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View Full Version : what are your creative cheap and resourceful sources for big pots?


tastyratz
08-10-2010, 11:27 PM
Right now I have a lot of different plants scattered in front of my house in bright blue 23 gallon (measured) laundry tubs from wal mart with convenient rope handles. Paid atleast a whole bank breaking $5.00 for them each.

This is the container forum. What were your bright ideas to make with the cheap?

Cut in half trash barrels? animal feed troughs? kiddie pools? lets hear it.
Nanners need wiggle room for their toes so the bigger they get the more resourceful you need to be.

1aday
08-11-2010, 10:00 PM
I use the laundry tubs too! And any Grip-Lip pots I can get (afford)

Richard
08-11-2010, 11:40 PM
I call the nursery wholesalers in southern California and find out who has the best deal going on 25 gal to 40 gal pots. Most of these places sell over-the-counter provided you order in advance. Two weeks ago I paid $4 each for 25-gallon black nursery pots. Last spring I paid $7 each for 40 gallon pots.

Tony (sunfish) knows a large landscape contracting firm that sells off (or gives away) pots left-over from a project, for example planting trees on a 15-mile stretch of freeway. These are in great shape and a real bargain.

Bob
08-12-2010, 04:58 AM
Here's a gros michel in an approximately25 gallon container meant to hold ice around a keg! I was able to buy several of them very inexpensively after labor day at the liquor store last year. The plastic is very strong and they should last for years.
http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss149/bob_075/DSCN0476.jpg

imclueless17
08-12-2010, 09:27 AM
Doesn't that pot look a tad small tho.....

Patty in Wisc
08-12-2010, 10:29 AM
Yeah, I would cut those 2 pups off & give more root space to mama.
I also have a few of those 'rope handle' big pots wich are great. If you want a really big pot, there is the 65 gallon 'jackpot' made of industrial strength weed barrier material...I have 2.

tastyratz
08-12-2010, 11:12 AM
I have never really liked the idea of floppy soft pots though. It just seems so... disposable.
I didnt know nursery suppliers had pots THAT cheap. I speculated it might be a hundred bux if I wanted one with the local ag supplier, and what I found online supported that. I wonder if that might be worth doing.

Bob
08-12-2010, 04:12 PM
Doesn't that pot look a tad small tho.....

Yeah, I would cut those 2 pups off & give more root space to mama.
I also have a few of those 'rope handle' big pots wich are great. If you want a really big pot, there is the 65 gallon 'jackpot' made of industrial strength weed barrier material...I have 2.

It's only going to spend this year in the pot and go in the ground next spring. The biggest pup is already in California and the next is going to Texas once it gets a bit bigger...
A 25 gallon size is great for first year plants, can be moved easily with a handtruck and they'll develop good sized yet manageable roots when you transplant them. If it were going to be in there permanently I'd go with something much larger but for me it's too much.

imclueless17
08-12-2010, 04:50 PM
well for your money I would personally go with a 100 gallon smart pot. You can get them for about $30 after shipping (before shipping they are $23). Good Luck. =)

Richard
08-12-2010, 06:21 PM
I didnt know nursery suppliers had pots THAT cheap. I speculated it might be a hundred bux if I wanted one with the local ag supplier, and what I found online supported that. I wonder if that might be worth doing.

You are looking for a business that supplies nurseries and wholesale growers. If you are in the southern California, try American Horticultural Supply or Farrand Enterprises. Otherwise contact the manufacturer (ITML) and inquire about a distributor near you.

The wholesale nursery world is mostly NOT online. Don't expect to find to many bargains on the internet.

well for your money I would personally go with a 100 gallon smart pot. You can get them for about $30 after shipping (before shipping they are $23). Good Luck. =)

Smart pots are a great way to kill plants. Customers bring them in all the time. Fungus and pests get into the water supply and kill the plants from the bottom up. It's the next worst thing to putting a layer of rocks in the bottom of your pots.

imclueless17
08-12-2010, 08:34 PM
What about these? Fanntum Nursery Containers by Fanntum Products, Inc: green horticultural growing containers for trees, shrubs, other plants (http://www.fanntum.com/index.html)

Richard
08-12-2010, 08:52 PM
What about these? Fanntum Nursery Containers by Fanntum Products, Inc: green horticultural growing containers for trees, shrubs, other plants (http://www.fanntum.com/index.html)

Just for comparison, factory pricing on a standard 25 gallon black nursery pot is about $1.30 (F.O.B.) and typical wholesale pricing is $4 to $7 depending on the season.

imclueless17
08-12-2010, 09:26 PM
Ok do you know where to get a 45 or 65 gallon nursery pot for that price or just under $30? because I cant seem to find one place that will sell even a 45 gallon pot for under about $30 online and ship. (other than smart pots or jackpots).

Richard
08-12-2010, 11:09 PM
Ok do you know where to get a 45 or 65 gallon nursery pot for that price or just under $30? because I cant seem to find one place that will sell even a 45 gallon pot for under about $30 online and ship. (other than smart pots or jackpots).

I answered that question in Post #10 (http://www.bananas.org/f311/what-your-creative-cheap-resourceful-sources-12284.html#post138463).

imclueless17
08-13-2010, 10:53 AM
These are a little pricey but its whatever floats your boat...Haviland Nursery Cans*::*Nursery Containers*::*Containers*::*J.R. Johnson Supply (http://www.jrjohnson.com/product.php?productid=16470&cat=270&page=1)

Richard
08-13-2010, 11:11 AM
These are a little pricey but its whatever floats your boat...Haviland Nursery Cans*::*Nursery Containers*::*Containers*::*J.R. Johnson Supply (http://www.jrjohnson.com/product.php?productid=16470&cat=270&page=1)

Those are available from wholesalers in the Los Angeles - San Bernardino area for $8.50 each.

tastyratz
08-13-2010, 12:05 PM
Tried looking for local nursery supplies on infospace.com but didn't find anything really local to me in nh.
Tried searching nursery, and horticultural. Better keywords to look by?

nullzero
08-19-2010, 02:12 PM
I have been using white plastic 30 gallon car wash drums. They are free and usually only store biodegradable liquid soaps in them. I wash the plastic drum and then cut off the top and drill several good sized drainage holes on the bottom. I then put some window screen mesh on the bottom. After doing that I spray paint the outside with gray, black, or white (depends if I want heat retained or reflection). I usually go with grey though.

The plastic is very sturdy and should last around 10 years. The container is also easy to move since its designed to be used with a drum dolly.

LilRaverBoi
08-19-2010, 02:52 PM
Here's a good site for nursery-style black plastic pots (http://www.growersupply.com/blowmolcon.html). Maybe not the 'creative' response the OP was looking for, but they are fairly decently priced and work well.

tastyratz
08-19-2010, 08:29 PM
sources are fine, although over 25 gallon its just not economical to get it shipped. That's the big driver to finding sources and creative ideas - Grow like crazy without spending like crazy.

imclueless17
08-19-2010, 08:46 PM
U can prolly get these at your local fred meyer Duratote® Wheeled Storage Box / Bin | 50 Gallon | Rubbermaid (http://www.rubbermaid.com/Category/Pages/ProductDetail.aspx?Prod_ID=RP091422)

Richard
08-20-2010, 12:09 AM
sources are fine, although over 25 gallon its just not economical to get it shipped. That's the big driver to finding sources and creative ideas - Grow like crazy without spending like crazy.

No need to have them shipped. Just do some old-fashioned research (not the internet) and determine who the agricultural wholesalers are in your county or neighboring county.

notrecruiting
01-20-2011, 11:57 PM
I keep all my plants inside for fear of bugs....so space is a bit limited. Is there a type of banana that can live in a cozy little pot inside, and still produce a nice fruit?

notrecruiting
01-21-2011, 12:05 AM
I have been using white plastic 30 gallon car wash drums. They are free and usually only store biodegradable liquid soaps in them. I wash the plastic drum and then cut off the top and drill several good sized drainage holes on the bottom. I then put some window screen mesh on the bottom. After doing that I spray paint the outside with gray, black, or white (depends if I want heat retained or reflection). I usually go with grey though.

The plastic is very sturdy and should last around 10 years. The container is also easy to move since its designed to be used with a drum dolly.

Do you just go to the local gas station with a carwash and give em your phone number and ask them to call when the soap runs out?

nullzero
01-21-2011, 12:58 AM
Do you just go to the local gas station with a carwash and give em your phone number and ask them to call when the soap runs out?

I have a friend that works at the car wash and gives me a heads up. They usually from what I seen store 2-3 before throwing away.. but every carwash may be different.

tucsonplumeriaz
02-21-2011, 07:04 PM
you can also check a local hospital for the 30-gal drums. they hold the soln used for cleaning surgical instruments. it helps to have a friend on the inside. that is, working at the hospital.

i plan to try a 25-gal smart pot this year. i am already using them in smaller sizes.

orinoko
05-21-2011, 11:57 AM
hydoponica.biz,

My son ordered three pots on thursday and they were delivered yesterday.... I could'nt believe it when the man was at the door from Royal mail with the pots.

They sell loads of garden things to do with Hydrphonics.

Gro lighting, Perlite etc.

Hydroponica - Growing Mediums (http://www.hydroponica.biz/growing-mediums.html)

:waving:

sandy0225
05-21-2011, 06:16 PM
Do you all have any cattle farms around there that use that supplement in tubs? That's what I have the big ice cream banana planted in. They are good and strong too.
Check with landscapers that install big trees. This time of the year there's usually several jobs going on that use trees in big pots, and you can usually get them for free or nearly so. I have a friend who is a landscaper who brings me all his pots 5 gal and up to the master gardener meetings and I pick them up out of his truck there.

sunfish
03-30-2013, 09:39 AM
http://www.amazon.com/Smart-Pots-400-Gallon-Soft-Sided-Container/dp/B0055F5PL4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_lg_6

Zanana
05-30-2013, 03:28 PM
Smart pots are a great way to kill plants. Customers bring them in all the time. Fungus and pests get into the water supply and kill the plants from the bottom up. It's the next worst thing to putting a layer of rocks in the bottom of your pots.

I had spent over an hour collecting rocks and then layering them with gravel between screens in a 45 gallon container. Then I read this lol. Thanks for the information, luckily I caught it before I added any soil :)

vitin6039
06-21-2013, 02:43 PM
I had spent over an hour collecting rocks and then layering them with gravel between screens in a 45 gallon container. Then I read this lol. Thanks for the information, luckily I caught it before I added any soil :)
Good thing you did not put rocks and here is why:

Question: Should I Put Gravel in the Bottom of My Container Gardens
The short answer is NO!
Answer:
There is a widely popular idea that putting gravel in the bottom of container gardens and planters is good for drainage. This isn't true and in fact, putting gravel into the bottom of pots reduces the capacity of potting soil to drain.

The problem is that water (and keep in mind here that physics isn't my strong suit) flows through similar textures and when it hits a different texture, gravel for example, the flow stops and the water backs up into the soil.

According to Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, "gravitational water will not move from a finely soil texture into a coarser material until the finer soil is saturated. Since the stated goal for using coarse material in the bottoms of containers is to “keep soil from getting water logged,” it is ironic that adding this material will induce the very state it is intended to prevent.

sunfish
06-21-2013, 03:03 PM
Good thing you did not put rocks and here is why:

Question: Should I Put Gravel in the Bottom of My Container Gardens
The short answer is NO!
Answer:
There is a widely popular idea that putting gravel in the bottom of container gardens and planters is good for drainage. This isn't true and in fact, putting gravel into the bottom of pots reduces the capacity of potting soil to drain.

The problem is that water (and keep in mind here that physics isn't my strong suit) flows through similar textures and when it hits a different texture, gravel for example, the flow stops and the water backs up into the soil.

According to Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, "gravitational water will not move from a finely soil texture into a coarser material until the finer soil is saturated. Since the stated goal for using coarse material in the bottoms of containers is to “keep soil from getting water logged,” it is ironic that adding this material will induce the very state it is intended to prevent.

I am no expert but gravel is used for drainage,french drains.Pretty sure you need a filter fabric between soil and gravel.

lkstapleton
06-26-2013, 09:14 PM
I convert plastic wheeled garbage cans into pretty nice-looking HUGE containers. I like the 48-gallon and 96-gallon sizes. I spray-paint them with metallic paint (bronze and copper) and then plant vines that run down and cover the logos. Because they are on wheels, they are easy to move, which is great when you hear a freeze is coming.

Lisa

vitin6039
06-26-2013, 10:27 PM
You definitively need to get in contact whit local landscaping contractors. Look for new construction sites and when you see workers planting trees and bushes go ask what they do with the containers. I looked locally and I got 50 containers 15, 25 and 35 gallons for $20.00 so about .40 each, can't beat that. The containers are not brand new but they look good. Look pictures for details.

treefrog
07-12-2013, 10:04 AM
55 gallon plastic barrels can be cut in half with a skill-saw. car-wash and car detailers buy their detergents and polishes in these barrels. they would probably save you some for five bucks each. rinse thouroughly.

Rebel
07-12-2013, 10:27 AM
I'm starting to use brake drums from 18 wheelers. Will post a pic shortly. keep in mind though,,due to weight,,where you put them is where they stay.

Snookie
07-12-2013, 10:29 AM
THIS

Out here in the country, it seems like many rednecks seem to move in and out of trailer parks all the time lol

Hence; find my answer to the question of CREATIVE, CHEAP and Resourceful solutions to big containers:08:

Somehow they seem to skip out on paying their garbage fee and leave behind the garbage receptacle's :woohoonaner:

I've called the companies to whom I assume they belong to so they will send someone to pick them up but never seem too:{

Eventually some other fine citizen decided to fill up these planters..uh I mean, pots...uh receptacles with beer cans and junk and just let it sit there:{

After some time I responsibly have the garbage removed and now STORE/Grow Banana plants and other items in them and patiently wait for the owners to come to get them lol still waiting :lurk:

So.....not suggesting just make a comment:}:2722:

Man they roll real easy too!

Peace B with U! Pic below is simply for visual effects lol

http://s16.postimg.org/a5i59d71h/Jan31_2010.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

Rebel
07-12-2013, 10:57 AM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=53656&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=53656&ppuser=16660)


http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=53656&size=1[/img][/url][/IMG]IMG]Here's a pic of an 18 Wheeler Brake Drum I am starting to use. Free from where I work but keep in mind,,,due to weight,,,where you place them is where they stay.http://www.bananas.org/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Brakedrum_Planter.jpg

You can see safety glasses laying in front for size comparison.

Having a little problem with posting from gallery,,how do I resize to make larger pic ??

Sorry about the format of this post,,,trying to get this pic posting correct,,may have it,,may not.LOL

sunfish
07-12-2013, 11:43 AM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=53656&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=53656&ppuser=16660)


http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=53656&size=1[/img][/url][/IMG]IMG]Here's a pic of an 18 Wheeler Brake Drum I am starting to use. Free from where I work but keep in mind,,,due to weight,,,where you place them is where they stay.http://www.bananas.org/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Brakedrum_Planter.jpg

You can see safety glasses laying in front for size comparison.

Having a little problem with posting from gallery,,how do I resize to make larger pic ??

Sorry about the format of this post,,,trying to get this pic posting correct,,may have it,,may not.LOL

That's great no need to add iron

Rebel
07-12-2013, 12:32 PM
That's great no need to add iron

lol,,,Guess that would be correct.. If you were to buy these at a salvage yard my guess would be around 8 bucks,,think they are paying scrap price of 10.00 per one hundreds pounds around my area but if local trucking company or city garage close by,,they may give them to you.

treefrog
07-12-2013, 12:43 PM
great re-cycling, rebel!

wanna bet there will never be an iron deficiency anywhere near
those puppies!

edit: sunfish, i just saw you beat me to it!

Rebel
07-12-2013, 01:17 PM
LOL,,,,No,,Shouldn't have any iron issues. Just hope I don't have to move any of these things.

lkstapleton
07-12-2013, 01:27 PM
That's a good idea. But is there a problem cleaning asbestos off of the brake drums? Do you just hose them off or ...?

Lisa

Rebel
07-12-2013, 02:04 PM
Checked with our Shop Mgr.and he confirmed,,no more asbestos used for brake shoes so all is good.

hope
08-03-2013, 04:18 PM
Sorry l'm late on this post. But when my city converted to trash cans on wheels l used my old trash cans for planting. I cut them in half or bigger if you want and drilled holes, added soil and presto-large pots. They still sell them in stores.

Lau
09-15-2013, 09:14 AM
Walmart sells a nice plastic bucket for $6.00. This Psiang Awak (Namva or Namwah) likes it. :goteam:

hope
09-15-2013, 09:51 AM
Thanks, that's good to know because I am always planting something.