My uncle swore by using 5-gallon buckets for tomatoes, but after my third try, I think fabric pots might actually be better for my setup.

He said the buckets would be sturdier and hold more soil for a bigger root system, but on my south-facing balcony, they got way too hot and dried out super fast, so should I stick with his advice or switch to fabric for good?

3 comments

3 Comments

oliver5233mo ago

Buckets are a classic for a reason, they just need a little tweaking. Drill some extra holes for air and wrap them in burlap to block the sun. Your uncle's method works if you solve the heat problem first.

maxm503mo ago

The burlap trick is key for insulation but you need to soak it first. A dry wrap just traps more heat against the plastic. Wet burlap with those extra holes creates a real evaporative cooling effect.

lisar142mo ago

Wait, so you're telling me my lazy "just throw a dry tarp over it" method isn't gonna cut it? I mean, I get the science behind wet burlap and evaporative cooling, but now I gotta soak it too? That's a whole extra step for someone like me who was already cutting corners. Honestly, sounds like a lot of work for something my uncle swears by with his half-broken buckets. But hey, if it keeps my plants from turning into wilted salad in the sun, I guess I'll give it a try. Just don't expect me to wet it more than once a week though.