My homeade containers

I just took this picture a few minutes ago. I started my tomatos in the green house in these containers. I have several more scattered around. I am anxious to see how mine do as compaired to the store bought one I have.

Nice looking plants. My seedlings are just starting to get first set of true leaves.

Lovely tomato plants. Are those like the homemade Earthbox type containers ?

I made some tote box containers, too!!! I am actually trying roses in them...!!! Stay tuned!!!
(Blurry- sorry)

I bought some small 5 (or as close to 5) gal plastic trash cans to plant my tomatoes in, I hadn't thought to use totes. Great idea!

Terina

PeggieK
Yes those are earthboxs only homeade. Totes cost about five dollars and instead of using two I cut the top out to fit about four inches from the bottom and followed the direction I saw somewhere on DG. I used potting mix with some chicken litter for fertilizer. So far I am pleased with the results but we will see what the long haul does. They are already blooming like crazy. But here where I live it is over 80 degrees and looks like rain.

WW,

I think that is a great idea with using the top instead of waisting another tote. How do you support the corners? And, do you think 4" will be large enough of a water reservoir? I will be building my own today or tomorrow.

Thanks for the input.

JB

Whatever size cup you use in the middle of your tote simply use the same size in each corner. Drill several holes in each one so they will retain water. I already have some pretty good size tomatos and the plants are pretty as can be. Good luck.

WW, do you know where the directions are? xx, Carrie

Carrie,

This is where I went.

http://www.josho.com/gardening.htm

This is what I have so far. The green thing on the table cost the most......$7.00 at Lowes.

I drilled 4 holes to accept 2 dowels for holding the cutout top.

This is with the top in place.

And last, with the fill pipe installed. Notice the remainder of the cover is snapped in place. It will serve to hold the black plastic down. I used a router to cut the top out. It still came out quite jagged. I am a little worried about the center basket moving once filled with potting mix. We shall see.

Oops,

I still have to drill all the little holes. And I AM using white pvc pipe as a fill tube. I mean really, they do use it to supply our drinking water with. Anywhoo, I'll wait till tomorrow to fill with mix in case someone sees any flaws tonight.

Thanks,

JB

Just took a picture of my container tomatos.

Tnanks, Johnny, for the link!

Really good HEBs and excellent quality tomato plants and I do see some nice green tomatos developing. They sure are healthy looking. Heard a lot of good things about chicken manure but not available in my area...CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Whitewidower,
How many tomato plants do you have in each HEB? And, your greenery is so lush. Are you using any additional fertilizer, sprays, etc. to promote the growth?

I have put two plants to a box. I have found out you MUST water you plant regularly. It has been quite worm the last couple of days and I noticed my plants will look sort of droopy in the heat of the day but when I water them in just a little while they are back to normal. Has anyone else experienced this?
As for the fertilizer I mixed in some chicken litter also I made some chicken litter tea have poured some around the plants on the top side. Am scared to do anything else. If it ain't broke don't fix it right?

Whitewidower,
When you say 'water them in' do you mean other than filling the reservoir through the tube? Cause, I do not direct spray my tomato plants during the day. I read awhile back that tomatos don't like wet leaves. Or, do you "water in" at the base of the plant where the cover is? I think your chicken litter is working, and that might be the difference causing your lush greenery. Keep up the great work!

Linda

I think you zone 9 & 10ers are making fun of us up here in the NE (zone 6) and our 40-degree temps ;0) My hands are freezing just pulling a few weeds. My roses in their containers are leafing a little bit, but they are C-O-L-D! I haven't even planted a tomato seed yet!!!

I did but they dried up - I didn't wait on them hand and foot the way they wanted.

WW and JohnnyBG,

FYI - a hard plastic cricket basket is ideal size for the wicking tube, can support a full load of planting mix in a self-watering 18 gal Rubbermade box, with no leakage of mix into the water chamber.

Can get them at most fishing tackle shops for less than 3 bucks. I get mine at Bass Pro Shop and at Academy Sports here in Dallas.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&partNumber=97908&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

38-425-710-00 * CRICKET BASKET 6'' DIAMETER
6'' HEIGHT $2.99

that's great!!!!

Thanks Fiddle