im not sure what size the containers i used last year were, probably somewhere in the 5 gallon range. i think if i grew smaller determanate plants they would have been fine, but with the indetermanates i was growing the pots became root bound, i still got decent fruting, but it could have been better, this year im using 18 gallon rope handle tubs from the home depot. at 6 dollars a piece they looked perfect

Can you set the containers on the ground so that the roots can escape if need be, or must they be on a patio/deck?

I grow a single tomato, Sungold for example, in a 15 gallon container, set in a large concrete mixing tub.

Josh

I am planning on using the rope handled containers too :)

I was thinking though of converting them into a self watering planter, using some homemade earth box techniques...

I dont think I have seen the rope handle containers. What do they look like? I dont ever go to home depot, but a regular at menards and lowes. I was thinking of 2x8's cut at 30" into a box then another box cut exact same to sit on top with a total height of 15". But for six bucks I want to hear about this.

The rope tubs are great! I grow trees and blueberry bushes in them. They're also great for indeterminates, but this year I found some rectangular containers at HD on sale for $3.50, and use them for tomatoes, peppers and cukes. So far so good. With both, don't forget to drill drainage holes in the bottoms and, with the rope tubs, wrap electricians tape around the white handles. They are made of fiberglass and will cut you bad after extended sunlight exposure. Misterbaby.

Ok. I think I seen beer kegs in those. they are plastic with rope on each end? about 15-18" high. prob 30" across?

Steve,

I read this and stopped by my dollar store tonight and picked up 5.

My question for Garden web is what kind of plant is suitable for a 2.5 gallon pot?

I've got habeneros, cayenne, bell peppers and eggplants (plus tomatoes and squash but I'm assuming they're too small?

Is this size of pot big enough for an eggplant or pepper plant?

Home Depot has 18 Gallon Blue containers with handles for $5.97. They are very sturdy for the price

If you choose to use wood, please be aware that most wood is treated with preservers and other toxic substances that you don't want to grow food near. If you use plastic look for the recycling triangle on the bottom. The numbers 1,2 and 5 are relatively safe. Avoid #3 and 6 because they contain known carcinogens and/or unsafe chemicals. Good luck! (Hoping for a less dark and rainy Spring and Summer here in NY this year!)