TIPS FOR GROWING PLANTS IN BUCKETS

Five-gallon buckets are much cheaper than pots especially for plants, and they are available at home improvement and hardware stores for less than five dollars. They are great for growing outdoor plants since they are deep and provide plenty of space for developing roots. Try growing plants in buckets this year, and forget about crawling around on the ground to pull weeds. Growing plants in buckets is very easy, and they require very little care beyond the usual watering and feeding. If you think that five-gallon buckets are ugly, they can be painted in a rainbow of colors and textures! Read on to find out more.

Precautionary Statement

Do not use five-gallon buckets that previously contained caustic chemicals and other products that are potentially harmful to plants. New five-gallon buckets are cheap, and it is not worth taking a chance if they once contained something hazardous.

Preparing Plastic Containers for Growing Outdoor Plants

Any type of containers must provide proper drainage for plants and their roots. Drill holes in the bottom of buckets to provide adequate drainage. Use a one-eighth inch bit to drill through the plastic, and create at least six equally spaced holes. This is small enough to keep the soil inside, and large enough to let excess water drain away from plants and their roots.

Painting Decorative Plastic Containers for Growing Plants

If black or bright orange five-gallon buckets are not your idea of attractive yard décor, paint them. Do not use just any type of paint. Buy cans of Fusion for Plastic by Krylon, and spray on the color in a matter of minutes. Even textured paints are available. Buckets can be painted to look like stone. With the handles removed, from a distance they will look much heavier and higher in quality.

Additional Drainage and Soil for Growing Outdoor Plants

To add extra drainage for plants that do not like wet feet, add stones to the buckets. Place two to three inches of limestone or pea gravel to the base. This will allow the water to easily drain out of the buckets. Also, with stones in the bottom of the buckets, the holes will be less likely to become plugged. Next, add rich organic potting soil to the buckets. When planted and tended accordingly, the plants will grow abundantly.

Growing and Tending to Plants in Buckets

Plants in containers do not require much weeding, but they require an occasional feeding. Try these natural ways to feed outdoor plants instead of using store-bought plant food. In addition, check the buckets on a daily basis to see if the plants require water. Plants in containers become dry more quickly than those in the ground, and they can die within days if not properly watered.