So I'm still without a solid plan for how to grow my plants in my new greenhouse.


I'm looking for a cost effective way, and really haven't settled on anything. I can't seem to find 7 gallon pots for a decent price, As of right now I have about 140 seedlings. I may thin that a bit, and possibly transplant some outside later on, but 140 7 gallon pots just isn't going to be cheap it seems.

I've looked a bit at fabric pots, but they still seem pretty pricey for what they are.

My backup plan was to make wooden planter boxes. But now I see lumber is really, really high currently. I can probably scavenge wood from skids and crates to supplement, but I still do not have a good idea of what to build, size, etc.


Regardless of the method, I also need some form of tables!. Not sure on that either!! My best guess so far is probably cement blocks, 2x4's and connectable plastic shelf panels.

Interested in hearing ideas for cost effective- or any- ways to support this amount of plants.

What are you growing in your 7 gallon containers? And why specifically 7 gallons?

Buckets are cheap - you will have to add the holes though.

Tomatoes and peppers. 5gal is claimed to be a tad small, 10, too big :)

I have not exactly found "cheap" buckets yet, $2.99 each seems the going rate for new ones. From what I've seem, it IS probably better/cheaper to buy buckets at $2.99 than it is to buy plastic pots however.

Our local nurseries sell surplus black plastic pots for a decent price, in many volumes and sizes. That's what I've used to grow tomatoes and peppers in a greenhouse for ten years or so.


Also used kitty litter buckets doubled as self-watering containers.

I have grown tomatoes in 5 gallon pails before and they did just fine. I got the 5 gallon pails from a local bakery. Many of their supplies come in 5 gallon pails, and they were just throwing them out. There are a lot of foods that come in 5 gallon containers. You may want to check with local bakeries, grocery stores, delis, etc.

Just Googling, I found this article: Stores that hand out 5 gallon buckets for free. http://fivegallonideas.com/sto...



Currently, I am using tables made of cement blocks, 2 x 4's and this shelving which I thought was reasonably priced when I purchased it from Greenhouse Megastore. They are 48 x 24 and cost me about $20 each for a pack of 5. https://www.greenhousemegastor...



They are lightweight, can hold a lot of weight when supported properly, easy to manage, clean up easily at the end of the season, and give you the flexibility to re-arrange your greenhouse layout if needed.

Here was my simple setup last year using these plastic tops (against the sides of the greenhouse). In the back of the greenhouse, you can see two 5 gallon buckets with tomatoes (most were in my other greenhouse). This picture was taken on June 21st. These plants eventually grew all the way to the ceiling and gave me a lot of tomatoes.



This is a pic of my other greenhouse taken on the same day. These tomato plants were also planted in 5 gallon buckets.

Thanks for the ideas,

I have some leads on free food grade buckets, just need to follow up and see if I can make it happen. Sounds like the best way to go. Good to know 5 gal won't be noticeably detrimental to growth.


As for the bench tops, I had checked out the greenhouse megastore ones you posted- and am using those as my high end, best choice option. I had also eyeballed the plastic 5 tier shelving like these
https://www.menards.com/main/t...

That would get me a 3'x10' surface for $40. Would need to see if it was worth the cost savings or not.

I'm confused about why you need benches at all. Just put the buckets on the floor or on a layer of bricks if your floor is dirt.

Binford, is there a reason that you need to grow the plants in containers? or could you put them directly in the ground in your hoophouse? (For that matter, Jim/MoonShadows, why do you use containers for growing in your greenhouse? )

As far as the shelving units - those are really nice sturdy shelves for the price, I have two in my greenhouse that I use for storing stuff on (since 2017 and no problems yet with the plastic deteriorating or anything), plus we have a couple in the garage.

I don't need benches, or a greenhouse- or even a garden for that matter I guess. I want benches - or should I say elevated surfaces. I don't think too many ppl would prefer to bend over and fiddle with things at ground level really.

Once full grown, plants would be fine on the ground, although I'd still prefer them elevated a bit I'd imagine.

I guess mainly I'm wanting benches for the smaller plants, potting, etc.

Weedwhacker said:Binford, is there a reason that you need to grow the plants in containers?

Mainly for flexibility, and usage of space. I can relocate outside if I need more space- or rearrange if some get out of hand. If I planted in ground, I'd guarantee I wouldn't be able to have a clear path to reach everything lol.

Plus, I'd like to try to overwinter a few pepper plant's

Weedwhacker said: (For that matter, Jim/MoonShadows, why do you use containers for growing in your greenhouse? )

Sandy...One reason is because I have 6 inches of gravel as the base of my greenhouse. But, even if I didn't, I like growing in containers. I feel I have more control over soil conditions, I can raise the plants up higher (great as you get older), and if there is a problem with a particular plant I can easily remove/isolate it from the others. I have grown in soil, raised beds, elevated beds, probably the whole 9 yards of ways of growing, but I have had the most success in containers...perhaps, I finally just got things "right" as a grower, and I just happened to be growing in containers when I did, so I stick with them.

All good points - thanks for satisfying my curiosity (some might say "nosiness"... ). Although as a general rule I feel that tomatoes in particular grow better in the ground, I totally agree with the idea of having "more control of soil conditions." I have 5 blueberry plants in large pots because I had difficulty correcting the pH of the soil for them; and I am also able to move them inside my hoophouse for the winter, although that probably wouldn't really be necessary.

And I can certainly relate to the "less bending" is better sentiment - thank goodness for my garden seat/kneeler, not sure I would be able to garden without that thing!

And, Binford - of COURSE you NEED a garden - and a greenhouse - and benches... we'll have no more of that crazy talk about not needing that stuff!

@Weedwhacker I never mind the curiosity (nosiness). What kind of garden seat/kneeler do you have? I have seen them advertised, but they don't look like they would last long for me. I am a big boy; I would need something with heft. Hmmm...perhaps I can make a heavy duty one myself.

Jim - I have this one from Gardener's Supply
https://www.gardeners.com/buy/...

I'm not exactly a lightweight, either; I've had mine for quite a few year and use it a LOT - very sturdy and durable.

Regarding food grade containers......if you are so lucky to have a cheese factory or a cheese cold storage facility nearby, check with them for containers. I am able to obtain "cheese trays" 40"x47" made of sturdy plastic. Depth is only about 4" or 5" but you can easily add sides to increase that to any depth you desire. Rolls of Sargento cheese came in my containers. I am also able to obtain 2-gallon pails which come in handy. The cheese people actually throw these containers away so you are doing them a favor by taking them. I have my container trays setting on "horses" about 3" high. Inside greenhouse or outside - works either way.
Last year I grew strawberries, lettuce, beets, potatoes, and onions in these containers. (I like to grow tomatoes in another type of container---- straw bales)