I want to start a garden in a big tub. Do I need rocks in the bottom?

For tomatoes you will need to drill drain holes in the bottom. They do not do well at all with wet roots. When the water fills up over the top of the rocks the tomato will die. Drain holes in the container is the only way.

All plants need drainage. Studies prove using rocks for drainage create root rot.If you cannot drill the holes ,then plant them in pots and place them in the tub making sure you have holes in the bottom for drainage.

I just watched a woman using a watering livestock tub for a planter..she drilled holes and used lightweight packing peanuts in lieu of rocks to hold down the weight.

Yes,drill the holes and I still use rock,about 2or3 inches. If you want to keep the wight down and have drill holes,just drill the holes and use maybe ,like packing stuff in the boxs,styophones,misspell,but they can work as long they are not the one that water destroy them.

Thank you I will do this

Thank you

Also if your tub is plastic that's all good. If your tub is metal and not galvanized you might want to check in to making sure you won't have rust issues. That is also a big problem for plants. Love the idea!

This post might help https://chascrazycreations.com/garden-101/