Continuing the discussion about the importance of the often underestimated 5 gallon buckets at home, we are now revealing how we can make the best use of these buckets in the garden.

Ace pots

Although the appearance of 5 gallon buckets may not look as charming as real garden pots, they are very functional and more economical. Good quality 5-gallon pails cost between $ 3 and $ 6; which is nothing compared to the price of gardening pots. With a little preparation, the cubes can be instantly turned into pots.

All you have to do is punch the bottom of the 5 gallon buckets with ½ or ¼ inch holes to allow the water to drain. 10 to 15 holes are enough for 5 gallon pails. The next thing is to fill the buckets with good quality potting soil and fertilizer. You are now ready to plant.

If you are interested in enhancing the appearance of your modest 5 gallon buckets, you may want to spend more time before backfilling. Get some paint in the color that you like best, paint the cubes, add some accents with different colors of paint, and dry it completely. Remember to paint only on the outside side for garden vegetables and herbs. You don’t want the vegetables you grow to take up the chemical from the paint, as you will eat them later.

Another advantage of having 5 gallon garden buckets is that it is extremely practical. You can move the pots wherever and whenever you want. If the growing season is over, you can pile them up and store the soil for the next gardening season, or you can simply move them indoors if the plant thrives to survive there. The 5 gallon buckets also make it difficult for animals like rabbits to destroy your plants.

Now you not only have an inexpensive way to grow your herbs and plants, but also creative and practical ways.

As compost bins

Compost plays an important role in the life of a plant. Good homemade compost plays an even bigger role in the environment. Interestingly, your 5 gallon plastic buckets can help make this happen. As a composting container.

First, you need to drill ¼-inch holes around the sides of the bucket. This will allow air circulation and water drainage. Cover the bottom of the bucket with dry leaves and soil. After that, throw your table scraps like veggies, napkins, eggshells, coffee grounds, or tea bags into the bucket. Avoid milk and meaty things, as they could attract vermin. Re-cover with dried plant debris and soil. Make a dry layer after wet layer continuously and wait until the 5 gallon pail is full. Have a lid to close the bucket and let the microorganisms work the compost. Check it from time to time if it is too dry or too wet. If it’s too dry, add a little water and move it to a more shady spot. If it’s too wet, put it in the sun to dry it a bit. This process takes several weeks to months to complete.

The best bins for home composting are dark colored ones. Black will be the best. It will absorb more heat for microorganisms to live in the shade.

If you use 5 gallon buckets in your garden for the purposes mentioned above, it will definitely promote environmentally friendly gardening while saving money for better use around the home.

Happy gardening!