Anybody using 55-gallon drums for planting?

[NewGen]

I may have access to a couple. Not sure about long term suitability for planting. For sure it'll be immovable without mechanized means. Maybe I can cut it off in half to make it easier to handle. If I get them, I'll make a ton of holes for drainage, and let the roots go to the soil below. Since it's so large, a potting mix that's long lasting is a must. Would like to hear feedback on anybody who's planting in large containers. Thanks,

[wonderfruit]

I bought a lot of them..Each one $ 10. They are strong and huge. Cheap for the size. So far I only have one breadfruit in those pots. But I am using them as wall in low greenhouse

[dragon]

I bought a lot of them..Each one $ 10. They are strong and huge. Cheap for the size. So far I only have one breadfruit in those pots. But I am using them as wall in low greenhouse

 Can you share where you got it and how many gallons. My husband bought me 30 gallons in bulk is about 17 each.

[DimplesLee]

HDPE barrels lose their shape when cut in half - plastic too soft. Steel barrels just get a good rubberized paint and coat both inside, outside and along the drainage holes or else it corrodes quickly.

[DimplesLee]

This is a good idea - doable for IBCs as well - quite a task for DIY if only one person would be doing it, speaking from experience.


https://m.facebook.com/pg/myurbanfarmenterprises/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1605645946399487

[JonathonForester]

I bought a lot of them..Each one $ 10. They are strong and huge. Cheap for the size. So far I only have one breadfruit in those pots. But I am using them as wall in low greenhouse

Also curious,  thats an amazing price!

[wonderfruit]

Here in Broward, Florida, originally are filled with liquid soap. And a employee sells them

[wonderfruit]

I found him in local craiglist, and offerup

[Bananaizme]

    Trung

 I had a friend who farmed pistachios and also played around with different fruits in containers. He grew 3 white sapote trees in barrels for awhile . fortunately for him he had a forklift and could move them easily when needed . My guess would be that if you cut them in half they would be close to a 25 gallon sized pot. Eventually he planted the trees in the ground. I have fruited 1000 finger banana in a half poly barrel, so it is possible to fruit some things in these.

 William

[abimael777]

Regards, I have planted this Grumichama tree in 2/3 of a 55-gallon dron, I made a lot of holes for it, but I put a stone in the bottom so that the roots would not come out, make good compost with soil and rise well Quick


Cambuca tree in 2/3 of a 55 gallons dron

[Bananaizme]

    Abimael 777

 That's a nice looking grumichama! What do you feed it with ?  What did you use for potting mix ? I have a small plant that I want to start fertilizing soon and probably up pot before the summer is over.

 William

[abimael777]

Hi William
I use a mixture of compost, soil and river sand. At first the tree did not like the sun but got used to it and then it grew too fast, I still have not made another food he did not need it.

[Bananaizme]

    Abimael 777

 Thanks for the info. I read that they like a slightly acidic soil to be really healthy and happy. I was curious weather a camilla mix with some sand/bark composition would be good for growth ? I also have several  acid type fertilizers that I could apply. Just trying to figure out a strategy to get the maximum growth this summer.

 William

 

[wonderfruit]

I .checked with the guy who sell drums and he sells the white ones  now for 20. It seems there is a high demand. Few months ago it was only 10. He sells also the red ones for olives with lids for 30.

[abimael777]

Hi William
Yes, the Grumichama tree like a slightly acidic soil, I was not checked the Ph of the soil, but I think it was the compost that is a little acid. It is a compound that sell here in the company of aqueducts and that they make of the waste of the treated water.