2 questions???

ok, I have a damn near unlimited supply of these 7 gal. trash cans (all new).. Would these be ok to grow in, all the way to harvest? Also, when I transplant, should I have the soil the plants are currently in wet or dry? peace

If you have the room to use them then go ahead and grow in them, I'd just go ahead and fill them up with dirt and grow from seedling to harvest without the need to transplant.

In case you are wondering I recommend

organic pro mix for soil $8 a bag

would you suggest drilling drainage holes in the very bottom or on the sides near the bottom?

the only thing you need to do is drill holes on the bottom so extra water can drip out instead of staying on the bottom, which causes root rot. They seem to be big enough to hold till harvest. When you transplant, make sure that the soil in both containers are dry. When you transplant into the bigger container, soak the whole container, while making sure the excess water is properly drained. then let dry completely so the roots will branch out and reach for water, thus creating a strong base. then you can return to your normal watering schedule.

When transplanting soil in the pot being removed should be soaked until water is coming out of the drain holes. Than when its transplanted water the new soil too and you should be good.

You can drill holes in the bottom for drainage if you think you are going to water too much, if you can stick with once a week you shouldn't have a problem with too much water in the bottom, If you want you can get a plastic bolt and drill a hole at the bottom and then if you think you need to drain it you can remove the plastic bolt and see if anything comes out plus you have control of where it drains at. Or you may choose a rubber grommet and a fitting form the plumbing section. you have a few options, the rubber grommet will tell you what size hole to drill, you may have to get it from the electrical dept. though.

Also I'd get some miracle grow carbon and mix in the bottom with some soil so the water that does make it to the bottom will stay fresh. You can also use activated carbon from the fish store but it is moe expensive.

think2toke said:

When transplanting soil in the pot being removed should be soaked until water is coming out of the drain holes. Than when its transplanted water the new soil too and you should be good.

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You guys fargin rock!! thanks for the advise!!!

I have a bunch of those hydroton pebble thingies, should I throw an inch or so in the bottom?

i couldnt go to my grow room every morning and face plants growing outa sanitary towel bins lol.

nuudle said:

I have a bunch of those hydroton pebble thingies, should I throw an inch or so in the bottom?

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You can if you want it won't hurt anything, I'd still get sme carbon though.

I'd also go with the rubber grommet and then you can get a 90 degree plumbing fixture and some clear tubing and tape it to the side of the can and if there is any water in the bottom you'll be able to see it in the tubing. I'd probably get a 3/8" or 1/2" grommet. Also if you need to drain it you can rotate the 90 degree plumbing fixture and let the water run out the tube.

la9 said:

You can if you want it won't hurt anything, I'd still get sme carbon though.

I'd also go with the rubber grommet and then you can get a 90 degree plumbing fixture and some clear tubing and tape it to the side of the can and if there is any water in the bottom you'll be able to see it in the tubing. I'd probably get a 3/8" or 1/2" grommet. Also if you need to drain it you can rotate the 90 degree plumbing fixture and let the water run out the tube.

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Now thats a killer idea! Guess i know what i'll be doing after work tomorrow

Also i wouldn't fill the cans up all the way with soil, so when they sprout, if you plant the seed in there to begin with. you can add soil up to the first set of leaves to help strengthen it as it grows.