Self Watering Container and Sub-irrigated Planter

[pepperhead212]

Here's a planting guide, with suggestions on how many to put in the Earthbox, which is slightly smaller than the 18 gal tubs. However, the suggestion of 6 peppers is a bit many for things that get large - I put in 4 anchos and big jims, which was a bit crowded, but produced very well. And last season I had 3 chinense varieties in one, and they produced huge amounts, but I'll still only put in 2 this season, just so I can find the peppers! The 8 Okra seemed like a lot, but worked out fine.
https://earthbox.com/earthbox-planting-guide

[MichaelC]

I'm feeling very pleased, I just finished constructing two 5 gallon bucket sip's.

[Allyn]

Awesome! Do keep us apprised of your progress.

[MichaelC]

I certainly will, either in my carrot thread or here as appropriate. I already have a couple questions. First, a fair amount of soil initially washed into the reservoir, as I did expect, turning the color to a dark chocolate. I can see why you built in barriers. Does it make any difference if I leave the dirty water vs. dumping it? Also, looking at the pictures I provided, might perhaps more drainage holes, closer to the edge, be in order? I refer to the bottom of the inner bucket - around the edge seems neglected.

[Allyn]

There's going to be dirt in the water, It's okay as long as there isn't so much of it that it makes mud and fills up the air gap. I think the holes are okay in your inner bucket. There's room for more and more won't hurt, but I don't feel like you have too few. See what other folks think.

[applestar]

For fun, I made a SIP out of a 1 gallon distilled water jug and an ice cream container for a micro-variety tomato called Red Robin for the Winter Indoor Tomato Garden. I'm going to give this one or another one like it to my Mom.