We've decided that for this growing season, we didn't want to take the plunge and pay what it would cost to build raised beds. Instead, we decided to use the containers we had available to us. I bought quite a few Rubbermaid totes to use for moving, that were just sitting in a corner in a nice little stack. I put some holes in the bottoms and, Tada, mini raised garden bed.
I'm really hoping this works out. It's such a smaller garden than I've had in previous years and I'm really trying to squeeze a lot of production out of it. Like I said, I really have no idea what I'm doing.
Wanna see what I'm trying? Okay!!
Here's my entire "garden". Pretty classy, eh?
In these first two round buckets I have 2 pepper plants and 2 strawberry plants in one and tomatoes and carrot seeds in the other. The totes have cucumbers, onions and cabbages in one and zucchini and onions in the other. That little round planter has more peppers.
These next ones have tomatoes and onions in the totes on the left. Then there's more cucumbers, cabbages and onions and peppers and tomatoes. The big round one has 3 tomato plants that I had growing from the other house.
These last 2 totes I just prepared. I was getting antsy with only the planters that I had. I mean, there's so much that I want to grow and nowhere to grow them. I will be planting green beans and herbs in one and probably squash in the other, but I'm not committed yet.
So, what do you think? Am I totally going to regret not building beds? I'm already pretty sure the answer will be yes, but I have to at least try. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
5 comments:
I'm still envious! And if it works, that seems more doable for me and I might have to copy!
OK, so I'm just going to jump out and say it - what is wrong with at least planting and trying the beds that are there? They are not perfect but there are plenty of plants that require less than perfect soil that can at least be planted and tried. Use the gardening space that you have! Maybe you'll have to rely on more fertilizer and maybe you'll get nematodes, but at least it's space, and - seeds are cheap!
Go for nitrogen builders like beans and space eaters like sprawling pumpkins and squash. You could also partially bury those containers.... You will NOT regret trying!
Hey Barbie. Thanks for the comment. This yard doesn't have any beds or I would have totally used them. This house is a rental and we can't really change the yard. That's why I'm using the containers.
I actually think you might have some success, I just know I could never have drilled holes in perfectly good Rubbermaid totes--that's how weird I am. :) You, however, think outside the box, you are way more knowledgable and creative than you give yourself credit for, and for that, I bet you'll be rewarded with an abundant harvest! Can't WAIT to see how this works for you! (And I think the blue is pretty against the dark soil and green leaves!)
I hope it works out for you! Looks great!
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