Container Gardening - Part 2

     What a container garden needs first and foremost is containers.  I have some larger terracotta flower pots, but nothing big enough to grow tomatoes or corn.  Having to purchase containers would set me back quite a bit, so I turned to freecycle.org.  I registered and joined several nearby communities.  I posted "wanted" notices for storage bins (for planting or composting), extra large planters, and shelving.  Thanks to all the freecyclers who gave me such good stuff.

These are two of four bins that I got.

 

I drilled drainage holes, necessary for planting or using as a composting container.

I started composting grass clippings, twigs, vegetable scraps, egg shells, coffee and coffee filters.  I found a local place where I can get free horse manure.  None of my bins came with lids.  For now, I am using an old piece of hardware cloth weighted down with a board (to keep critters out).  I put the word out on freecycle for old window screens, but I haven't gotten responses to that request.  No, composting doesn't smell.  

These pots are from Lowe's.  Lowe's and Home Depot are not a good source for pots because they recycle their pots by returning them to the suppliers.  I got lucky the day I asked for these.  Smaller pots like these are good for lettuce.  

The shelving came from a person who was downsizing to a smaller home.  All of the pots in this picture came from another person who is also downsizing.  Because I have collected these items from various communities, I will wash and disinfect them before I plant in them.

     I'll continue with Part 3 when I buy my seeds and start my seedlings in March or April 2019.