Get some casters for the bottom of those barrels for better portability. As handy as you all are, just go look at those square platforms with casters on the bottom of them at your local garden center then make a set for yourself. It’s really simple to make and you spend a fraction of the $$.

You can plant more in these than you would initially think. Remember, spacing is all about allowing the plants proper nutrition. If you supplement the nutrients in your soil with compost to begin with then add some worm poop along the way, you can plant more plants closer together than you ever thought. We break all the rules all the time and have had great results. Check out the book on biointensive gardening by John Jeavons: “How To Grow More…” You’ll love it!

Don’t put rocks in the bottom of your containers for drainage. That is a common misconception by container gardeners. If you have a proper mix of organic matter in your soil, the soil will drain just fine. Those rocks in the bottom of you pot will just take up valuable root space.

There ya go… our top recommendations for container gardeners. Can’t wait to see your progress!! Congratulations!!

@deb – I was about to say… Dammmmmmmmmmn you got some killer chard! Good to know that they barrels last about 10 years. Great investment then.