Re: large plastic pots
 

Thank you Gabe. The pot I mentioned is ACTUAL 30 gal. I have nursery pots that they called 5 gal pots & have #5 printed on them (some) but they don't hold 5 gal. I also have plants in 5 gal buckets & those are actual 5 gal. It can be very confusing - as said at GW from your link. Seems like 5 or 10 gal nursery pots can be different at different nurseries. I have a 60 gal smart pot (fabric) but I will give my friend dimensions & let him figure the actual gallons it holds. I'll bet that european litre pots are different than our litre pots too. In Canada, 5 gallons (Imperial) is really same as our 6 gallons. Go figure!

Re: large plastic pots
 

U see now why I was so confused? :)
:woohoonaner:

Re: large plastic pots
 

I sure do!!

Re: large plastic pots
 

The attachment below an example that would reinforce what Gabe and Richard have stated about manufacturer size labeling. This is a page from the catalog of my aggie product supplier here in WA State. As an example, there are two models that are both labeled No. 25: (a)“No. 25-Grip Lip” and (b)“No. 25 Squat-Grip Lip”. Notice that (a) has a listed capacity of 27.58 Gal., while (b) is listed as 20.50 Gal. There are other similarly numbered pots with varying dimensions, but I just happen to have several of this particular size in my stock.

(a) is listed as 22 ¾” x 18”. Calculating for volume based on these dimensions, without regard to taper, the resulting volume is 31.675 Gal. If we factor in the 2-inch taper (I measured the top diameter to be 23” and the bottom diameter is 19”), the resulting volume will be 26.99 Gal.

The (b) version is listed as 22 ¾” x 13 ¹⁄8”. Calculating for volume based on these dimensions, without regard to taper, the resulting volume is 23.096 Gal. If we factor in the taper, the resulting volume will be even lower, 19.446 Gal.

Considering that, as Gabe pointed out, different manufacturers will have different labeling standards, this further adds to the confusion. In Patty’s example, “my pot as 23 x17high” (without taper), will calculate to 30.576 Gal. Then for her ‘55 gal rain barrel - drum is 22" across & 37" high’, using those dimensions, the actual volume calculates to 60.887 Gal.

Note: The above calculations are based on the following factors –
1. 1 Gallon is equal to 231 cubic inches
2. The walls of the containers are smooth and straight.
3. Actual soil volume calculated is from base to brim of the container.
4. Dimensions are measured from the interior.

Re: large plastic pots
 

This has become really interesting didn't expect it but info we all can use in the future. I would like to thank everyone who has helped. I am not good with math so never bothered to calculate the dimensions.

Thanks

alex

Re: large plastic pots
 

quote from Chong: "rain barrel - drum is 22" across & 37" high’, using those dimensions, the actual volume calculates to 60.887 Gal."
Thanks Chong, that sounds right... I forgot to say it is slightly tapered at top & bottom to make it 55 gal's.

Re: large plastic pots
 

The ANLA helped enact a law several years ago that basically says if you say you are selling a "one gallon" nursery stock plant, the container must be one gallon. This law went into effect in 2005.

The ANLA is making a push now to standardize pot sizes, which would be a good thing, in my opinion. Imagine that...pots being the size that they are supposed to be! WOW! LOL! :ha:

Frank

Re: large plastic pots
 

:woohoonaner::goteam: YEAY!

Re: large plastic pots
 

So do they get on them if its OVER the rating though? Then again how fine is the line? What about .999999998 gal would they get on you for that? ;)

Then again you could have a tiny little plant and mostly dirt so I'd rather have more plant and less dirt.

Re: large plastic pots
 

Going to a landscape contractor is the cheapest way to get large pots. They buy plants and trees and don't have a need for the pots. I went to my local contractor and got 50 (Max amount I could fit in my truck) for an incredible price of about .40 each. See picture below for details, they have hundreds more if you guys are near me and need the info PM me.

Re: large plastic pots
 

~ I am currently looking at a larger pot to help fruiting to happen this spring/summer on my SDC. My 20"x12" pot I believe is only around 16 gallons. I have a blueberry farmer friend who may have some access to some.

~ What are some opinions between plastic, clay and soft containers(like fabric)?

~ When I go through all the work of either repotting my current SDC or starting fresh with on of its pups in a larger pot for its eventual better chance of success at blooming I will be changing my soil choice as well at the same time. But that sounds like yet another whole research thread... :)

Re: large plastic pots
 

Many members use plastic landscape containers as mentioned in all the previous posts to this one, it seems to be the most economical choice.

I believe the container size by choice, used by the expert growers in more temperate zones is the 45 gallon size container. But these are heavy and not as portable as you will need them to be, but it is your best choice.
I have no experience with fibre pots.

Photo below are 55 gal drums cut at the 30 gal level for 2014 projects, drainage holes are not present in these photos.
Are they pretty .....no
Were they free and will they work....yes

Re: large plastic pots
 

Bananimal turned me on to JackPots. They are great, they air prune the roots and the plant grows quickly.

Legacy Nursery Products, LLC | JackPot

Re: large plastic pots
 

This pot looks interesting HydroFarm: Heavy Duty Pot 20 gal [eco-6019] - Pots / Containers - Discount Specialty Farm, Greenhouse, Garden & Hydroponics Supply Store - Horticulture Source

Re: large plastic pots
 

I buy new 25-gallon black plastic nursery pots from the local nursery supply warehouse (AHS) for $4 apiece. If you buy them by the pallet, the price is about 1/2 that.

Re: large plastic pots
 

I will definitely have to check out the local nurseries as well.

Re: large plastic pots
 

Ok, but when I said "nursery supply warehouse" I meant a company that sells to nurseries and farms.