If you are interested in the containers featured in this video, they can be purchased here: amzn.to/4aCLs22 The container size featured in this video is 15-gal, which is ideal for most fruit trees, but they come in smaller sizes as well. I'm also using the 10-gal containers for my coffee plants, and they are also excellent quality. Please be advised the above link is an Amazon affiliate link, so if you choose to use it, I would receive a small commission at no cost to you.
I bought the 5 pack of these 15 gallon sized these like you suggested when you put this video out and I love them too. Today in 2024, I need more and the price for the same thing is only up to $16.30 each when you buy the 10 Pack using the same link you give. That includes the shipping. HOWEVER, there are Other places that show up when you google 15 gallon pots that sell them for as low as $8 each but they rip you off on the shipping which is $200 plus!!!!
For black containers here in Texas, we often use a larger outside container with an air gap to the potting container to keep the blazing sun from baking citrus roots.
I’m out here in California. I’ve got some very large containers where I won’t be able to do that, but have been accumulating the insulating bubble wrap, (the silver kind), that I’ll be able to hang on the sun side of the pots.
My friend John Panzarella had over 200 citrus varieties, mostly in pots, before the freeze two years ago. He says if you want citrus to produce fruit, keep it slighly confined in the container. If you move it into a much larger container, it usually will put its effort into vegatative growth and give little or no fruit until it gets confined. So only go up one or two a sizes at a time.
My husband and I gather pots like that for free by following landscaping companies. When they finish with a job they throw away all the pots...every size. We just raid the dumpster after they leave.
I've tried raiding the dumpsters at the big box stores, but I couldn't find pots large enough or heavy duty enough, and they rarely had lips to pick them up. They're usually the thin thermo-molded things. Mostly, what I found were the flimsy 3-5 gallon pots, which I use for temporary potting. I know it sounds crazy, but I REALLY wanted all my containers to be uniform and exactly the same. I'm an engineer and things being asymmetrical really bothers me.
Thanks for noticing. Believe it or not, I edit them down to about 50% of what I film to cut out any redundancy. This began as 30 mins of footage. What happens if you never discover your talent or your passion? I love growing food more than anything. If I never tried it, how would I know? My goal is to reach out to as many people as possible and get them to try gardening in hopes they discover the same passion. Hopefully it shines through. Thanks for watching!
Believe me it shines through. I live in California and quickly noticed your videos but what drew me to you is your genuine nature. I hope one day I will have a fig farm overseas with all of these different varieties. Love your videos and thank you for all the hard work you do!!
Thank you so, so much! I’ve been struggling with this very dilemma myself. I need to keep my fruit trees in pots and mobile due to my grow zone and the sheer amount of wildlife that tries to feast on all my hard work. Lol I just want to say, you are by far my favorite channel. A passionate educator with a scientific perspective yet completely approachable...you rock!
Thanks so much for the kind words. I really appreciate that; more than you know. I'm glad I could out in some ways. I generally don't like hawking products unless they're something I really believe will help people and add value, and I'm glad to hear this did it for you.
I lucked out when a new empty house on my block was being landscaped. The company left 20+ three gallon nursery pots off to the side. The thick type, not the thin plastic. I picked them up of course.
@@nomdeguerre8464 Depends. If the landscaping company was done with the project and not coming back, then he didn't steal from them, he just picked up their trash that they irresponsibly left behind when they were done.
I just got my delivery of #15s ordered thru your Amazon storefront and you are not kidding! These are some sturdy, hulking buckets! Now I just have to haul the potting soil and do the up-potting. Thanks again.
I went shooping around for dirt cheap pots for my fruit trees.. Nothing beats a nursery pot because of that UV protection. Sometimes you have to paint 1/3 of the pot white so on those very hot days you can turn white side south and prevent root burn on the roots up against the pot.
I've never had a problem. I think the fear of black pots is largely overstated. It's incredibly hot here during the summer, and I grow in black pots on top of black weed barrier in full sun for 12 hours, and I've never had a single problem.
Amanda from South Africa here.Thank you so much for this informative video. I only started in 2022 with fruit trees, watched a lot of video's on the subject. Your video ticked all the boxes for the questions I had especially the color. Most gardeners use black pots and I wondered why - now I know. I found almost the exact pots at a local store - way cheaper than half wine barrel pots or any other decorative container. Thank you
Yes I just found a whole sale pots for my figs. They are 15 gallon and they sell a pouch of 18 for $56 plug tax. These pots are the same ones that nurseries use. Love them
@@the4wus they’re the very top link in my Amazon Storefront. The first on the top left. Problem is the video caused a run on the pots so they’re out of stock and only up to #10’s remain. They will surely be restocked soon so keep an eye out.
Interest from this video has caused fluctuating stock of the #15’s from the seller’s account linked in my Amazon Storefront. If the item does not appear, keep checking as the stock is routinely updated. I’m sure they weren’t expecting the sudden sales spike. Thanks to all who are interested!
@@Julietwright1989 it is linked in my Amazon Storefront in the video description. Amazon is very stringent with where you place their links so I must allude to the video description.
@@debfr5307 it is in the video description. Click SEE MORE if you’re on a computer or the arrow if you’re on your phone. It is the first link under the video description. The containers are linked in the top left of the store. However, the #15’s are currently out of stock. I anticipate they’ll be restocked soon enough.
Great video! You explained something that I've always wanted to know. Those 15-gallon pots never really looked like they could hold 15 gallons. Now I know why. Lol. Thank you.
I was always confused about that, too! Isn't it so convoluted? Liquid isn't compressible, but soil is, so the container size is LISTED in uncompressed soil but MEASURED in compressed soil! #15 = 12 GAL, which means 15 gallons of uncompressed soil = 12 gallons of compressed soil (or liquid). What a head-scratcher.
those pots are the best! Thats what weve been using. We grow lots on our deck (which gets super hot during the BC heat domes so we wrap them with foil bubble wrap.
those giant tree pots are pure gold. they're good for container gardening for vegetables too. since they drain, they are ideal for waste collection outside. they aren't brittle like other plastics. you have to order special saucers for hot weather, however. 14" saucers work well. I have a dolly for big propane cans used by welders. It works perfectly for the big tree pots.
The base of my containers are a little more than 14", so I think I'll need 16" saucers for the summer. What's crazy is the cost of those saucers are almost half the cost of the pots. I should have gotten into the injection molding business because the margins are crazy 😆 The pots themselves are fantastic.
I container garden using used cattle lick tubs. They had minerals in them out in the field for cattle to lick on. I normally get them for around five bucks each. They're UV resistant and very heavy duty. Just make sure to add in some drain holes.
Hey great video - i recently sourced similar size pots for fruit trees too. Was hoping this choice was a good one and its great to see someone else having success with this. To move the trees in pots around the yard, I drag them using a nice large ish scooped shovel with a long handle. Perhaps it works a bit like a sled. After lifting the pot up on one side I slide the shovel scoop right under the pot, then let it down so the pot is sitting right over the shovel scoop. Using the shovel handle I then drag the pot easily over the grass to a new location. Its quite effortless for me this way. Sometimes I hold the plant trunk or stem to keep it from wobbling while dragging or get another person to hold that steady while i drag it. Oftentimes it works well without help and the pot pretty much stays on the shovel scoop during the travel, you just gauge the right speed and balance. Its worked over gravelly surface, pebbles, grass, up and down sloping land too without any noticable damage to the grass etc. Dont know how it would go on hard concrete surfaces, and it could possibly rip into plastic . Its my alternative to picking up a large pot. The curve on the shovel scoop allows the handle to lift up enough to drag the pot along. Another shovel with a very straight scoop area or short handle probably wouldnt do this job. Great video. Thanks so much.
Have you considered purchasing a hand truck? That's what I'm going to do. We usually get a hurricane or tropical storm at some point, so it's only a matter of time until I have to cart them into the garage. A 700lb-rated hand truck with pneumatic tires is only $35 at Harbor Freight, so I think I'm going to pick one up.
Excellent advice!! I’ve been frustrated for years that big plastic containers are so ridiculously expensive. I just bought 10 of these (got 11 😁). I also bought 5 of the larger ones (25 gal). They are a little more expensive but huge and still way cheaper than anything else! Almost the same volume as a 24” box. Thank you for the awesome tip! And your excellent video on pruning avocado trees. Subscribed! 👍🏼
They're outstanding. I placed, I think, 7 fig trees in the containers this year and they're going absolutely nuts. They're growing so fast and most already have main crop figs on them. These pots are truly great.
Carbon black is the best UV inhibitor additive for olefin plastics (HDPE /PP). It's also the cheapest. I worked in the plastics molding industry many years - a plastics chemical engineer explained it to me. The Blue 5 gal bucket deteriorated because of no UV protection. There are UV additives for colored plastics but is very expensive - mostly used on automotive parts. Great video. 👍
They're fantastic! I've struggled with wind blowing my pots over constantly where I live, since it's so windy here with my proximity to the coast and hurricane frequency. These NEVER MOVE! I just got a whole pack of the #10's that I'll be using for different trees. They're so exceptionally nice that I'm going to make a video on them, too.
Steve Battista I found some on Walmarts website, 21 1/2" across the top 16 1/2" tall with rope handles. Their Mainstay variety, several different colors. The ones I ordered were about the same color as the Lowes bucket in this video. The ones that I ordered were 8 to a box shipped to the store free for less than $8.00 each last year, haven't ordered any this year. They had others that are more expensive and some that were cheaper. I ordered 40 last year and used them to make wicking tubs. Worked Great.
I ask farmers and ranchers for used (empty) mineral tubs. These tubs come filled with minerals for cattle. Ranchers usually have lots of empty ones because they are purchased regularly. I’ve never had to pay for them. They look to be a bit bigger around than the 15 gal ones you’re using. On a side note, bakers will tell you, you must compact approximately 1 1/2 cups brown sugar in order to fill a 1 cup measure. 😊
If you're interested in the #15 containers, see my Amazon Storefront in the video description for the link. TIMESTAMPS for convenience: 0:00 6 Criteria For Choosing The Best Nursery Pot 3:16 How Nursery Container Size Is Calculated 5:30 Nursery Container Cost 7:50 Nursery Container Durability And UV Resistance 9:45 Importance Of Nursery Container Color 11:35 Nursery Pots VS. 5 Gallon Buckets 13:23 Adventures With Dale
I ordered the Brute 28 gallon can from a cleaning supply company . They have nice handles and are indestructible. Usually 35-40 dollars each but they are really 28 gallon liquid volume . I used my drill to make drainage holes . They are heavy full of damp soil but I use my hand truck to move them when needed
I considered larger containers, but I ran into a problem: how will you lift a tree that large and heavy when it comes time to root-prune? This was my struggle. I determined I can't reliably lift more than a #15. What are your thoughts on that?
I live in South Georgia near the Florida line and my plan is to get the citrus varieties 3-4 years old and then plant them in the ground and use some protection if we ever fall below 20 degrees which hasn’t happened in several years but it can happen . The lime tree will hopefully be ok for several years in these containers as I only have one key lime . It’s just too sensitive to cold to grow here . There are orchards around here that grow Meyer Lemon and several varieties of mandarins and they get 12-15 ft tall . The owner told me to put micro sprinklers in the trees and he gets cold protection down to 14 degrees if fully mature and hardened off . He grows the Shiranui variety that is the best my wife and I have ever eaten of any citrus . If I had to root prune I would lay them over on their sides and slide out and then slide them back in . These containers are square so you can do it with rootball on the drier side done in the late winter before growth resumes . I think that is really a great advantage of slightly rounded square container. You are correct though because it’s a bit of a job . I really enjoy your videos and your passion for gardening .
I found those handled party tubs from Aldi's that are probably about 15-20 gallons with the rope handle's and only paid $9 a piece. They were seasonal items and grabbed 2 when I had the chance. I drilled holes in the bottom to allow drainage and my Meyer lemon and Thornless Key lime and doing very well in them.
I found that adding 3" to 4" of grass clippings to the top soil of my containers cooled the soil significantly during the hot Summer months... while also adding water retention and fertilizer. It attracts worms too... I just went to your store front and added a 10pack to my cart. Thanks!!!
Grass works very well if you have a weed free lawn. Here, we grow centipede grass, which is loaded with seeds, so it doesn’t make good mulch. The only problem with grass is it will decompose very quickly since it is rich in nitrogen and contains little “browns,” so you’ll need to replenish often. Thanks for the order. I think you’ll love the pots.
@@TheMillennialGardener The trick is to get the clippings deep enough to mold/keep seeds from being able to germinate... but shallow enough not to hot compost/liquify the grass clippings. I add grass clippings a few times a year. The top layer turns super white/like hay. Then when I come back and add a layer later on it is now the brown base that is getting green added to the top. I plan to use the pots to add a large potted fig tree to the end of my raised garden beds... and potted potatoes in between the rows that I don't have to dig up. I will just pour the pot into my large garden wagon and pick out the potatoes.
I find the 5 gallon buckets work for 1-2 years. The UV rays from the sun eat them alive. Some people try to "save money" by buying other containers, like those plastic buckets for drinks, but they only last 1-2 years before they will shatter when you try and move them. I recommend spending the extra few dollars up front, because these are UV resistant and will last 10-20 years or longer. In the long run, these containers are far cheaper because if you buy non-UV treated pots, you'll be replacing them repeatedly.
I found you last year and was inspired to take some air layers from the Brown Turkey fig that has never produced fruit because of my (mid TN) climate. I moved them out a week ago into the mild spring weather and they are just starting to leaf out. I’m hopeful to get some fruit. Because of you - just thought you might want to know.
That's AWESOME! I am thrilled to be a source of motivation. If the Brown Turkey doesn't work out for you, don't worry. I can recommend you dozens of other incredible figs. Much of Tennessee is pretty good for figs. They do well in mild Zone 7's.
Put some type of tarp cover for your big pots. I notice after I did that the tree leaves staring popping up and the dirt stays wet longer. My tree is loving it
Congratulations on your new pots. Seriously, we want to see a healthy fig tree root, leaves, growth and lots of fruit, in a Lowes pot it is impossible. Now you have to put the accelerator on and start fast so that they perform well in spring, you will see the difference.
I've had incredible success with 5 gallon buckets, but they'll require annual root pruning and refreshing. I'm trying to get away from that. These should be something more long-term. Hoping it becomes an every 2-3 year thing.
I'd recommend looking for a light colored container or spray painting the outside of a black one to white light color. The black plastic absorbs the heat and can cook the roots of your plant.
I think that’s one of those Internet myths. It gets extremely hot here, and my plants love the black containers. They are never hot. They don’t even get warm to the touch. Almost all nursery containers are black. If that were truly a problem, the industry would have changed that. The fact that every nursery grows in black containers is evidence it doesn’t really matter. Save your hard earned money on paint if you ask me.
@@TheMillennialGardener I'm in the Utah desert 100*+ from June 1st to sometime in Sept. (This year has actually been a few degrees cooler but we did break a record of 117* this Summer)
I bought these same ones for my trees a couple months back. They are so perfect for the reasons you have stated in this video. I need to order another 10 for next year because I bought and rooted more fig varieties this year.
Definitely buy them ASAP before the prices increase for the growing season. I find it's best to order during the off-season. I love these things already!
Be careful. Most containers are not UV treated and will fall apart in a couple seasons in the sun. It's *very* important to use a UV stabilized material or you'll be replacing them constantly. These pots will last indefinitely since they're designed for non-stop outdoor usage. Storage containers, typically, are not.
Great size. I just paid $25 for mine at a local store, which was ok since I only have 6 trees in containers. They are decorative, UV resistant, double walled, have a thick lip for grip, and come with a 10 year warranty. I was fine with a cost of $2.50 a year. I feel like I got a good deal since they sell for $40 online. They are a similar size to these which is perfect for mobility. Also easy to slide onto a dolly, if they're too angled they don't fit on the footplate or fall off easily. A strap or bungee cord helps keep them stable. Thanks for sharing, the uniformity of your orchard will look MUCH nicer than all those colorful and random buckets.
I should have gotten into the injection molded pot business. Can you imagine these things sell for such a price? I understand it's quite costly to set up the molds and the machinery, but once you recoup your investment you must be printing money 😂 With the 5 gallon buckets, I have to water daily. I'm hoping this will cut back on my frequency come June.
The Millennial Gardener definitely a missed opportunity since so many more people are gardening since the pandemic. I saw some great looking square pots that I loved because they'd be so easy to transport, only about 20"square.. they were $70 each. Smh I cant justify spending that much for resin pots. If I decide to grow more trees I will buy the ones you shared, they really are a perfect size. Thanks.
I love, love your videos. Been a fan quite a while. I am 68, gardened 45 years and I ALWAYS learn something great from your videos. They are clear and precise. Question. I have been using cattle feed tubs from the feed store, abt. $5 ea. Lasting years, I planted some figs in 6 of them last spring. They have sunk down in the pot. Do you just add a few inches of dirt or completely repot? Thanks love to Dale.
Check with your local ranchers. Here in Texas our ranchers tend to put out their protein tubs out for people to take sometimes free and sometimes 5 bucks per tub. All I do is drill a hole the size of whatever rope I have and create handles.... and the same thing for the drain holes.
When I bought my house last year, the seller left a 10 gallon pot for free. I've been tryig to decide if I can plant a fruit tree in it. thanks for your video.
Thanks for the informative video. I’ve repurposed those #15 containers from purchased fruit trees and I’ve been able to beg others from a couple of local nurseries. I can never score as many as I need so I’m a buyer.
I should have gotten into the injection molded nursery pot business because the mark-up on these things are crazy! If you scored these exact containers repurposed, you hit the jackpot. They're nice. I just up-potted two more trees today and they're stellar. Thanks for watching!
@@TheMillennialGardener The ones I have are good for 3-4 seasons then the bottoms start to crack and render them useless. They’re not near the quality that you found. They’re actually great for container tomatoes. The soil warms up quicker in the Spring and the plants get a head start over in-ground plantings. Same with eggplant, okra and other heat loving plants. Thanks again for sourcing these containers. Do you have any experience with those fabric grow bags? I bought three just to try out.
This is one of the absolute BEST videos I've ever seen on ANY subject! Covered in detail everything I was looking for! And I happen to be in eastern NC too! I want to order one of these. How do I buy just one? Thanks!
They're only shipped in 5-packs or 10-packs. Buying an individual container would be crazy, because they'd have to ship it in the same size box. You'd probably pay $30 for a single pot, since I'm sure there is a ~$25-30 base packaging and shipping charge worked into the price. The 10-pack is by far the best deal.
THANK YOU SIR FOR VALUABLE INFORMATION/ INSIGHT/KNOWLEDGE. I WAS SCEPTICAL TO USE POTS FOR GROWING FRUIT TREES IN P0TS.YOU MOTIVATED ME TO USE POTS THAT I HAVE AT HOME.I FOUND YOUR CHANNEL BY CHANCE 🤗 .NEW SUBSCRIBE. FROM SOUTH AFRICA. GAUTENG REGION. JOHANNESBURG 🇿🇦 👏👏👏
Planted 4 different varieties of blueberries in those resin half wine barrel containers you described. The stated volume of them is 13.5 gallons (not sure whether that's liquid or compacted soil volume, but with a 20" diameter at the top and 14" of height, the pots are quite large). I will definitely agree that they are not the easiest pots to handle--I recently had to bring my blueberries into the garage because of a cold snap with expected frost--definitely would help if the pots had something on the top to grip onto. That said, they do look a bit nicer than the nursery planters, and they *seem* fairly durable, but I've only had them for about 7 months or so at this point. I definitely don't look forward to trying to get my blueberries out of them to deal with root pruining and refreshing the soil!
@@williamlynch804 Still holding up great. Definitely satisfied with them. I think they're a good choice for a fruit plant you need to keep potted for a few years.
Thanks for another great video. Just what I was looking for and right to the point. Oh by the way, DALE boy is getting very spoiled!! My Golden is a 95 pound BABY !
I'm glad it was helpful. Dale is 62 lbs and that's big enough. I couldn't imagine a 95 pounder. He must eat you out of house and home. Thanks for watching!
On Facebook Marketplace I found local wholesale nursery’s (open to the public) that sell 15g nursery pots for $3 and 25g for $8. Brand new. They had stacks of them. Hope this helps
Choices are limited in my area. I checked some local websites and they weren't listed as a product. Shipping on these larger containers are often astronomical!
I am sure I was subscribed to your channel, but today it said I was not! I resubscribed, now have to see what videos I missed of yours! Thank you for this video, appreciate it!
I just repotted my Avocado in a 50 gallon blue barrel. I intend to follow your suggestion to just use 15 gallon. when should I move it to the smaller 15 gal - now before the roots can grow or in Feb when they are still dormant? Thanks. I am in the West Coast zone border of 9a and 9b
Very informative! I’ve been opting in for nursery containers as well for the same reasons you’ve mentioned. Can’t beat the price! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I live in zone 9a. I have a bunch of citrus trees, all around 3 feet tall that I have repotted in 7 gallon nursery containers that look just like these 15 gallon container's, I also painted them white. Would you recommend me uppotting these to 15 gallon containers in a few years or just put straight into the ground? We only get a few days of 30-35 degree weather a year, rarely ever below that.
Thank you. They look perfect for bigger trees. I've just got my citrus trees a few months ago, and they are not that big. Would you recommend to put them directly in 15 gal containers, or start with paint buckets for a couple of years till they get bigger? As always, love Dale! He is so precious.
Is your goal to keep them in containers, or plant them in-ground? If you want to put them in-ground, I recommend you plant them immediately after your last frost date when they're small. If your goal is to keep them in a container garden, I recommend "incremental up-potting" with citrus. Citrus, in my experience, do better being slowly up-potted, so I recommend you go into a 5 gallon container first. Then, you can go into a 15 gallon after that.
Great minds think alike! These exact pots have become my favorites as well, and for all the same reasons you mentioned in this video. I've also tried some other cheaper, thinner, flimsier ones too primarily for cost reasons, but these injection molded #15 pots are still the best all around.
I dont have alot of space for over 70 fig trees. So i have to keep my trees in 16x16 polybags. They grow over 6ft tall in the bag. And give me fruit. Probably will have to transplant in 20x20 polybags in the future.
I have not used them. Do they hold up? If the bags are 16"x16", that is effectively the same as these #15 containers. These containers take up approximately 254 square inches (the outer diameter is about 18 inches), whereas the bags take up 256 square inches.
@@TheMillennialGardener the way they measure the polybags are a little different. Its 16x16 inches stretched out flat. Once you put in the soil, the diameter is only 10 inches and the height only 12 inches or so. They basically 3 gallon bags.
@@TheMillennialGardener they are uv stabilised and should last a few years. 2 years at least. Im in malaysia so its hot hot hot. And alot of strong sun.
@@jonathanlee97 oh that’s very interesting. I would imagine you’d need to root prune them annually in something that small? I imagine they get rootbound quickly.
@@TheMillennialGardener my bags are white so i can somewhat see the roots inside when the roots circle and push up against the sides of rhe bag. The roots fill the bag out in 4-6 weeks. Figs grow very vigorously here. Weather is always hot. I have to either root prune or just up pot.
I'm torn between repotting my 5gal fig tree or planting it in the back of the house. I still have plenty of time to decide... yesterday was 60 but it's snowing again today... being able to bring the fig tree inside so it doesn't lose new leaves over wacky new England weather. Do you think woven cloth planters would be better for trees like figs that like well drained soil?
I spray paint my 5 gallon buckets and clear coat them with an out side spray. They seem to last a lot longer. I'm on year 4 with some of them. I'm not really sure it's worth the cost but I have a lot of spray paint on hand due to other hobbies
@@oniswdbs I would imagine paint would add considerable protection. I assume you don't get the paint into the bucket and only spray the exterior, right? These are $7 more shipped and are 2.4 times larger, so my personal opinion is it's worth the cost. You can purchase a #7 container for only about $5 and it will be UV resistant and roughly the same size as a 5 gallon paint bucket.
@@TheMillennialGardener I agree I think the containers are absolutely worth the cost. And yes I blue tape the top shut so no paint gets inside. I use my 5 gallon buckets for peppers and tomatoes and eggplant. I only recently got into fig trees thanks to your videos :)
As always thank you for your wonderful content. One thing you said has a very simple explanation. If you look at cooking dry measuring and liquid measuring are different. No need to make it complicated.
my largest fig containers are 15 Canadian gallons in size and when the soil is wet I can hardly lift them. I estimate they weight close to 100 lb. which makes moving them almost impossible but they are stationary on the rooftop garden which I use and do not need to be overwintered anywhere else except outside here in Victoria, BC. Paid $15 each at Canadian Tire
I watered mine before picking it up in this video. I think it's probably around 60 lbs of so, but I assume it'll get heavier as the tree grows and loads up on fruits. If I have to move them into storage for a hurricane, it'll be no fun. That's for sure. That sounds like a pretty decent deal. I wish I could get these containers locally. Thanks for watching!
No. I just use a blend of potting mix, fertilizer and top with compost. I am in the middle of editing a video on root pruning for next week, which will address this issue.
You can get used molasses tubs for free at your feed store and to they look almost exactly like those containers. You just need to drill drainage holes.
Go to your local cattle farmers and ask them for the mineral buckets! They’re the same size. They just throw them away. I now have about 20 that I’ve drilled holes near the bottom for drainage and their perfect!! Also better for the environment.
Are they UV-treated? The reason I use nursery containers is because they're UV-treated. They will last 10-20 years. Maybe longer if you take care of them. Any untreated plastics are destroyed within 1-2 seasons, here. The UV rays turn them so brittle they crack in no time.
@@TheMillennialGardener Honestly I don’t know. I can tell you in 2 years 🥴. I wonder if there’s something you could spray on the outside to coat them with for protection maybe?
I live in Las Vegas Nevada and I go to my local nursery and I buy used pots, 1 gallon to 15 gallon for a fraction of what a new one costs. I can get 1 gallon pots for a 10 cents a piece and 15 gallon pots for $1.00 a piece.
Theoretically, aren't wider pots better than tall pots, because you will have more even moisture. With the tall ones you'll have drier soil up pot and wetter soil down at the bottom. I don't know if the difference is enough to make a difference or not though.
I'm not a fan of the shallow, squat pots because it keeps the root ball too short. They're hard to transplant into and it doesn't allow enough room for a watering/mulch ring on top. As long as portions of the root ball have access to water, it'll be okay. It's not a bad thing to allow the top to dry out. Every now and again, it's good to let things dry out to protect again rot-causing pathogens.
I do!!! I also use 15 gallons to plant my fruit trees! I am also very lucky that I have a local wholesaler store that I can get for a very cheap price! 2 for $14.50. For people who are looking at these nursey pots, you can try to see if your local area has these "Marijuana growing" stores, they tend to sell it cheap!
Here in the Carolinas, we'll probably be one of the last places where that becomes an industry. I looked around at some local hydro stores and I didn't see them on their website. I would think if you can buy them locally, they'd be even cheaper since so much of the cost is shipping.
First of all I love Dale lol. Thank you for the research and explanation on the pots. I want to grow some fruit but I know where I am is not my last home and I wasn't sure how to go about that. Now I know, tree's can last in pots multiple years. Do you think that would damage them to much, in the long term, if I was to put them in the ground after 4 or 5 years? Janice
I do not think that will be a problem. The only challenge will be digging a hole and lifting a 4-5 year old tree to plant. As long as you can manage, the tree will thank you. These pots will probably need to be "refreshed" with new mix every 3-4 years or so since potting mix breaks down overtime and the trees benefit from light root pruning. Dale sends his warmest regards!
@@TheMillennialGardener Well, actually my plan is to move it once to my place then just turn it over, pull the pot off and slide it in the hole. I will be starting with pretty small tree's so they will get big but not gigantic. Thanks!! Janice
If you are interested in the containers featured in this video, they can be purchased here: amzn.to/4aCLs22
The container size featured in this video is 15-gal, which is ideal for most fruit trees, but they come in smaller sizes as well. I'm also using the 10-gal containers for my coffee plants, and they are also excellent quality. Please be advised the above link is an Amazon affiliate link, so if you choose to use it, I would receive a small commission at no cost to you.
I bought the 5 pack of these 15 gallon sized these like you suggested when you put this video out and I love them too. Today in 2024, I need more and the price for the same thing is only up to $16.30 each when you buy the 10 Pack using the same link you give. That includes the shipping. HOWEVER, there are Other places that show up when you google 15 gallon pots that sell them for as low as $8 each but they rip you off on the shipping which is $200 plus!!!!
For black containers here in Texas, we often use a larger outside container with an air gap to the potting container to keep the blazing sun from baking citrus roots.
I’m out here in California. I’ve got some very large containers where I won’t be able to do that, but have been accumulating the insulating bubble wrap, (the silver kind), that I’ll be able to hang on the sun side of the pots.
Not pretty, but you could wrap the black container with aluminum foil. Might also scare birds and critters away.
What a great tip, thank you!
My friend John Panzarella had over 200 citrus varieties, mostly in pots, before the freeze two years ago. He says if you want citrus to produce fruit, keep it slighly confined in the container. If you move it into a much larger container, it usually will put its effort into vegatative growth and give little or no fruit until it gets confined. So only go up one or two a sizes at a time.
You can paint them with enamel paint.
My husband and I gather pots like that for free by following landscaping companies. When they finish with a job they throw away all the pots...every size. We just raid the dumpster after they leave.
I've tried raiding the dumpsters at the big box stores, but I couldn't find pots large enough or heavy duty enough, and they rarely had lips to pick them up. They're usually the thin thermo-molded things. Mostly, what I found were the flimsy 3-5 gallon pots, which I use for temporary potting. I know it sounds crazy, but I REALLY wanted all my containers to be uniform and exactly the same. I'm an engineer and things being asymmetrical really bothers me.
@@TheMillennialGardener Best to get the pots that the professional landscaping companies use, they’re very high quality.
I recently saw some landscapers planting trees at my work. They had huge pots. Was tempted to ask them for the pots but was running late for work. Agh
Genus idea, Thanks 😊
Very smart!
Another excellent video and answered my questions perfectly. Don't ever cut back on your explanations. Detailed to perfection, thank you.
You’re welcome! Glad it was helpful!
So glad you explained how nursery pots are sized. This had been a big mystery for me till now and bothered the heck out of me.😊
I like your videos. Direct to the point, with solid info and the fat is all trimmed out.
Plus I can tell you are a kind soul!
Thanks for noticing. Believe it or not, I edit them down to about 50% of what I film to cut out any redundancy. This began as 30 mins of footage.
What happens if you never discover your talent or your passion? I love growing food more than anything. If I never tried it, how would I know? My goal is to reach out to as many people as possible and get them to try gardening in hopes they discover the same passion. Hopefully it shines through. Thanks for watching!
Believe me it shines through. I live in California and quickly noticed your videos but what drew me to you is your genuine nature.
I hope one day I will have a fig farm overseas with all of these different varieties.
Love your videos and thank you for all the hard work you do!!
@@ofroaddude5859 Wow! Good luck on your goal. Very cool.
Thank you so, so much! I’ve been struggling with this very dilemma myself. I need to keep my fruit trees in pots and mobile due to my grow zone and the sheer amount of wildlife that tries to feast on all my hard work. Lol
I just want to say, you are by far my favorite channel. A passionate educator with a scientific perspective yet completely approachable...you rock!
Thanks so much for the kind words. I really appreciate that; more than you know. I'm glad I could out in some ways. I generally don't like hawking products unless they're something I really believe will help people and add value, and I'm glad to hear this did it for you.
I lucked out when a new empty house on my block was being landscaped. The company left 20+ three gallon nursery pots off to the side. The thick type, not the thin plastic. I picked them up of course.
That's a lucky find, indeed. Thanks for watching!
its amazing you eather pay 40.00 or find them by the side of the road.
@@roccoconte2960 Ha! So true!!!
So, you stole them.
@@nomdeguerre8464 Depends. If the landscaping company was done with the project and not coming back, then he didn't steal from them, he just picked up their trash that they irresponsibly left behind when they were done.
I’ve been using these type of nursery pots for years for my fig trees. Everything is on drip and they do really well in zone nine
That's great to hear! I hope to set up drip this spring. Thanks for watching!
I just got my delivery of #15s ordered thru your Amazon storefront and you are not kidding! These are some sturdy, hulking buckets! Now I just have to haul the potting soil and do the up-potting. Thanks again.
They’re the real deal. Glad you like them!
I went shooping around for dirt cheap pots for my fruit trees.. Nothing beats a nursery pot because of that UV protection. Sometimes you have to paint 1/3 of the pot white so on those very hot days you can turn white side south and prevent root burn on the roots up against the pot.
I've never had a problem. I think the fear of black pots is largely overstated. It's incredibly hot here during the summer, and I grow in black pots on top of black weed barrier in full sun for 12 hours, and I've never had a single problem.
Amanda from South Africa here.Thank you so much for this informative video. I only started in 2022 with fruit trees, watched a lot of video's on the subject. Your video ticked all the boxes for the questions I had especially the color. Most gardeners use black pots and I wondered why - now I know. I found almost the exact pots at a local store - way cheaper than half wine barrel pots or any other decorative container. Thank you
Hi Amanda, hoe gaan dit daar in SA? 😊
Have you found the perfect container for your fruit trees? Let us know in the Comments below!
Yes I just found a whole sale pots for my figs. They are 15 gallon and they sell a pouch of 18 for $56 plug tax. These pots are the same ones that nurseries use. Love them
@@majesticnailsandspainflori3185 may I know which website or company you buy from ? I need 50 pots for my fig tree . Thanks
@@michellechew724 called bwi
Sucks. Watched the video thinking he’d list where he bought his pots from but noooo 🙁
@@the4wus they’re the very top link in my Amazon Storefront. The first on the top left. Problem is the video caused a run on the pots so they’re out of stock and only up to #10’s remain. They will surely be restocked soon so keep an eye out.
Interest from this video has caused fluctuating stock of the #15’s from the seller’s account linked in my Amazon Storefront. If the item does not appear, keep checking as the stock is routinely updated. I’m sure they weren’t expecting the sudden sales spike. Thanks to all who are interested!
Following!!! Can you send me the link to order a few?
I cant find a link either. I also can't find your Amazon store for the link, fyi.
@@Julietwright1989 it is linked in my Amazon Storefront in the video description. Amazon is very stringent with where you place their links so I must allude to the video description.
@@debfr5307 it is in the video description. Click SEE MORE if you’re on a computer or the arrow if you’re on your phone. It is the first link under the video description. The containers are linked in the top left of the store. However, the #15’s are currently out of stock. I anticipate they’ll be restocked soon enough.
@@Julietwright1989 they are back in stock.
Great video! You explained something that I've always wanted to know. Those 15-gallon pots never really looked like they could hold 15 gallons. Now I know why. Lol. Thank you.
I was always confused about that, too! Isn't it so convoluted? Liquid isn't compressible, but soil is, so the container size is LISTED in uncompressed soil but MEASURED in compressed soil! #15 = 12 GAL, which means 15 gallons of uncompressed soil = 12 gallons of compressed soil (or liquid). What a head-scratcher.
@@TheMillennialGardener have you ever considered the 20gal brute trash containers. Can be easily move with built in handles.
I picked these up from a thrift store. Wonderful catch-alls in the garden and storage bins in the garage.
If you were able to find these exact pots, you scored big time. This make and model is top notch. Thanks for watching!
those pots are the best! Thats what weve been using. We grow lots on our deck (which gets super hot during the BC heat domes so we wrap them with foil bubble wrap.
those giant tree pots are pure gold. they're good for container gardening for vegetables too. since they drain, they are ideal for waste collection outside. they aren't brittle like other plastics. you have to order special saucers for hot weather, however. 14" saucers work well. I have a dolly for big propane cans used by welders. It works perfectly for the big tree pots.
The base of my containers are a little more than 14", so I think I'll need 16" saucers for the summer. What's crazy is the cost of those saucers are almost half the cost of the pots. I should have gotten into the injection molding business because the margins are crazy 😆 The pots themselves are fantastic.
I container garden using used cattle lick tubs. They had minerals in them out in the field for cattle to lick on. I normally get them for around five bucks each. They're UV resistant and very heavy duty. Just make sure to add in some drain holes.
Hey great video - i recently sourced similar size pots for fruit trees too. Was hoping this choice was a good one and its great to see someone else having success with this. To move the trees in pots around the yard, I drag them using a nice large ish scooped shovel with a long handle. Perhaps it works a bit like a sled. After lifting the pot up on one side I slide the shovel scoop right under the pot, then let it down so the pot is sitting right over the shovel scoop. Using the shovel handle I then drag the pot easily over the grass to a new location. Its quite effortless for me this way. Sometimes I hold the plant trunk or stem to keep it from wobbling while dragging or get another person to hold that steady while i drag it. Oftentimes it works well without help and the pot pretty much stays on the shovel scoop during the travel, you just gauge the right speed and balance. Its worked over gravelly surface, pebbles, grass, up and down sloping land too without any noticable damage to the grass etc. Dont know how it would go on hard concrete surfaces, and it could possibly rip into plastic . Its my alternative to picking up a large pot. The curve on the shovel scoop allows the handle to lift up enough to drag the pot along. Another shovel with a very straight scoop area or short handle probably wouldnt do this job. Great video. Thanks so much.
Have you considered purchasing a hand truck? That's what I'm going to do. We usually get a hurricane or tropical storm at some point, so it's only a matter of time until I have to cart them into the garage. A 700lb-rated hand truck with pneumatic tires is only $35 at Harbor Freight, so I think I'm going to pick one up.
Excellent advice!! I’ve been frustrated for years that big plastic containers are so ridiculously expensive. I just bought 10 of these (got 11 😁). I also bought 5 of the larger ones (25 gal). They are a little more expensive but huge and still way cheaper than anything else! Almost the same volume as a 24” box. Thank you for the awesome tip! And your excellent video on pruning avocado trees. Subscribed! 👍🏼
Where did you purchase your buckets from?
@@alicejohnson9080 - he’s got a link to them in his Amazon store, it’s in the Description area.
Great video, I love how you thought this through and I think they appear to be a excellent deal. Love the zoomies too.
They're outstanding. I placed, I think, 7 fig trees in the containers this year and they're going absolutely nuts. They're growing so fast and most already have main crop figs on them. These pots are truly great.
Carbon black is the best UV inhibitor additive for olefin plastics (HDPE /PP).
It's also the cheapest. I worked in the plastics molding industry many years - a plastics chemical engineer explained it to me. The Blue 5 gal bucket deteriorated because of no UV protection. There are UV additives for colored plastics but is very expensive - mostly used on automotive parts.
Great video. 👍
Is that why the white buckets don't deteriorate like that never had any issues with them
Great video with lots of good information and a little sense of humor thrown in! Thanks so much!
I love these pots. Especially because they are wide at the bottom and dont tip over as easily as many other pots.
They're fantastic! I've struggled with wind blowing my pots over constantly where I live, since it's so windy here with my proximity to the coast and hurricane frequency. These NEVER MOVE! I just got a whole pack of the #10's that I'll be using for different trees. They're so exceptionally nice that I'm going to make a video on them, too.
YOU ROCK MAN!! Thanks for putting all the details in the comments.
You’re welcome!
Perfect timing I need to up pot my 7gal trees this spring.. these look great, thanks man
Awesome! Happy to help! Thank you for watching.
Steve Battista
I found some on Walmarts website, 21 1/2" across the top 16 1/2" tall with rope handles. Their Mainstay variety, several different colors. The ones I ordered were about the same color as the Lowes bucket in this video. The ones that I ordered were 8 to a box shipped to the store free for less than $8.00 each last year, haven't ordered any this year. They had others that are more expensive and some that were cheaper. I ordered 40 last year and used them to make wicking tubs. Worked Great.
@@brucethomas3100 thanks for the info
Thanks man for putting in all the hard work to find these for us. God bless you.
Thus video was great and very detailed! Finally someone who answers all my questions about containers.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching!
I ask farmers and ranchers for used (empty) mineral tubs. These tubs come filled with minerals for cattle. Ranchers usually have lots of empty ones because they are purchased regularly. I’ve never had to pay for them. They look to be a bit bigger around than the 15 gal ones you’re using. On a side note, bakers will tell you, you must compact approximately 1 1/2 cups brown sugar in order to fill a 1 cup measure. 😊
If you're interested in the #15 containers, see my Amazon Storefront in the video description for the link. TIMESTAMPS for convenience:
0:00 6 Criteria For Choosing The Best Nursery Pot
3:16 How Nursery Container Size Is Calculated
5:30 Nursery Container Cost
7:50 Nursery Container Durability And UV Resistance
9:45 Importance Of Nursery Container Color
11:35 Nursery Pots VS. 5 Gallon Buckets
13:23 Adventures With Dale
Cool
Found your Amazon storefront, ordered the #15 pots. Thanks for the directions. Great video, liked and subscribed 👍
Thank you! I appreciate it!
They only have 10 gallons and smaller I just checked.
No 15 gallon pots left :(
I ordered the Brute 28 gallon can from a cleaning supply company . They have nice handles and are indestructible. Usually 35-40 dollars each but they are really 28 gallon liquid volume . I used my drill to make drainage holes . They are heavy full of damp soil but I use my hand truck to move them when needed
I considered larger containers, but I ran into a problem: how will you lift a tree that large and heavy when it comes time to root-prune? This was my struggle. I determined I can't reliably lift more than a #15. What are your thoughts on that?
I live in South Georgia near the Florida line and my plan is to get the citrus varieties 3-4 years old and then plant them in the ground and use some protection if we ever fall below 20 degrees which hasn’t happened in several years but it can happen . The lime tree will hopefully be ok for several years in these containers as I only have one key lime . It’s just too sensitive to cold to grow here . There are orchards around here that grow Meyer Lemon and several varieties of mandarins and they get 12-15 ft tall . The owner told me to put micro sprinklers in the trees and he gets cold protection down to 14 degrees if fully mature and hardened off . He grows the Shiranui variety that is the best my wife and I have ever eaten of any citrus . If I had to root prune I would lay them over on their sides and slide out and then slide them back in . These containers are square so you can do it with rootball on the drier side done in the late winter before growth resumes . I think that is really a great advantage of slightly rounded square container. You are correct though because it’s a bit of a job . I really enjoy your videos and your passion for gardening .
Love the canine photobomb racing by. :)
Dale’s more like a photo missile than a photo bomb 😂
I found those handled party tubs from Aldi's that are probably about 15-20 gallons with the rope handle's and only paid $9 a piece. They were seasonal items and grabbed 2 when I had the chance. I drilled holes in the bottom to allow drainage and my Meyer lemon and Thornless Key lime and doing very well in them.
your containers look like an excellent size and wise choice; congrats!
Thank you! Thanks for watching.
Great info! And I LOVED Dale's cameo!
Dale always gets his own segment in all my videos. He's the real star ⭐
I found that adding 3" to 4" of grass clippings to the top soil of my containers cooled the soil significantly during the hot Summer months... while also adding water retention and fertilizer. It attracts worms too...
I just went to your store front and added a 10pack to my cart. Thanks!!!
Grass works very well if you have a weed free lawn. Here, we grow centipede grass, which is loaded with seeds, so it doesn’t make good mulch. The only problem with grass is it will decompose very quickly since it is rich in nitrogen and contains little “browns,” so you’ll need to replenish often. Thanks for the order. I think you’ll love the pots.
@@TheMillennialGardener
The trick is to get the clippings deep enough to mold/keep seeds from being able to germinate... but shallow enough not to hot compost/liquify the grass clippings.
I add grass clippings a few times a year. The top layer turns super white/like hay. Then when I come back and add a layer later on it is now the brown base that is getting green added to the top.
I plan to use the pots to add a large potted fig tree to the end of my raised garden beds... and potted potatoes in between the rows that I don't have to dig up. I will just pour the pot into my large garden wagon and pick out the potatoes.
I use 5gal buckets as well and they r doing well, I plain on replanting them in a dryer Barrel this spring
I find the 5 gallon buckets work for 1-2 years. The UV rays from the sun eat them alive. Some people try to "save money" by buying other containers, like those plastic buckets for drinks, but they only last 1-2 years before they will shatter when you try and move them. I recommend spending the extra few dollars up front, because these are UV resistant and will last 10-20 years or longer. In the long run, these containers are far cheaper because if you buy non-UV treated pots, you'll be replacing them repeatedly.
I found you last year and was inspired to take some air layers from the Brown Turkey fig that has never produced fruit because of my (mid TN) climate. I moved them out a week ago into the mild spring weather and they are just starting to leaf out. I’m hopeful to get some fruit. Because of you - just thought you might want to know.
That's AWESOME! I am thrilled to be a source of motivation. If the Brown Turkey doesn't work out for you, don't worry. I can recommend you dozens of other incredible figs. Much of Tennessee is pretty good for figs. They do well in mild Zone 7's.
Your thorough analysis and explanation are appreciated. Thank you
Put some type of tarp cover for your big pots. I notice after I did that the tree leaves staring popping up and the dirt stays wet longer. My tree is loving it
Congratulations on your new pots. Seriously, we want to see a healthy fig tree root, leaves, growth and lots of fruit, in a Lowes pot it is impossible. Now you have to put the accelerator on and start fast so that they perform well in spring, you will see the difference.
I've had incredible success with 5 gallon buckets, but they'll require annual root pruning and refreshing. I'm trying to get away from that. These should be something more long-term. Hoping it becomes an every 2-3 year thing.
I'd recommend looking for a light colored container or spray painting the outside of a black one to white light color. The black plastic absorbs the heat and can cook the roots of your plant.
I think that’s one of those Internet myths. It gets extremely hot here, and my plants love the black containers. They are never hot. They don’t even get warm to the touch. Almost all nursery containers are black. If that were truly a problem, the industry would have changed that. The fact that every nursery grows in black containers is evidence it doesn’t really matter. Save your hard earned money on paint if you ask me.
@@TheMillennialGardener I'm in the Utah desert 100*+ from June 1st to sometime in Sept. (This year has actually been a few degrees cooler but we did break a record of 117* this Summer)
I bought these same ones for my trees a couple months back. They are so perfect for the reasons you have stated in this video. I need to order another 10 for next year because I bought and rooted more fig varieties this year.
Definitely buy them ASAP before the prices increase for the growing season. I find it's best to order during the off-season. I love these things already!
You can use a Rubbermaid Brute 20 gallon trash can too. Melt a drain hole on the bottom of the trash can with a heat gun.
Be careful. Most containers are not UV treated and will fall apart in a couple seasons in the sun. It's *very* important to use a UV stabilized material or you'll be replacing them constantly. These pots will last indefinitely since they're designed for non-stop outdoor usage. Storage containers, typically, are not.
Nice find. Great deal; Those are not expensive. You should get more while they are available. 🌲
They're currently sold out. Hopefully 11 will be enough since I gave up my source 😅
Great size. I just paid $25 for mine at a local store, which was ok since I only have 6 trees in containers. They are decorative, UV resistant, double walled, have a thick lip for grip, and come with a 10 year warranty. I was fine with a cost of $2.50 a year. I feel like I got a good deal since they sell for $40 online. They are a similar size to these which is perfect for mobility. Also easy to slide onto a dolly, if they're too angled they don't fit on the footplate or fall off easily. A strap or bungee cord helps keep them stable. Thanks for sharing, the uniformity of your orchard will look MUCH nicer than all those colorful and random buckets.
I should have gotten into the injection molded pot business. Can you imagine these things sell for such a price? I understand it's quite costly to set up the molds and the machinery, but once you recoup your investment you must be printing money 😂 With the 5 gallon buckets, I have to water daily. I'm hoping this will cut back on my frequency come June.
The Millennial Gardener definitely a missed opportunity since so many more people are gardening since the pandemic. I saw some great looking square pots that I loved because they'd be so easy to transport, only about 20"square.. they were $70 each. Smh I cant justify spending that much for resin pots. If I decide to grow more trees I will buy the ones you shared, they really are a perfect size. Thanks.
The Millennial Gardener PS.. it's not too late to start the business. :)
I inherited 2 of these a couple of years ago, but haven’t been able to source more. The ones I have may be 10 years old and are like new. Thanks!
Excellent. The idea of these lasting a decade makes me very happy. Thanks for watching!
I love, love your videos. Been a fan quite a while. I am 68, gardened 45 years and I ALWAYS learn something great from your videos. They are clear and precise. Question. I have been using cattle feed tubs from the feed store, abt. $5 ea. Lasting years, I planted some figs in 6 of them last spring. They have sunk down in the pot. Do you just add a few inches of dirt or completely repot? Thanks love to Dale.
Check with your local ranchers. Here in Texas our ranchers tend to put out their protein tubs out for people to take sometimes free and sometimes 5 bucks per tub. All I do is drill a hole the size of whatever rope I have and create handles.... and the same thing for the drain holes.
Thank you for sharing the information on pots. 👍
Thanks for watching!
Those looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing.I do hope they last a number of years
I hope so too! Thanks for watching!
When I bought my house last year, the seller left a 10 gallon pot for free. I've been tryig to decide if I can plant a fruit tree in it. thanks for your video.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the informative video. I’ve repurposed those #15 containers from purchased fruit trees and I’ve been able to beg others from a couple of local nurseries. I can never score as many as I need so I’m a buyer.
I should have gotten into the injection molded nursery pot business because the mark-up on these things are crazy! If you scored these exact containers repurposed, you hit the jackpot. They're nice. I just up-potted two more trees today and they're stellar. Thanks for watching!
@@TheMillennialGardener The ones I have are good for 3-4 seasons then the bottoms start to crack and render them useless. They’re not near the quality that you found. They’re actually great for container tomatoes. The soil warms up quicker in the Spring and the plants get a head start over in-ground plantings. Same with eggplant, okra and other heat loving plants. Thanks again for sourcing these containers. Do you have any experience with those fabric grow bags? I bought three just to try out.
Thank you for sharing your great finds 👍 I need to get some for my fig trees 😊
You’re welcome! Happy to help. Figs will be going in mine as well.
This is one of the absolute BEST videos I've ever seen on ANY subject! Covered in detail everything I was looking for! And I happen to be in eastern NC too! I want to order one of these. How do I buy just one? Thanks!
They're only shipped in 5-packs or 10-packs. Buying an individual container would be crazy, because they'd have to ship it in the same size box. You'd probably pay $30 for a single pot, since I'm sure there is a ~$25-30 base packaging and shipping charge worked into the price. The 10-pack is by far the best deal.
if you look for these in Australia. Look up grow pots in bunnings
Found The PERFECT FRUIT TREE CONTAINER! 14 minutes later.......holy crap
Those are the best pots!
I’m gonna put my banana plant in one also
THANK YOU SIR FOR VALUABLE INFORMATION/ INSIGHT/KNOWLEDGE. I WAS SCEPTICAL TO USE POTS FOR GROWING FRUIT TREES IN P0TS.YOU MOTIVATED ME TO USE POTS THAT I HAVE AT HOME.I FOUND YOUR CHANNEL BY CHANCE 🤗 .NEW SUBSCRIBE. FROM SOUTH AFRICA. GAUTENG REGION. JOHANNESBURG 🇿🇦 👏👏👏
Thank you for subscribing! I really appreciate it.
Planted 4 different varieties of blueberries in those resin half wine barrel containers you described. The stated volume of them is 13.5 gallons (not sure whether that's liquid or compacted soil volume, but with a 20" diameter at the top and 14" of height, the pots are quite large). I will definitely agree that they are not the easiest pots to handle--I recently had to bring my blueberries into the garage because of a cold snap with expected frost--definitely would help if the pots had something on the top to grip onto. That said, they do look a bit nicer than the nursery planters, and they *seem* fairly durable, but I've only had them for about 7 months or so at this point. I definitely don't look forward to trying to get my blueberries out of them to deal with root pruining and refreshing the soil!
I just bought a couple of these today. How well are they holding up for you 2 years later?
@@williamlynch804 Still holding up great. Definitely satisfied with them. I think they're a good choice for a fruit plant you need to keep potted for a few years.
Thanks for another great video. Just what I was looking for and right to the point. Oh by the way, DALE boy is getting very spoiled!! My Golden is a 95 pound BABY !
I'm glad it was helpful. Dale is 62 lbs and that's big enough. I couldn't imagine a 95 pounder. He must eat you out of house and home. Thanks for watching!
On Facebook Marketplace I found local wholesale nursery’s (open to the public) that sell 15g nursery pots for $3 and 25g for $8. Brand new. They had stacks of them. Hope this helps
Be sure to check out local hydroponics stores to avoid the shipping charges. Also some people have luck obtaining used nursery pots.
Choices are limited in my area. I checked some local websites and they weren't listed as a product. Shipping on these larger containers are often astronomical!
Current price for a 15 gallon pot here in Thailand is 100 baht($2.85 USD). Excellent quality to boot.
I am sure I was subscribed to your channel, but today it said I was not! I resubscribed, now have to see what videos I missed of yours! Thank you for this video, appreciate it!
This is kinda what I'm using. I'm using syrup tubs used in cattle feed.
Awesome information. I have been looking for something like this at a good price and quality. Thanks for the input and research.
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching.
I found these on line. One company wants $160.00 each. Another company offers them for less than $7.00 each.
Thanks so much for the tips. I totally agree with your wonderful & great thinking!
You're welcome! Thanks for watching. I appreciate it.
Thanks for the research on the pots, I just bought them from your Storefront.
Thank you! You're going to love them. As much as you can love a tree pot, that is 😂
The 40 gal black trashcans at walmart work great and cheap- plus have handles
Will you be able to remove the tree when it comes time to root prune and replace the potting mix? That’s my concern with something that large.
I just repotted my Avocado in a 50 gallon blue barrel. I intend to follow your suggestion to just use 15 gallon. when should I move it to the smaller 15 gal - now before the roots can grow or in Feb when they are still dormant? Thanks. I am in the West Coast zone border of 9a and 9b
Excellent report. Your search, is just like mine. However, I was able to make A deal with my nursery for 25 gallon containers.!
I like these pots. Will be up potting my key lime and Satsuma mandarin in then soon!
Very nice! Best of luck.
Very informative! I’ve been opting in for nursery containers as well for the same reasons you’ve mentioned. Can’t beat the price! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Excellent! Glad it was helpful. You'll like these if you go with them.
You should take a look at local hydroponic stores. The one near me has the exact 15 gallon container for $7.79. The 20 gallon containers are $11.53.
I live in zone 9a. I have a bunch of citrus trees, all around 3 feet tall that I have repotted in 7 gallon nursery containers that look just like these 15 gallon container's, I also painted them white. Would you recommend me uppotting these to 15 gallon containers in a few years or just put straight into the ground? We only get a few days of 30-35 degree weather a year, rarely ever below that.
Hugs for Dale❤
Yes, those are what I use.
How do you like them?
Thank you. They look perfect for bigger trees.
I've just got my citrus trees a few months ago, and they are not that big. Would you recommend to put them directly in 15 gal containers, or start with paint buckets for a couple of years till they get bigger?
As always, love Dale! He is so precious.
Is your goal to keep them in containers, or plant them in-ground? If you want to put them in-ground, I recommend you plant them immediately after your last frost date when they're small. If your goal is to keep them in a container garden, I recommend "incremental up-potting" with citrus. Citrus, in my experience, do better being slowly up-potted, so I recommend you go into a 5 gallon container first. Then, you can go into a 15 gallon after that.
Great minds think alike! These exact pots have become my favorites as well, and for all the same reasons you mentioned in this video. I've also tried some other cheaper, thinner, flimsier ones too primarily for cost reasons, but these injection molded #15 pots are still the best all around.
@@HenrySamraj Look in the video description and follow the link to this channel's Amazon Storefront. It's listed in there under containers.
They're wonderful. I didn't think I could be excited about a nursery container, but I am. They're worth every penny at this price!
@@TheMillennialGardener Also FWIW, I've used mine for a few seasons now, and they definitely have held up to the elements.
Excellent. That's good to know because I would prefer not spending that much money on pots again for awhile!
I dont have alot of space for over 70 fig trees. So i have to keep my trees in 16x16 polybags. They grow over 6ft tall in the bag. And give me fruit. Probably will have to transplant in 20x20 polybags in the future.
I have not used them. Do they hold up? If the bags are 16"x16", that is effectively the same as these #15 containers. These containers take up approximately 254 square inches (the outer diameter is about 18 inches), whereas the bags take up 256 square inches.
@@TheMillennialGardener the way they measure the polybags are a little different. Its 16x16 inches stretched out flat. Once you put in the soil, the diameter is only 10 inches and the height only 12 inches or so. They basically 3 gallon bags.
@@TheMillennialGardener they are uv stabilised and should last a few years. 2 years at least. Im in malaysia so its hot hot hot. And alot of strong sun.
@@jonathanlee97 oh that’s very interesting. I would imagine you’d need to root prune them annually in something that small? I imagine they get rootbound quickly.
@@TheMillennialGardener my bags are white so i can somewhat see the roots inside when the roots circle and push up against the sides of rhe bag. The roots fill the bag out in 4-6 weeks. Figs grow very vigorously here. Weather is always hot. I have to either root prune or just up pot.
I'm torn between repotting my 5gal fig tree or planting it in the back of the house.
I still have plenty of time to decide... yesterday was 60 but it's snowing again today... being able to bring the fig tree inside so it doesn't lose new leaves over wacky new England weather.
Do you think woven cloth planters would be better for trees like figs that like well drained soil?
I think thats a good one. I got a few from menards but it has a smaller shape bottom so i like yours better.
Great video thanks for all the advice!
Thanks for watching!
I spray paint my 5 gallon buckets and clear coat them with an out side spray. They seem to last a lot longer. I'm on year 4 with some of them. I'm not really sure it's worth the cost but I have a lot of spray paint on hand due to other hobbies
@@oniswdbs I would imagine paint would add considerable protection. I assume you don't get the paint into the bucket and only spray the exterior, right? These are $7 more shipped and are 2.4 times larger, so my personal opinion is it's worth the cost. You can purchase a #7 container for only about $5 and it will be UV resistant and roughly the same size as a 5 gallon paint bucket.
@@TheMillennialGardener I agree I think the containers are absolutely worth the cost. And yes I blue tape the top shut so no paint gets inside. I use my 5 gallon buckets for peppers and tomatoes and eggplant. I only recently got into fig trees thanks to your videos :)
As always thank you for your wonderful content. One thing you said has a very simple explanation. If you look at cooking dry measuring and liquid measuring are different. No need to make it complicated.
my largest fig containers are 15 Canadian gallons in size and when the soil is wet I can hardly lift them. I estimate they weight close to 100 lb. which makes moving them almost impossible but they are stationary on the rooftop garden which I use and do not need to be overwintered anywhere else except outside here in Victoria, BC. Paid $15 each at Canadian Tire
I watered mine before picking it up in this video. I think it's probably around 60 lbs of so, but I assume it'll get heavier as the tree grows and loads up on fruits. If I have to move them into storage for a hurricane, it'll be no fun. That's for sure. That sounds like a pretty decent deal. I wish I could get these containers locally. Thanks for watching!
I found this heavy duty 17 gallon plastic tubs for $7.98 each with rope handles at Walmart in the laundry department.
The plastic may crack over long term use because of the sun exposure and temperature fluctuations. Use an outdoor plastic trash can.
Do you put a small rock over holes when potting up? Please do vids on potting and idea soil mixes.
No. I just use a blend of potting mix, fertilizer and top with compost. I am in the middle of editing a video on root pruning for next week, which will address this issue.
Yeah I paid a lot for the type like yours. Like 30 40 plus the bottom part for the water was like 15
You can get used molasses tubs for free at your feed store and to they look almost exactly like those containers. You just need to drill drainage holes.
The key is UV resistance. These will last 10-20 years.
Go to your local cattle farmers and ask them for the mineral buckets! They’re the same size. They just throw them away. I now have about 20 that I’ve drilled holes near the bottom for drainage and their perfect!! Also better for the environment.
Are they UV-treated? The reason I use nursery containers is because they're UV-treated. They will last 10-20 years. Maybe longer if you take care of them. Any untreated plastics are destroyed within 1-2 seasons, here. The UV rays turn them so brittle they crack in no time.
@@TheMillennialGardener Honestly I don’t know. I can tell you in 2 years 🥴. I wonder if there’s something you could spray on the outside to coat them with for protection maybe?
I live in Las Vegas Nevada and I go to my local nursery and I buy used pots, 1 gallon to 15 gallon for a fraction of what a new one costs.
I can get 1 gallon pots for a 10 cents a piece and 15 gallon pots for $1.00 a piece.
Theoretically, aren't wider pots better than tall pots, because you will have more even moisture. With the tall ones you'll have drier soil up pot and wetter soil down at the bottom. I don't know if the difference is enough to make a difference or not though.
I'm not a fan of the shallow, squat pots because it keeps the root ball too short. They're hard to transplant into and it doesn't allow enough room for a watering/mulch ring on top. As long as portions of the root ball have access to water, it'll be okay. It's not a bad thing to allow the top to dry out. Every now and again, it's good to let things dry out to protect again rot-causing pathogens.
I do!!! I also use 15 gallons to plant my fruit trees! I am also very lucky that I have a local wholesaler store that I can get for a very cheap price! 2 for $14.50. For people who are looking at these nursey pots, you can try to see if your local area has these "Marijuana growing" stores, they tend to sell it cheap!
Here in the Carolinas, we'll probably be one of the last places where that becomes an industry. I looked around at some local hydro stores and I didn't see them on their website. I would think if you can buy them locally, they'd be even cheaper since so much of the cost is shipping.
Thanks for the link, scored some for myself.
Excellent! You're going to love them. Thanks for watching!
First of all I love Dale lol. Thank you for the research and explanation on the pots. I want to grow some fruit but I know where I am is not my last home and I wasn't sure how to go about that. Now I know, tree's can last in pots multiple years. Do you think that would damage them to much, in the long term, if I was to put them in the ground after 4 or 5 years? Janice
I do not think that will be a problem. The only challenge will be digging a hole and lifting a 4-5 year old tree to plant. As long as you can manage, the tree will thank you. These pots will probably need to be "refreshed" with new mix every 3-4 years or so since potting mix breaks down overtime and the trees benefit from light root pruning. Dale sends his warmest regards!
@@TheMillennialGardener Well, actually my plan is to move it once to my place then just turn it over, pull the pot off and slide it in the hole. I will be starting with pretty small tree's so they will get big but not gigantic. Thanks!! Janice
@@jksatte thanks for watching!
I bought similar 20 gallon containers used from my local nursery for $5 each last week.
Can you tell if they're injection molded? I think that makes a big difference in durability.
@@TheMillennialGardener Yes, they are the higher quality kind. They had dozens and dozens in their back storage yard.