I have an idea to make a large container out of a laundry basket due to the openings all the way around. Maybe line with landscape fabric to keep the soil in, maybe drill drainage holes. I was thinking that the basket would help with aeration and help prevent root rot from too much water.
Any comments/suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Laundry Basket Container???
That should work just fine. I've made containers out of a number of things including plastic buckets. Drilling or poking holes for drainage is a good idea.
It depends on HOW you use it. From a hydrologic perspective, the same set-up can be either a mini raised bead or a conventional container.
If you melt (don't drill) some drain holes in the bottom and partially bury the basket sol there is a soil 'bridge' between the soil in the basket and the earth such that the water can make its way from the soil in the pot into the earth via the bridge, it's a raised bed. The same set-up, w/o the soil bridge that allows you to employ the earth as a giant wick, would act like a conventional container. For the former, the soil's 'structure' is much less critical than soils used in the later scenario.
If the basket has a lot of large holes that support a considerable degree of evaporative water loss at the soils exposed (on the sides) surface, and additional water loss associated with more soil gas exchange, you'll need to water more often than if the walls of the container were w/o holes. This is a GOOD thing, from the plant's perspective and adds more opportunity for the plant to realize its genetic potential.
Al
I melted mine with a large heated nail.
Cville,
I enjoyed your post~ I was thinking about making a "flower tower" on top of a larger pot on the deck with vinyl coated wire fencing, the landscape fabric inside against the fencing, and filling with soil, and making holes around and up and down :) I like the idea of the laundry basket! Would love to see yours when done/blooming. I may try this this summer also!
I line cocoa liners with landscape fabric. As the cocoa fiber deteriorates over time, the fabric keeps the soil from washing out. Should work OK with your laundry basket. I was going to try it with a plastic milk crate.
Martha