If you’ve ever looked at an empty 5-gallon bucket or a big plastic tote and thought, “There’s got to be a way to grow food in that,”—you’re absolutely right! These everyday household items can become fantastic DIY planters with just a few simple modifications. Whether you’re short on garden space, want to grow fresh veggies on your balcony, or just love a good upcycling project, this guide will walk you through how to transform buckets and totes into productive little gardens.
Why Use 5-Gallon Buckets & Totes for Gardening?
Besides being super budget-friendly (seriously, check your local hardware store or recycling bins), 5-gallon buckets and totes offer a deep, spacious growing environment that works well for many vegetables and herbs. They’re lightweight, portable, and—best of all—durable enough to last for multiple growing seasons.
Let’s get into how to turn these humble containers into thriving plant homes!
How to Transform a 5-Gallon Bucket into a Garden Container
What You’ll Need:
- A 5-gallon bucket (food-grade is best, but any will do)
- A drill or hammer and nail
- Potting mix (not garden soil—it needs to drain well!)
- A sturdy plant saucer (optional but great for decks and patios)
Steps to Prep Your Bucket:
- Drill Drainage Holes: Flip your bucket over and drill 5–10 holes in the bottom for drainage. If you don’t have a drill, you can use a hammer and nail to poke holes instead. No drainage = waterlogged roots = sad, struggling plants.
- Add a Layer of Gravel or Mesh (Optional): If you’re worried about soil washing out, toss in a thin layer of gravel or place a piece of landscape fabric over the holes. This helps with drainage without losing soil.
- Fill with Potting Mix: Use a high-quality mix designed for container gardening. Avoid using straight-up garden soil—it compacts too much and doesn’t drain well.
- Plant Your Crops: Now the fun part! Here are a few ideas for what you can grow in a 5-gallon bucket:
- Tomatoes (One plant per bucket—support with a cage or stake!)
- Peppers (Bell, jalapeño, banana—take your pick!)
- Lettuce (You can fit several heads in one bucket)
- Carrots (They love deep containers!)
- Basil, Mint, or Parsley (Herbs thrive in buckets!)
Upgrading to Larger Totes for Bigger Crops
If you have a plastic tote (think 18–30 gallons or larger), you can create an even bigger growing space for veggies that like to spread out or need more room to grow deep roots.
How to Turn a Tote into a Planter
- Pick a Sturdy Tote: Look for one that’s at least 12 inches deep—storage bins from big-box stores work great!
- Drill Drainage Holes: Same method as the bucket—several holes in the bottom are a must. If your tote is super deep, you can add a few holes along the lower sides, too.
- Fill with Potting Mix: A mix of potting soil, compost, and perlite makes a great lightweight growing medium.
- Choose Your Crops! Larger totes are ideal for:
- Potatoes (Layer soil and add more as they grow!)
- Zucchini or Squash (They need room to spread!)
- Bush Beans (Easy to grow and super productive!)
- Strawberries (Perfect for a tote-sized berry patch!)
- Larger Herb Gardens (Mix rosemary, thyme, oregano, and more in one container!)
A Few Pro Tips for Success
- Water Often, but Don’t Overdo It: Containers dry out faster than in-ground gardens, so check your soil daily. Stick your finger in—if it feels dry an inch down, it’s time to water!
- Fertilize for Happy Plants: Veggies are heavy feeders, so give them a balanced organic fertilizer every couple of weeks.
- Position for Sunlight: Most veggies need at least 6–8 hours of sun. Place your containers in the best sunny spot you’ve got!
- Use Mulch to Retain Moisture: A layer of straw, grass clippings, or wood chips helps keep soil moist and prevents weeds.
And there you have it! With just a little DIY effort, you can turn everyday buckets and totes into productive garden spaces that keep you flush with fresh veggies and herbs. It’s a simple, affordable way to grow your own food—whether you’ve got a backyard, a balcony, or just a sunny corner of your patio.