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Tomatoes wont make it long in there. Note the Bottom Narrows as well. Put 1 plant per pot and see what happens. You can get away with 2 Pepper plants though. I would change the Soil too. Doesn't look that great but could be camera.
Is there 5-7hrs of sun in that spot?
Don't forget... DO NOT PUT GARDEN OR EARTH SOIL IN POTS! Gotta get Potting Soil or Organic Compost. The other will compress, compact, and not drain right.
Actually I exactly want to use normal yard soil. I had a yard of soil left over and had to use it. It would be 27 cu ft of bagged soil costing a lot. I may mix it with compost of something else. Do people mix mulch into the soil?
I don't want to be the rich hippy farmer who grown one tomato on the $200 cost basis. It has to be realistic and economical.
There is sun all day, as it is open to west and east, the fence faces south.
Actually I exactly want to use normal yard soil. I had a yard of soil left over and had to use it. It would be 27 cu ft of bagged soil costing a lot. I may mix it with compost of something else. Do people mix mulch into the soil?
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No on the mulch. The dye or chemicals will kill the plant and roots.
No on the extra yard soil left. Sorry. You will crush the roots after a while. Even if mixed with compost.
You can google it and find out more.
All compost is better then even a little yard soil. Sometimes towns offer free compost from the leaves they collect and turn into compost. Or just spend the money now buy the potting soil and benefit from it for years. Great investment.
So tomatoes require artificial soil? How did people grow tomatoes before 1978 (Home Depot was established)?
If I have to replace soil every year bought it at HD, and throw away 500LB of soil/waste... I think it kind of defeats the purpose. Growing vegetables to: save money, reduce waste (save the environment), get more fresh/ripen veggies (ok, this is still satisfied with shop-bought soil). Part of gardening would be something more sustainable then throwing away 500LB of soil every year. Part of the process would be to revitalize the soil and not throw anything away.
While I love the look of the concrete or terracotta planters, DH has put his foot down and I can't buy anymore. They are too heavy and I move planters around like some people move furniture. I too use plastic as they are cheap but I don't like anything shiny and I'm particular. I think I have a good combination of all these kinds of planters.
So tomatoes require artificial soil? How did people grow tomatoes before 1978 (Home Depot was established)
No, compost is organic. Very natural. Before 1978 most likely They didn't grow tomatoes in pots with earth soil in them or maybe they never did well anyway..
Like I said, Google it or try it. One important thing I don't know is how your ground soil is. If it's clay, forget it. If its sand or loam just mix with compost and see how it does.
And the potting soil they sell is "dirt", its just got fertilizer and organic material in them to help with the drainage. Not artificial.
So tomatoes require artificial soil? How did people grow tomatoes before 1978 (Home Depot was established)?
If I have to replace soil every year bought it at HD, and throw away 500LB of soil/waste... I think it kind of defeats the purpose. Growing vegetables to: save money, reduce waste (save the environment), get more fresh/ripen veggies (ok, this is still satisfied with shop-bought soil). Part of gardening would be something more sustainable then throwing away 500LB of soil every year. Part of the process would be to revitalize the soil and not throw anything away.
I am doing the same as Bulldogdad suggests: I did put the money into the soil this year: yes, it was pricey, but I will continue to use the same soil every year with adding a little here and there. As for saving money, that part may or may not be true, but the quality and convenience of what you grow is what draws most of us to home garndens. The other things are important as well.
The problem I've faced (and others I know) with using compost and "normal yard soil" in containers is that it compacts like concrete in a week, ESPECIALLY if you have clay soil, which is highly effective at reducing drainage and not allowing the roots the space they need to grow and strengthen. Potting mix (perhaps mixed with good compost), organic or not, is the best option for containers. I wouldn't recommend using 100% compost, either, as it will become a sopping, compacted mess quickly. Also, remember that containers are an enclosed environment with no access to the nutrients in the ground, so it will be up to you to maintain a healthy growing environment within the soil. Consistent watering will deplete the nutrients in your growing medium through drainage rather quickly, especially once the plants get large and begin producing, so be sure you're giving your plants the food they need on a regular basis.
Bagged soils from the store are not always the cheapest, but keep in mind that you can leave the soil in the containers for many years without needing to replace it - 8-10 years is about average. Purchasing a bag per season to "refresh" would be good. All of the information out on the web recommends using a good potting mix for containers, so I don't know why you wouldn't just go that route. If you're that opposed, just plant in the ground. Why go through the trouble of shoveling your yard into containers? Obviously, you're more than welcome to do what you wish, but the poor decision to simply use your yard soil will become apparent within a few days. You will not be happy. Again, you're dealing with containers and not in-ground - these are two completely different ways of growing and you will need to make adjustments accordingly.
Getting started with a garden is an investment in both time and money, large or small, and it's worth it to continue gathering information to make the best decision for your situation. Once the money side of the investment is complete (i.e. your garden is assembled), gardening will become less of an annual expense. I wouldn't necessarily say it will save you money in the long run unless you're fortunate enough to live in an area where you can grow enough food year-round without having to water or feed your plants. A tomato in the store is maybe $.50, but one you grow at home would be FAR more expensive if you actually factored in the cost of water, labor, materials, etc. Do it for the fun of it, not because you think it will save you money. You might be awfully disappointed in the end if that's the goal..
Enjoy it! Gardening is great fun and there is SO much to learn about all the different ways people garden! We all have our own way and we all love to share what we do. Take bits and pieces from what everyone tells you and formulate your own action plan! Share it with us once you get it all done!
im sorry I am also one of those women who moves planters more often than furniture but I do that while the husband is at work so he does nothing after he gets home ....sorry to the man who said he has to keep a handtruck at home while his wife decides where she wants everything and then moves it again ..You see I think when I see something that looks better somewhere else then it is getting moved it is just the way it is . OP that soil in those pots does not look good and will not give the proper moisture your plants will need ...go to home depot and get some soil aka potting mix and for god sake get your some 5 gal buckets and use those instead of those pots you have it will work much better .
The problem I've faced (and others I know) with using compost and "normal yard soil" in containers is that it compacts like concrete in a week, ESPECIALLY if you have clay soil, which is highly effective at reducing drainage and not allowing the roots the space they need to grow and strengthen. Potting mix (perhaps mixed with good compost), organic or not, is the best option for containers.
Yup.. the point I was trying to make too. Good advice. But I'm sure I read it somewhere myself and still did it. We all learn more from experience rather than reading sometimes.
One time I put an Oak seedling in a pot and filled it with dirt that was nearby. I figured, small pot, just fill it temporary with yard soil. I remember after short time, even with a little water, seeing the water puddle up at the top instead of draining down in the pot. One point I forgot what soil was in there and couldn't figure out why it wasn't draining.. Then it dawned on me. Goodbye Oak seedling. lol I knew it too, that was just a lazy thing. lol
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Obviously, you're more than welcome to do what you wish, but the poor decision to simply use your yard soil will become apparent within a few days. You will not be happy. Again, you're dealing with containers and not in-ground - these are two completely different ways of growing and you will need to make adjustments accordingly.
