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Post by Jim on Jan 14, 2009 19:25:01 GMT -5
Here is the start of a list for free/cheap buckets and containers:
Freecycle
Fast food joints...think pickles and condiments
bakeries
factories (you'd be shocked how many 55 gallon drums get thrown in the trash)
curbside on trash day ( I'm not too proud)
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Post by lavandulagirl on Jan 14, 2009 19:38:27 GMT -5
Re: the factory 55 gallon drums... just be sure you know with certainty what was stored in them. The labels may not be correct, or the barrels may have been reused already. While some contents are harmless, there are other things which would kill your plants. (Or you!)
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Post by ottawagardener on Jan 15, 2009 9:52:00 GMT -5
Old laundry baskets lined with burlap, and I know there was a project to use kiddy swimming pools on roof tops etc.. I thought that was cool. I love curbside rescue!
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Post by lavandulagirl on Jan 15, 2009 10:33:37 GMT -5
Some plants do well in old tires, too. Like potatoes.
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Post by ottawagardener on Jan 15, 2009 10:58:33 GMT -5
Oh yeah, the potato tower! You can also use chicken wire or other metal cages lined in straw to grow potatoes. Keeps the rodents out too.
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Post by Jim on Jan 15, 2009 13:00:42 GMT -5
I have been saving wood (non treated) shipping crates for containers. They will last a few years before breaking down or getting eaten by bugs. The 55 gallon drums I get held windex and I rinse them out well before using them.
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Post by Jim on Jan 15, 2009 17:48:05 GMT -5
I've been thinking strongly about using 2 cardboard boxes one inside the other banded with jute twine as containers. I'd place them in straight rows and let them be the basis for raised beds....thoughts.
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Post by lavandulagirl on Jan 15, 2009 17:54:03 GMT -5
As a one-season type thing? How much rain do you get?
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Post by Jim on Jan 15, 2009 18:14:14 GMT -5
yeh as a one season thing. We arent a swampy place. I'd plant non vining plants in there but I figured doubled up boxes banded around would hold for one season.
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Post by houseodessey on Jan 15, 2009 20:18:41 GMT -5
I have some 55 gallon plastic drums that held degreaser. I wonder if I can clean those without the chemicals leaching out of the plastic. Any ideas?
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Post by grunt on Jan 15, 2009 20:40:23 GMT -5
You may end up patching some of the sides by the end of the season, but it should work okay. Sort of like bale planting in a line. If you have extra mulch material available, I would even pile some up along the sides of the boxes, to widen your finished bed out to what you want for a raised bed. The sides of the boxes might well dissolve for you by the end of the season that way.
Cheers
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Post by wolfcub on Jan 15, 2009 20:56:45 GMT -5
A recycling center is also a great place my son got me nearly 1600 1gallon and larger plant pots. I asked for a few he filled his pickup. Also talk to your garbage man.
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Post by lavandulagirl on Jan 15, 2009 23:26:58 GMT -5
I have some 55 gallon plastic drums that held degreaser. I wonder if I can clean those without the chemicals leaching out of the plastic. Any ideas? |
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Post by giardiniere on Jan 16, 2009 22:52:03 GMT -5
I've picked many 5 gallon buckets at our local deli. They told me they empty about four every day. They usually had pickles in them. They were happy to give them away, as they generally go in the trash.
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Post by Wrennie on Jan 22, 2009 8:35:44 GMT -5
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