Uses for 5 gal home depot buckets

[Serenitys-garden]

So I grew up collecting 5 gal buckets where they appeared, washed them, and used them for chores. I bought a couple home depot buckets for a spinach tower but until it is warmer I was using them to haul water for the ducks. Now I read that only food grade buckets can be used for plants, water, and feed because of toxins leaching from the plastic. Is this a real danger for growing plants or hauling water? I understand using food grade for a chicken waterer with the cups since that water will stay there.

 

[638858]

Depends on who you ask.. if being left in the sun for long periods of time (same with water jugs and water bottles) with water in it a HD bucket may leech toxins into the water, but if the water is just being transported it is not an issue, growing plants in Home Depot buckets is perfectly fine, I’ve done it for 15 years.. provide plenty of drainage hole in the bottom, 5 holes at least 1/2 inch diameter minimum.. in the bottom not in the side.. if the water is not stored in the bucket long term don’t worry about it.

 

[638858]

Brand new buckets work great for growing food, I wouldn’t use buckets you find along the roadside, not knowing what they were used for previously..

 

[Serenitys-garden]

Awesome! Thanks! I do have an old drywall bucket, but that is for carrying gardening tools only. The plants are beautiful. Do you use a potting soil? I read that garden soil is too heavy. We have clay soil here so I am making raised beds to sit on top. The 3 I have did great, logs in the bottom to compost. I just need more and wanted some veggies on the deck closer to the kitchen.

 

[WIchickMama]

I use them for potatoes and tomato plants!

 

[638858]

Awesome! Thanks! I do have an old drywall bucket, but that is for carrying gardening tools only. The plants are beautiful. Do you use a potting soil? I read that garden soil is too heavy. We have clay soil here so I am making raised beds to sit on top. The 3 I have did great, logs in the bottom to compost. I just need more and wanted some veggies on the deck closer to the kitchen.

I make my own compost, and always add perlite to loosen soil in containers, it does get compacted very easily.

 

[Serenitys-garden]

I use them for potatoes and tomato plants!

Cherry tomatoes or full size? I plan on doubling my count of romas this year.

 

[Serenitys-garden]

I make my own compost, and always add perlite to loosen soil in containers, it does get compacted very easily.

Good. I have a pile I am working on. Thanks!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

"The Dosage is the Poison".

And no, the dosage is unlikely to matter over the lifespan of your chickens. Not sure what, or where, you read - but EVERYTHING is dangerous. EVERY SINGLE THING.

If dosing information isn't being provided (exposure, timeframe), then its most likely alarmism intended to advance a political aim - such as reducing reliance on fossil fuels/petroleum products.

However laudible those goals may (or may not) be, I don't find them well served by misrepresentations, "errors" of ommision, and emotional appeals. Understanding that none of us are getting out alive, the only way to *effectively* manage risks are to discuss them honestly, in ways that they can be compared and weighed agaisnt one another.

 

[WIchickMama]

Cherry tomatoes or full size? I plan on doubling my count of romas this year.

I do both!