Building/buying a container for a dwarf namwah?

crimzonian · 04-29-2020, 01:24 AM

I'm having trouble finding large pots suitable for a dwarf banana. I was looking for a 25-30 gallon, but it seems the only option for that might be an expensive whiskey barrel at the local home depot(And it may only be 20 gallons!) The local nursery only has 15 gallon pots.

I looked into building a box planter myself, but I lack the saws and drills needed and lumber is freakin' expensive! Yowch, that was kinda crushing.

What if I get an opaque plastic tote box, make some holes in the bottom, and fill it with potting mix? Home depot and walmart have some, but they are rectangular in shape. For example, there's a 35 gallon measuring 20x35x18 inches, or a 25 gallon measuring 21x31x15 inches. I don't suppose these longer boxes would be suitable for a dwarf namwah? If they are, they are the most affordable and by far the easiest option for me. If only they were more square and a few inches deeper.

Any other ideas?

cincinnana · 04-29-2020, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crimzonian

I'm having trouble finding large pots suitable for a dwarf banana. I was looking for a 25-30 gallon, but it seems the only option for that might be an expensive whiskey barrel at the local home depot(And it may only be 20 gallons!) The local nursery only has 15 gallon pots.

I looked into building a box planter myself, but I lack the saws and drills needed and lumber is freakin' expensive! Yowch, that was kinda crushing.

What if I get an opaque plastic tote box, make some holes in the bottom, and fill it with potting mix? Home depot and walmart have some, but they are rectangular in shape. For example, there's a 35 gallon measuring 20x35x18 inches, or a 25 gallon measuring 21x31x15 inches. I don't suppose these longer boxes would be suitable for a dwarf namwah? If they are, they are the most affordable and by far the easiest option for me. If only they were more square and a few inches deeper.

Any other ideas?

A great inexpensive source is your areas Craigslist.
Browse the free section and garden section or do a site wide search
55 gallon barrels can be found for 5-10 dollars in fantastic colors like blue, white and brown.
Just cut them in half or 3/4 and you have a great durable container.
Sidewalls are 1/4 inch UV resistant material.
Do a Youtube search and pick and choose what will work for you.

Plastic totes from the big box will fail when exposed to excessive sunlight over the summer. They are not UV resistant.
For short term they will work but sunlight causes them to deteriorate and become brittle.

edwmax · 04-29-2020, 07:15 AM

Also look for nurseries or landscapers that sell/plant trees. You may be able to get used tree nursery pot/totes for free or low cost. These are 25 gal to really big (100-150 gal) and have a lot of drain holes making them usable for anything else. Lowes & Home Depot might have used 25 gal & 35 gal large pots for free.

Here is a link for 65 gal pot at less than $30. Do a google search for 50 gal fabric nursery bags. These are about $15.

crimzonian · 04-29-2020, 05:13 PM

There's surprisingly not much for gardening stuff on craigslist in my area...But I did find someone selling red dragon fruit cuttings. That's tempting.

I'll probably get a big fabric grow pot, I didn't realize I could get one that big. I already found some raised fabric beds, that's interesting. Maybe I can construct a "frame" for a largish grow bag out of chicken wire to add support if I need to move it. Thank you!

Johnsk9 · 04-29-2020, 06:04 PM

Try smart pots they come in all sizes and they won't stay wet like plastic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWWwfLGlZAs

edwmax · 04-29-2020, 06:09 PM

I don't think you will need the chicken wire or a frame to move the bags. They have reinforced lilting straps.

Johnsk9 · 04-29-2020, 06:21 PM

I have used good grow bags or pot on many different plants and trees. I started using them with Brugmansia which are sensitive to being wet and Rott they work very well.

smeash · 05-03-2020, 05:45 AM

I second the suggestion of plastic 55 gal drums. If you have a company near by that operates diesel trucks (propane company, food delivery etc) they likely buy diesel exhaust fluid (urea) in bulk, and often will give you the plastic barrels free. Also check at a truck stop, car dealer etc.. pretty common thing to find, and the drums are durable and last a long time.

Mikemooreflorida · 05-03-2020, 10:28 AM

any nursery will be able to get you used or new large pots.

Akula · 05-03-2020, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smeash

... they likely buy diesel exhaust fluid (urea) in bulk, and often will give you the plastic barrels free.

That's interesting! Thanks!

crimzonian · 05-03-2020, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikemooreflorida

any nursery will be able to get you used or new large pots.

My local nurseries can't do better than 20 gallon pots, unfortunately.

gmichael403 · 05-03-2020, 12:52 PM

I have tried many pots...I have found making them is cheaper, and look better than .any pots. Many were just thrown together...1 2x4 cut for your corner posts, and wood I have used fence posts, and made some nicer...but functionality is key. Cost from 15 to 40 tops each...with 25 being average.Heres a pic of my namwah 2 summers ago..growth is 3 month or so. Other Misc. Pots as well.[IMG]

[/IMG]

Johnsk9 · 05-03-2020, 01:01 PM

they look great

cincinnana · 05-03-2020, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smeash

I second the suggestion of plastic 55 gal drums. If you have a company near by that operates diesel trucks (propane company, food delivery etc) they likely buy diesel exhaust fluid (urea) in bulk, and often will give you the plastic barrels free. Also check at a truck stop, car dealer etc.. pretty common thing to find, and the drums are durable and last a long time.

Me.....I checked out the op's craiglist .....

Barrels are abundant in that metropolitan area.
Average cost is 25.00 per .

cincinnana · 05-03-2020, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmichael403

I have tried many pots...I have found making them is cheaper, and look better than .any pots. Many were just thrown together...1 2x4 cut for your corner posts, and wood I have used fence posts, and made some nicer...but functionality is key. Cost from 15 to 40 tops each...with 25 being average.Heres a pic of my namwah 2 summers ago..growth is 3 month or so. Other Misc. Pots as well.[IMG]

[/IMG]

Glad you posted......

The boxes you make are perfect.

gmichael403 · 05-03-2020, 08:29 PM

Thank you Mike..I potted this Brazil today in a barrel I got at HD for 35...typically they are 45, but..they go on sale often. I had a Brazil fruit in this same barrel..was 3 yrs old. They make great pots. [IMG]

[/IMG]

Allfoliagenofruit · 05-07-2020, 09:37 AM

If you decide to go the fabric route a company called grassroots fabric pots sells some enormous fabric pots up to 600 gallons online. I bought some 65 gallon ones for $14.95 each but haven't used them yet since I would never be able to move them once I fill them. They do seem very tough and durable.

geissene · 05-07-2020, 07:58 PM

Squirrels chew holes in the sides of my fabric pots! I also have to water the fabric pots more because they dry out quicker...

Some trade offs, but I'm going back regular plastic pots moving forward. Just my opinion.

Erik

jbclem · 06-01-2020, 05:29 AM

Look for pot grower supply stores in your area, they're sometimes called hydroponic stores. The ones in my area, Los Angeles, usually have larger plastic pots in stock or are happy to order what you want. They are very competitive, pricewise, offering 20-30% discounts...probably because there are so many of these stores here in California. Injection molded containers are stronger, and last longer, than the cheaper thinner plastic containers. But both types work.

Backyard Banana Joe · 06-01-2020, 07:04 AM

Or you could just use an old hot tub

04-29-2020, 01:24 AM	#1 (permalink)
crimzonian Find me on the map! Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 13 BananaBucks : 1,909 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 2 Times Was Thanked 9 Times in 7 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Building/buying a container for a dwarf namwah? I'm having trouble finding large pots suitable for a dwarf banana. I was looking for a 25-30 gallon, but it seems the only option for that might be an expensive whiskey barrel at the local home depot(And it may only be 20 gallons!) The local nursery only has 15 gallon pots. I looked into building a box planter myself, but I lack the saws and drills needed and lumber is freakin' expensive! Yowch, that was kinda crushing. What if I get an opaque plastic tote box, make some holes in the bottom, and fill it with potting mix? Home depot and walmart have some, but they are rectangular in shape. For example, there's a 35 gallon measuring 20x35x18 inches, or a 25 gallon measuring 21x31x15 inches. I don't suppose these longer boxes would be suitable for a dwarf namwah? If they are, they are the most affordable and by far the easiest option for me. If only they were more square and a few inches deeper. Any other ideas?

04-29-2020, 07:15 AM	#3 (permalink)
edwmax Location: Cairo, Ga Find me on the map! Zone: 8b Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 2,610 BananaBucks : 57,045 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 1,620 Times Was Thanked 4,084 Times in 1,911 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 393 Times	Re: Building/buying a container for a dwarf namwah? Also look for nurseries or landscapers that sell/plant trees. You may be able to get used tree nursery pot/totes for free or low cost. These are 25 gal to really big (100-150 gal) and have a lot of drain holes making them usable for anything else. Lowes & Home Depot might have used 25 gal & 35 gal large pots for free. Here is a link for 65 gal pot at less than $30. Do a google search for 50 gal fabric nursery bags. These are about $15. __________________

04-29-2020, 05:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
crimzonian Find me on the map! Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 13 BananaBucks : 1,909 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 2 Times Was Thanked 9 Times in 7 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Building/buying a container for a dwarf namwah? There's surprisingly not much for gardening stuff on craigslist in my area...But I did find someone selling red dragon fruit cuttings. That's tempting. I'll probably get a big fabric grow pot, I didn't realize I could get one that big. I already found some raised fabric beds, that's interesting. Maybe I can construct a "frame" for a largish grow bag out of chicken wire to add support if I need to move it. Thank you!

04-29-2020, 06:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
Johnsk9 JohnsK9 Location: Charlotte County ,Fl Zone: 10 Name: John LaTorre Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 156 BananaBucks : 25,555 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 180 Times Was Thanked 388 Times in 121 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 27 Times	Re: Building/buying a container for a dwarf namwah? Try smart pots they come in all sizes and they won't stay wet like plastic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWWwfLGlZAs

04-29-2020, 06:09 PM	#6 (permalink)
edwmax Location: Cairo, Ga Find me on the map! Zone: 8b Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 2,610 BananaBucks : 57,045 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 1,620 Times Was Thanked 4,084 Times in 1,911 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 393 Times	Re: Building/buying a container for a dwarf namwah? I don't think you will need the chicken wire or a frame to move the bags. They have reinforced lilting straps. __________________ Last edited by edwmax : 04-29-2020 at 07:19 PM.

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04-29-2020, 06:21 PM	#7 (permalink)
Johnsk9 JohnsK9 Location: Charlotte County ,Fl Zone: 10 Name: John LaTorre Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 156 BananaBucks : 25,555 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 180 Times Was Thanked 388 Times in 121 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 27 Times	Re: Building/buying a container for a dwarf namwah? I have used good grow bags or pot on many different plants and trees. I started using them with Brugmansia which are sensitive to being wet and Rott they work very well.

05-03-2020, 05:45 AM	#8 (permalink)
smeash Location: Ft Walton Beach FL Find me on the map! Zone: 9a Join Date: Feb 2020 Posts: 367 BananaBucks : 6,035 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 226 Times Was Thanked 483 Times in 248 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 35 Times	Re: Building/buying a container for a dwarf namwah? I second the suggestion of plastic 55 gal drums. If you have a company near by that operates diesel trucks (propane company, food delivery etc) they likely buy diesel exhaust fluid (urea) in bulk, and often will give you the plastic barrels free. Also check at a truck stop, car dealer etc.. pretty common thing to find, and the drums are durable and last a long time.

05-03-2020, 10:28 AM	#9 (permalink)
Mikemooreflorida Location: Charlotte County FL Zone: 10 Join Date: Aug 2019 Posts: 296 BananaBucks : 5,064 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 2 Times Was Thanked 225 Times in 104 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Building/buying a container for a dwarf namwah? any nursery will be able to get you used or new large pots. __________________ Current species going: Dwarf Cavendish first home depot purchase, Apple Mansano TC unconfirmed, Rajapuri TC unconfirmed, Gold Finger TC unconfirmed, Dwarf Namwa TC CONFRIMED, Dwarf Orinoco TC unconfirmed, Sweetheart FHIA-3 CONFIRMED, Tall Red banana CONFIRMED, Blue Java CONFIRMED, Tall Namwa CONFIRMED, Pisang Raja unconfirmed, Hua Moa unconfirmed, Dwarf Brazilian unconfirmed, High Gate unconfirmed, Dwarf Green unconfirmed, Kokopo unconfirmed, FHIA-17 CONFIRMED, Dwarf Plantain CONFIRMED.

05-03-2020, 12:52 PM	#12 (permalink)
gmichael403 Location: Oklahoma Zone: 7a Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 207 BananaBucks : 14,937 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3 Times Was Thanked 283 Times in 76 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Building/buying a container for a dwarf namwah? I have tried many pots...I have found making them is cheaper, and look better than .any pots. Many were just thrown together...1 2x4 cut for your corner posts, and wood I have used fence posts, and made some nicer...but functionality is key. Cost from 15 to 40 tops each...with 25 being average.Heres a pic of my namwah 2 summers ago..growth is 3 month or so. Other Misc. Pots as well.[IMG][/IMG]

05-03-2020, 01:01 PM	#13 (permalink)
Johnsk9 JohnsK9 Location: Charlotte County ,Fl Zone: 10 Name: John LaTorre Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 156 BananaBucks : 25,555 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 180 Times Was Thanked 388 Times in 121 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 27 Times	Re: Building/buying a container for a dwarf namwah? they look great

05-03-2020, 08:29 PM	#16 (permalink)
gmichael403 Location: Oklahoma Zone: 7a Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 207 BananaBucks : 14,937 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3 Times Was Thanked 283 Times in 76 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Building/buying a container for a dwarf namwah? Thank you Mike..I potted this Brazil today in a barrel I got at HD for 35...typically they are 45, but..they go on sale often. I had a Brazil fruit in this same barrel..was 3 yrs old. They make great pots. [IMG][/IMG]

05-07-2020, 09:37 AM	#17 (permalink)
Allfoliagenofruit Location: Palm Beach County Florida Zone: 10b Join Date: Jan 2020 Posts: 31 BananaBucks : 2,032 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 17 Times Was Thanked 40 Times in 16 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1 Times	Re: Building/buying a container for a dwarf namwah? If you decide to go the fabric route a company called grassroots fabric pots sells some enormous fabric pots up to 600 gallons online. I bought some 65 gallon ones for $14.95 each but haven't used them yet since I would never be able to move them once I fill them. They do seem very tough and durable.

05-07-2020, 07:58 PM	#18 (permalink)
geissene Location: Pennsylvania Zone: 6 Name: Erik Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 464 BananaBucks : 62,986 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 272 Times Was Thanked 885 Times in 288 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 16 Times	Re: Building/buying a container for a dwarf namwah? Squirrels chew holes in the sides of my fabric pots! I also have to water the fabric pots more because they dry out quicker... Some trade offs, but I'm going back regular plastic pots moving forward. Just my opinion. Erik

06-01-2020, 05:29 AM	#19 (permalink)
jbclem Junior Member jbclem's Photo Gallery Location: Topanga Canyon, Ca. (Zone 9b) Find me on the map! Zone: 9b Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 56 BananaBucks : 28,826 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 21 Times in 16 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Building/buying a container for a dwarf namwah? Look for pot grower supply stores in your area, they're sometimes called hydroponic stores. The ones in my area, Los Angeles, usually have larger plastic pots in stock or are happy to order what you want. They are very competitive, pricewise, offering 20-30% discounts...probably because there are so many of these stores here in California. Injection molded containers are stronger, and last longer, than the cheaper thinner plastic containers. But both types work.

06-01-2020, 07:04 AM	#20 (permalink)
Backyard Banana Joe Location: Orange County, FL Find me on the map! Zone: 9B Join Date: Jul 2019 Posts: 1,191 BananaBucks : 34,330 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 6,016 Times Was Thanked 1,537 Times in 767 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 155 Times	Re: Building/buying a container for a dwarf namwah? Or you could just use an old hot tub

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