Planter Containers 2: Tomatoes, Peppers and Cucumbers

Those big black containers that your new rose bushes were planted in will work great for tomatoes or peppers. They will require some type of support, or else they will fall over as the plants grow.

I really do not prefer single plant planters; they require too much work and are costly. For tomatoes and peppers, I build a planter out of 2x6's. Length will be determined by the size of the greenhouse. Here are a couple of warnings concerning placement of the planter in the greenhouse. Make certain that it is no closer than 30 inches to the side wall and leave at least 3 foot on the end wall. Here is how I would build the planter, and the placement, in a 26 foot greenhouse. First all my tomato and pepper planters are 30 inches wide. Again length is determined by the size of the greenhouse. In a 26 foot greenhouse the planter will be 15 foot long. I leave 3 foot at the end wall and 6 foot at the front wall. Well explain the reason for this later. As mentioned earlier the planter is constructed out of 2x6's. The planter's walls are approximately 12 inches high. This height is achieved by placing 2x6's on top of each other on edge. The bottom of this planter is the ground. I use 1x2 to secure the two boards, and occasionally have had to drive stakes into the ground to strengthen the planter. Use 6 mil plastic to line the planter fitting it closely to the shape of the planter, than fill with top soil. After filling screw 2x4's across the narrow part of the planter at 3 foot intervals. These are used for strengthen, but also to secure your lines to hold the plants.

There will need to be some type of support built over the planter for attaching hanger wires. Be warned, with these you will not be able to control the plants! Black pipe works well for this frame. You will need to get measurements after the planters have been constructed. On a 15 foot planter you will need 2 pieces of either ¾ or 1 inch black pipe cut in 7 ½ foot pieces and 3 pieces cut to stand with 3 inches of the top of your greenhouse. Two pieces will need to be threaded on each end and the other 3 only on one end. You will also need one tee and 2 90's for construction. I drive a piece of rebar, available at any lumberyard, into the ground about 12 inches, leaving at least that much out of the ground, on each end of the planter. I also use two clamps on each end to secure to the planter. Once I have determine were the middle is going to be a drive another piece of rebar, though plastic, into the ground. Than attach you threaded pieces to the fittings and your ready to plant. This style of planter is used for tomatoes and peppers.

Cucumbers can be planted a narrower version of this planter. Make it only about 12 inches wide and 6 inches deep. One inch lumber can also be used for cucumbers I use a cattle panel for the cucumbers to grow on, available at any farm supply; however a support and string, like that used for tomatoes will work very well.

How you water your planters is a matter of choice. Tomatoes have a real tendency to split if not water properly and it is important not to over water after the soil is dry. Therefore a routine watering pattern should be established. By using water container, a timer, and a fish tank pump; you can water the plants on a schedule that will be best suited for your own situation.

Plants need food! Water by itself will not sustain plant growth and fruiting. Either some type of organic materials or commercial fertilizers' will have to be added. Miracle grow will work fine, plant food sticks work well, commercial mixes are available from places like Hydro-gardens.com. But require a lot of work and probably aren't best for backyard growers. Grass clippings can be added to soil as you plant. I use both horse and chicken manure because I have it available. What you use is up to you, but remember water alone will lead to disappointment. Happy growing!

We recently relocated and I am in the process of rebuilding my backyard greenhouse. I plan to submit a photo article in early spring showing how each of these are constructed.