Wanted to share my space-agnostic, cost-efficient tomato setup for anyone curious.
I have the limitation of having a septic bed in our sunny and large side yard, which I can only grow wildflowers and shallow-rooted grasses directly in the soil. Wanting vegetables has meant I’ve learned about and really leaned into sub-irrigated planter systems (designs from AlboPepper), something I’d say I have nailed down pretty well in the past 3 years.
All my tomatoes are from seeds of my own, and I have companion plants all around. I’ll start building the trellis system this week, which will keep the two tomato plants in each bin growing different directions to reduce crowding (no issues with the roots, only the plants themselves).
This year I spent effort building 12 more bins to add to the 6 I have, and improved the aesthetic in the yard quite a bit. I used free materials I had access to, mainly a bunch of cedar slabs which I chopped up to create some nicer walls around the pallets.
It may not be for everyone, but the cost-effectiveness, joy of gardening, and huge tomato yield in the months to come are all certainly my thing 🌱.
by tavvyjay
7 Comments
Oh, zone 5b (Ottawa valley), tomatoes have been outside for 5 weeks now and are thriving with weekly liquid plant food in the bins. Major shoutout to AlboPepper whose [designs and videos](https://albopepper.com/SIP-raised-bed.php) gave me a good understanding of what is needed. I’d love to spend the money on nice materials, but it would cost a fair bit more to swap for either leakproof metal bins, or wood and pond liner that can hold the water reservoir
I don’t think those clear bins are UV-protected, they will crack and start to fall apart before the season is over.
Have you ever looked at straw bale gardening? I’m giving it a shot this season along with some dwarf tomatoes. My inner Craig LeHoullier coming out!
https://preview.redd.it/jakwyttjb56f1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0aee83e2a28633969c6c3901a7b2fe9b0dad8e45
Putting in a new plot and didn’t feel like getting rid of the grass so I just put cardboard over it along with wood shaving and manure blend.
I like it!!
I was thinking of using Costco totes, too. I think I’ll try it next year. Don’t know of any grow bags or raised beds that are made in Canada.
Are those all determinate varieties? They’re soo far off the ground! Would need support 10+ feet off the ground.
Looks great! I started with a couple of 5-gallon buckets cobbled together, and my tomatoes went wild compared to what I was getting in basic pots. Honestly, not having to stress about daily watering is a huge relief, especially during those July heatwaves. Also love how you used cedar for your bins – I’ve been using whatever scrap wood I can find.