Tuesday, February 10, 2009

February 10, 2009

Wow folks, just wanted to let folks know that there is a sale at Fred Meyer (Kroger owned) on Rubbermaid Roughneck 18 gallon bins that I use to make SWCs.  I know that the EarthTainer (TM) uses the larger 31 gallon bin, but I don't have room between my beds for more than a 2 foot wide bin.  Just so happens that the 18 gallon bins fit perfectly.  Hmm... at least the OLD style Rubbermaid bins did. I sure hope the Roughnecks do,  hehe.  Anyway, they're on sale for $6.99 through the 28th, so feel free to check it out.  Oh, and they only had the blue where I was.  That's ok, because my existing one is blue, and I don't care about color.  Heck, I could paint it if I wanted.

So, I picked up 14 bins. 



No, they're not all for me.  We're going to get together with another couple and have a SWC building party.  They want 5 and I need 2 more of that size (plus one larger one for my cantaloupe).  Boy do I need to pick up a TON of tomato cages, and maybe two or three PVC pipes, hehe.  Now I need to consider baskets.  I'm not certain the $1 store baskets will work well, but the pipe end caps that I used last year are a bit costly ($6) each.  I think a trip to the hardware store is in order.

Lastly, the spammers are at it again.  I'm getting over a dozen spam comments a day again.  Must be spring, the spammers are coming out of the ground, hehe.  Don't worry though, my spamm software catches them.  But I am worried.  You all have only a slim lead over the spammers.  It would be a shame to have more spam messages caught by my spam software than I've received from concerned readers... So let's keep ahead of the spammers!

What do you suggest I use for a wicking basket? It's got to be about 6 inches high and only 6 or so inches wide.  Oh, and cheap enough to get tons of them, hehe.

Enjoy your garden!
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6 comments:

  1. DoubleDFebruary 10, 2009 at 12:30 PM

    Wow! Look at that stack of bins! I know you were hunting for a better price for these materials and it looks like you found it. :)

    I have never built a SWC so I have no idea what to suggest for the wicking basket. Definitely will be checking back to learn more about this though as you progress through this project.

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  2. carolynpFebruary 10, 2009 at 3:23 PM

    I'm trying those $1 baskets from sterilite. They're a bit girly, but heck, I'm a girl...

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  3. Dan(Urban Veggie Garden Blog)February 10, 2009 at 3:39 PM

    Hydroponic stores sell a whole assortment of mesh baskets for about a buck. Here is a link to a 6" one that has a bit of a lip at the top:

    http://stores.northcoasthydroponics.com/-strse-13969/Pots-%26-Inserts/Detail.bok

    I am sure you would have a hydroponics place in your area that sells them. They always have all kinds of cool lights & fertilizers in those place, maybe even some more SWC idea's too.

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  4. engineeredgardenFebruary 11, 2009 at 12:40 AM

    Sinfonian - have you considered using the bottom part of a 2 liter drink bottle? It'll work pretty good. Good lucj with your assembly party. I wish someone would help me! Oh well, they'd just be too slow for me, anyway! Ha!

    EG

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  5. BethanyFebruary 11, 2009 at 6:06 AM

    Here's a comment... forgive me since I haven't been following long, but I can't for the life of me figure out what an SWC is! :) I looked at some old posts but there were so many... so I'm imagining it's some sort of bin where you plant in it and you have a wick so it self waters?

    Oh wait... lol. I got it - Self Watering Container, right? sorry! Normally I'd just delete this comment so I wouldn't look stupid but I think I'm going to post it anyway. Happy gardening! :)

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  6. SinfonianFebruary 11, 2009 at 2:14 PM

    DoubleD: Thanks, yeah, with all the space you have, you don't need SWCs, though it would be good for your greenhouse... hmm?

    Carolyn: I think Dan found a great source for $1.17 baskets that may just work better than the $1 ones. I will get back to you on what I find.

    Dan: THANKS! Great link. And yes, I looked up and have a hydroponics store near me. Unfortunately they close before I get home from work, so it'll be tough to get there before Saturday. Hopefully they'll have those 6 inch ones local, and hopefully they'll be at least 6 inches tall. Kinda important for a 6 inch reservoir...

    EG: Great idea, if I can't find what I'm looking for, I'll stock up on 2 liters. Haven't drank pop out of one of those in ages, hehe. I remember when we'd get Coke for $.79 growing up. Go through one a day I would, and I was a big as a house too, hehe.

    Bethany: Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it. And sorry, I should really introduce SWCs in each post. I know it's confusing since I talk about them so much but never tell what they are. You're correct by the way. Check out Judy's link on the side for a great pictorial instruction page!

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