well I"ve got 4 barrels cut this way that I intend to use. But not below ground, I planned to just support them with something in front and behind each one so that they dont tip.

I've considered a bunch of different things to put in them including new blueberry plants or I may end up putting strawberries in them. But when I first decided to use these barrels, I was thinking about anything could be planted in them, ie: herbs, greens, spinach, lettuce, carrots, beets, chard etc. any of which I think could easiy grow in them. they are plenty deep for most veggies. I'm still researching how well blueberries would do, they many not be quite deep enough for those. But I would also consider cutting bigger drain holes directly below the plants, so that deeper roots from the BB could go into the soil below if they so desired. The remaining soil could be controlled to provide the proper pH. And it gives them more surface area for roots than say a 1/2 whiskey barrel, which is another container I considered for them.

YOU CAN PLANT LETTUCE IN 4 INCH CONTAINERS , SO WITH THE COST OF CONTAINER MIX I WOULD USE THE BARRELS FOR TOMATOES, PEPPERS, SQUASH ETC. I USE 4 TO 6 INCH CONTAINERS FOR ALL MY GREENS. HOPE THIS HELPS. BILL

I can think of many applications for these. There is another thread around here where they are cut in half lengthwise. You can also make self-watering containers out of them. Or just bury them 1-242 inches or so to keep soil cooler and grass out. That's a lot of soil volume and I agree with billtex (no all caps please!) that much larger plants can grow here. You can direct seed or transplant, the biggest limitation is your imagination. Search the forums here and you'll see.

Sounds like a lot of fun.

Dan

dan, what do you think about BB's? would they work in these? deep enough for the bigger anchor roots? enough surface space for the top roots?

Thanks for the information. I was wondering about the size and thinking that they were much larger than they needed to be.

I already have 1- 1 1/4 acres in production. I was just wanting to get some produce off the ground so it would be easier to harvest and avoid the grass and weeds.

What would you use for a growing medium?

Thanks!

Rjinga,

If you cut in half, you might be pushing it if you make a SWC (probably want to cut maybe 1/3) as the reservoir will be impeding your soil depth. Otherwise IMO its a good way to control acidity-nutrition. I'd put a woven landscape fabric/mat in addition to your mulch for moisture retention as well.

Dan

I'd second the comment that lettuce doesn't need much depth.

I'm using dishpans now that are about 4". Under lights in my second bedroom window. Since I will doing balcony gardening I've been wondering if a plastic underbed box might work.

The lights have done wonders on growth. Plus since they are n the room with the computer they get watered regularly.

I recommend Salad Bowl. The only other one I've gotten a good sample of is Red Sails. Spinach and another type of lettuce ware coming up and might be eatable in the near future.

I think the mache is getting sunburned but the rest seems to like it.

Don't know what the gnats think they are doing.

Alice