Linked some previous discussions on container size below. I think you'll find that 5 gallons is the smallest recommend. Personally I won't use any that small so I wouldn't use any of the sizes you have listed. I much prefer and have much better results with a minimum of 10 gallon size, especially since most of your varieties listed are indeterminate type plants (Patio is the exception).

Maintaining proper soil moisture levels and nutrient levels in a container are challenging enough without adding a small container size to the mix. ;)

JMO

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Container size discussions

Thanks, Dave. That's very helpful, 10 gal.

I'm going to put myself out there and say that when it comes to measurements, I don't have a clue. How many gallons are the sizes I listed? Smaller than 5? They seemed big to me! :) Maybe I'll use them for my herbs, or other veggies??

Most pots are marked, often on the bottom, how many quarts of potting soil they hold. It depends on the shape and depth to a large degree but an average height, 20" diameter pot holds approx. 5-6 gallons of mix.

5 gallon plastic buckets with holes in the bottom are used by some growers using a drip irrigation and feeding system. Also search 'Earthtainer" here for lots of photos on how to make your own self-watering containers for tomatoes.

Dave

Got it! Thank you Soo much! I've seen pictures of Earth boxes and buckets w/ the self watering systems and they are very cool. I might just try to make one. :)

Beware that the nursery industry lies...

Uhhh, gee thanks. :(

But, "lies", no. That is an unfair statement. Dry gallons and liquid gallons aren't the same amount. 1 gallon, dry = 1.1636 gallons, liquid

So what you are seeing in the nursery industry is a liquid gallon label since that is the U.S. Customary usage but which actually hold the equivalent dry gallon measurement of a dry material like potting soil.

A 5 gallon nursery pot will hold 5 gallons of water (if you plug up the drain holes) it just won't hold 5 gallons of potting soil.

A 5 gallon paint bucket (liquid) = 4.3 dry gallons. Or approx. 4 dry gallons of soil if not filled to the rim.

Dave

If you grow indeterminate plants in a 5 gal bucket, one problem is that when they start getting tall a strong gust of wind can easily tip them over.

I'd use something with a wider bottom for stability and more room for root growth.

Here are some standard nursery size containers. Notice the soda can at lower right for reference.

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The dimensions are:

Width x Height
25 gallon = 24 in x 18 in
15 gallon = 18.25 x 16
7 gallon = 14 x 12
5 gallon = 12 x 11
3 gallon = 10.7 x 9.25
2 gallon = 8.5 x 8.5
1 gallon = 7.5 x 6.5

Not sure about the other varieties. The Patio should be fine. My Mr. Stripey tomato is trying to take over my garden!! He's gigantic!!

http://www.curbly.com/users/diy-maven/posts/1620-how-to-make-an-upside-down-tomato-planter

Companion Planting basil, carrots, and borage in the top can help with pests

Here is a link that might be useful: curbly

This post was edited by VallyOfTheWind on Thu, May 2, 13 at 16:12

^Those upside down planters are gimmicky; I don't think any serious tomato grower would use one.

I've always had better success growing tomatoes in-ground. My container planted ones DO produce, but not nearly as prolifically.

It is definitely more attractive than the Topsy Turvey things and it likely holds more potting mix than they do too. Since Chello is a determinate variety it might do okay for awhile until it gets root bound.

Good luck with it.

Dave

Since I first posted this question in 2010 I have moved to a house with a big huge garden with plenty of space for veggies. No topsy turveys for me. :)

I have a couple big gardens myself and still enjoy growing some in pots.
Indeterminate's...25gal. nursery pots work well for me, you can use smaller but need to feed and water more. I like some time to myself. lol

This post was edited by pasco on Thu, May 2, 13 at 20:05

I had BAD experiences with those 5 gl. buckets from Home Depot: short, thin plants, no fruits. Maybe I over-watered, maybe I made too few holes at the bottom of the bucket, maybe the soil was not fluffy enough, maybe⦠Anyway, IâÂÂm not going to use those buckets anymore.

I had EXCELLENT results with BIG

So, everything will go in the ground, where ALWAYS everything was fine.