. I always hesitate to plant basil in a confined space with another large plant like tomatoes because mine always expands to the limits of the known universe LOL. Peppers are smaller and less bushy than tomatoes, and the radishes were up and out before the carrots needed the room. cant wait for planting this year.Last year I alternated nantes carrots and cherry belle radishes around the rim of my pepper plants. Really cool benefit is shade, I placed them on my deck blocking sun for 3 windows. Last year used a tomato fertilizer i just put into the water buckets. They are pickle buckets so have to be food safe and are 2$ with lids. This year i bought a pvc pipe, 4 inchces if i remember right and will cut holes for the wicking, will use the same float valve thing. I was thinking of growing bamboo to do the trellis, because the trellis is one of the most expensive parts. my tomatoes were about 7-8 feet high, and cukes grew about 20 feet high(strung them up to a gutter and across roof line. And if you are growing vining rather than bush types, then you will likely also wish to consider providing some support for your tomato plants. I kinda did the same thing, I bought connectors and tubes and had 2 buckets that were high up that went into a bucket with a float valve, then water from that went to the buckets, works awesome, i also cut trash bags to fit over the top of bucket and cut a hole in the lid for the plant to grow through. It is best to stick to growing just one tomato plant in each 5 gallon bucket. This designed is based on ease of construction, cost of materials and function. Tomatoes are one of the most popular options to grow in. Without further ado then, let’s take a look at 15 of the most popular fruits and veggies that thrive when grown in 5 gallon buckets: 1.
There are text boxes in each video to highlight the steps. Plus, if the buckets previous use was food based, then you know they are food-safe and you can grow your own food in them safely. There are 2 videos that show the complete process from construction to planting the tomato. I recommend any product that says 'moisture control' on it. There isn't enough organic matter in the product to help wick and hold water. Steps to planting your bucket tomato Pick a location with at least 6-hours of direct sunlight Make a level place where the bucket will be set. And, without having to weed it’s a pretty good trade off It is good to mention here that we drill holes in the bottom of all of our 5 gallon buckets to help shed off excess moisture. The good news is that it only takes minutes a day. *Potting mixes and garden soil mixes should work well. Tomatoes planted in 5 gallon buckets do need frequent watering to keep plants hydrated. Planting Material:Īny Planting Mix with a good amount of organic matter in it like peat moss. Tomato plants perform well in black buckets because the b. *The 5 gallon paint buckets bought at the do-it-yourself stores are SOFT plastic and can be managed with a short bladed knife. How many tomato plants can I grow in a 5 gallon bucket ANSWER: Five- gallon buckets make convenient containers for growing tomatoes and allow you to grow up to six plants in a 10-foot space in your yard or on your balcony or patio.
Supplies:Ģ Five Gallon Paint Buckets from a do-it-yourself store (2.99 each)Ģ Standard Kitchen Sponges (.99 a 4 pack)ġ Small Funnel (optional ) ($1 each) Tools: You can grow peppers in this system as well as bush variety vine crops. It will provide you 'peace of mind' when you have to leave your tomatoes untended for your weekend travels. The cost of supplies, minus soil and tomatoes, is under $10. Position the Bucket Place the bucket in an area. The watering system will manage your tomatoes for 2-3 days without being refilled. Drill Drainage Holes Turn a 5-gallon bucket over and drill four to six half-inch drainage holes, spaced evenly over the bottom of the bucket.
This self wicking tomato watering container is designed to be easily built by anyone.