Need Help with Garden Pots Please

Question

I ordered way too many plants and I am running out of pots and the money to buy more. If I try to put anything in the ground my dog digs it up.(she is the boss and I am not). So, I am hoping to get two questions answered by all of you brilliant gardeners.

1~If I call a restaurant tomorrow and ask for huge tin cans would these be safe to grow in? Or is potential rust a problem?
 
2~The plants are here and I need to get them planted tomorrow. If you say the cans will work can I safely decorate them with paint or mod podge AFTER I plant them? Or is that too disturbing to them?
 
Thanks in advance for any guidance you can give me. 
 
Underpotted in Phoenix (Robyn)

Donna Adkins Maupin · Answer

I've planted in heavy plastic bags before. I then decorate them with burlap. Poke holes in the bags first for drainage. I live in the Midwest and can usually get a couple years out of them. Not sure about the heat in Phoenix. I'm afraid the tin cans would retain too much heat and the soil would get way too hot for the plants. Good luck!

Robyn · Answer

oh gee, yes, it hits 115 every year, at least. I love the burlap covered plastic bag. I wonder if heat would be a problem with that too. Thank you Donna

Douglas Hunt · Answer

I don't think tin cans would be ideal, although you could probably line them with a heavy plastic bag, which would reduce the rust issue. Make sure to drill holes in the bottom for drainage. You might check with a local nursery and see how much they'd sell their used nursery pots for. They often have an excess. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that, given your heat, it's going to be crucial to keep up with watering plants in containers. They dry out much faster than plants in the ground and you may well have to water twice a day.

Robyn · Answer

Thanks so much for that idea and information Doug. I was hoping you would see this question!

Douglas Hunt · Answer

See this great idea for container gardening from a fellow Hometalker. He's in Las Vegas, where they also know something about heat! http://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/growing-in-containers-1213239

Robyn · Answer

yes, awesome. Thanks Steve and Doug!

Tracey T · Answer

Robyn you could use old soda bottles, plastic coffee containers, buckets, oh the possibilities..I agree with Douglas about the tin cans..they would rust out rather quick! I can't wait to see what you have come up with! Please share your photos with us! I wish I had your problem!! : )

Robyn · Answer

Thanks Tracey T, I will post photos if it comes out decent! You should see all the pots on my kitchen counter right now looking for a home ! Thanks for the ideas....

PNP Craftsmen · Answer

This is a great idea that Doug posted.... http://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/growing-in-containers-1213239 Thoughts for free sources for 5 gallon buckets, you will save them from the landfill too: Drive by construction sites and get the ones from drywall mud. They are easy to clean. Fill them with water and let them set. If they are stuck together set the bottom one in hot water and it will pop off. The ones with dried latex paint in them are OK. Get the ones that are totally dry and the paint often peels right off. Wash well afterwards. Dried latex paint is safe for the regular garbage. Restaurants have similar buckets that they get prepared salads and pickles in and are the easiest to clean some are smaller too. If you sand them with 100 grit sandpaper and get off the shine you can prime and paint them. Use 100% acrylic primer and a good exterior paint. The exterior paint can often be gotten inexpensively by buying miss-tints.

Joanie J · Answer

you can also cut holes in the sides of the buckets and stack them on top of each other and save garden space, I am going to do this with strawberries.

Robyn · Answer

Oh, like making your own strawberry pot? Interesting.

Joanie J · Answer

yes,and you can stack quite a few on top of each other.

Gail Salminen · Answer

@Robyn you might want to take a look around your house to see what you have that you don't currently use. @Shoestring Amy posted this today - http://www.hometalk.com/diy/upcycle/2-tiered-bundt-pan-planter-1226168 You may even have old plastic easter baskets, small garbage containers etc. that could be used, even an unused floor lamp can be transformed. Check the gardening section of this site - lots of ideas. As for planting tomorrow - maybe you can delay a bit by putting them in the right location and keeping them watered. You might also want to search the site for pallet ideas - many a planter has been made with little modification. Even old crocs and rubber boots have been transformed into planters and add a lot of character to a garden. If they already come in pots, you might want to try one or two planted - in the pots - in the ground with the top of the post a little above the ground - more difficult for puppy to dig out. If plastic bottomed pots, you can slit the bottom so there is room for the roots to grow into the ground. I used a short inexpensive wire fence to keep our dog out, which worked quite well - he no longer goes into the garden area except in the winter, and little retraining in the spring - they are habitual creatures LOL Finally, if you are looking to increase your pots a good time to shop for them is at the end of the gardening season - usually 50% off or more. I store mine under the deck during the winter.Good luck and do keep us posted - happy hunting through the gardening section.

Robyn · Answer

Yes, thanks Gail, I posted an update today. I did LOVE and clip that terrific bundt cake pan idea from Momma Hen :)

Tracey T · Answer

Thanks Gail Salminen for the link!

Larose LoganOakes · Answer

I do not know if I am too late to offer this advice to you or not but here it is:http://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/rooms/homemade-topsy-turvy-bags-hanging-plastic-bottle-planters-1542643

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