Build A Tough Box Container Garden
Through my forum and Internet research I decided to try container gardening here in TX since 1) I am renting and 2) there is never any rain. I have quite a few Tough Box totes from Home Depot that I use to move instead of wasting money on cardboard boxes every time. So this will be the how-to to create my version of the Rubbermaid gardens seen around here. Please be critical if you think I can make something better or even different, I love new ideas.
Start with a 27 Gallon Tough Box from Home Depot or Lowes.
(side note: Home Depot and Lowes give 10% military discount)
http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/v...sman86/EB1.jpg
I purchased a $1 Betty Crocker colander from the dollar store to use as my wicking basket. Place it in the middle upside down and traced the outer edge. Draw a line inside that is the width of the colander lip, so that there is a guide to cut on later.
http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/v...sman86/EB2.jpg
Drill drainage holes with 5/16 drill bit. Doing this before cutting on the lid out saves hassle with trying to hold things while trying to drill or cut. Place the wicking basket in the box to get the height and then measure the length and width so that the top is cut to fit. Cut out the wicking basket hole and then around the edge of the lid.
http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/v...sman86/EB3.jpg
http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/v...an86/EB3-2.jpg
Clean up the edges and drain holes to prevent blockages.
http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/v...an86/EB3-1.jpg
Using 4" drain pipe cut into sections to support the platform. I cut the four closest to the wicking basket about 1/2" longer because I found the dirt squished them a little around the hole.Drain pipe is half the cost of using PVC pipe for supports.
http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/v...sman86/EB4.jpg
Cut a 24" piece of 2" PVC using an angle, prevent wasted material. 24" sections allow for an even 5 pieces from a 10' pipe. Cut a hole in the platform to insert the filler pipe into the reservoir.
http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/v...sman86/EB5.jpg
Once assembled drill a hole from the inside just below where the platform sits. Areas that get rain may need more drain holes to keep up with the wet weather.
http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/v...an86/EB5-1.jpg
Sifting and mixing some soil, compost, and peat moss. I found a guy that would fill the truck with a 70/30 dirt/compost until I said stop for $35.
http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/v...sman86/EB6.jpg
Fill the wicking basket with wet soil and pack down. Then fill the box with soil.
http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/v...sman86/EB7.jpg
Box all filled with soil and covered with plastic sheeting. Ready for planting...
http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/v...sman86/EB8.jpg
This method leaves very little waste once completed. I have seen this done with Rubbermaid containers, which may have to use the PVC for platform supports because Rubbermaid isn't as rigid of plastic as the Tough Box.
