How do I make this container work for plants?

LaurieLovesLearning

I have had this lovely container for many years. Twice, I tried planting plants in it (grown herbs the second round). Twice, it failed to work well.

I found that any water I gave it poured out the top sets of holes. If I was lucky, it made its way down to the second level & out. Needless to say if anything continued to grow, it became spindly. Most often, it just died.

So I am on here, asking you wise folk, how to make it work once & for all.

I would also be open to alternative uses if anyone can think of any.

RustBeltCowgirl

I'm thinking maybe something with a center core tube and PVC piping every other set of holes. Think of one of those strawberry containers.

Lisa K

How about a grow bad type container that you can cut out holes to fit the holes in the bucket and use it like @RustBeltCowgirl for strawberries?

Torey

I think the central pipe idea is a good one. You could drill small holes in it, like a weeping hose. That would let water trickle out of each tiny hole into the level around it.

shllnzl

I like the looks of that container -- I would be trying to use it too. It's hard to tell how tall it is, but I would be inclined to put a pot with soil in the bottom and use the container for support of vine plants like squash or beans, or peas... The vines could seek sunlight by growing out of the holes, which would make for easier harvest.

LaurieLovesLearning

I will have to try the pipe idea. I think that I had tried a pop bottle, and that had issues...it was either in this container or another one. Maybe I had done something wrong. It's been a while.

@shllnzl The container is 17" tall.

It would be best suited to strawberries, herbs or flowers. I'm not sure what else.

karenjanicki

I think that's really pretty. Honestly if it were me I would just put another container inside it for my plant to keep the aesthetic.

karenjanicki

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/898364#Comment_898364

Oh that's a great idea!

LaurieLovesLearning

@karenjanicki I know! It is such a simple piece, yet so very pleasing to the eye.