20 qt containers big enough?

[Seedtoweed]

Hello there fellow ICMagers.

I guess its a bit too late, as the containers already have soil in them, but I was curious as if a 20QT Rubbermaid (or similar product, not sure on brand) is large enough to house two plants? The container is longer than it is wide, and about a foot deep or so. I chose two of them to fit into my space perfectly, and would like to grow four plants all together, two in each container.

To do this, and to acheive maximum results with roots, I was planning on covering the soil so the roots can grow closer to the top (I read that the top 15% of soil is often not used by roots, due to it being dry from exposure to the light). I'm aware that both plants will have roots in each others "areas", but I feel as if making a divider isnt really needed. The plants will be fine with sharing root space, correct?

Thanks

 

[JJScorpio]

20 qts is 5 gallons. That is normally what I flower one plant in but I think it would be possible to do 2 if flowered early. I am curious to see how they do. Are you starting them in that big an area? If you are I would recommend starting them in cups and working your way up.....

 

[Seedtoweed]

Well, I plan on starting the seeds in 16oz plastic cups first, and then putting them in the soil.

Also, my soil mix is a 50/50 mix of "Miracle Gro All Purpose Potting Soil" and "Expert Soil" (or something) both purchased at Wal-Mart. How do you feel about this? I really wasnt too sure on what to get for soil, and Wal-Mart and Lowes had basically the same selection.

Thanks!

 

[buzzed day]

mg works grate for me but you can't use the kind that holds water [moister control] that will kill them,the other mg works grate for me. hope this helps and have a buzzed day

 

[Seedtoweed]

Thanks for the advice, but could you elaborate a bit on what each does?

I know Perlite will help with moisture and help airate the soil? Dolomite lime, i'm unfamiliar with.

It really isnt "too late", as all the soil is in one trashbag for mixing, it hasnt been used yet. I had to empty the containers because I overlooked drainage. How does using a thin layer of gravel on the bottom of the containers sound to help drainage?

 

[ogrefugee]

perlite will help with drainage too... domolite lime is used to keep your ph from falling to low due to too much acidity.

i guess gravel would be fine for drainage, i just use 40% perlite and holes in the bottom and have no problems with drainage. KISS

 

[Wacky Tobacky]

ya i have heard alot of bad things about MG soil but i use MG soil with some perlite and it works great. easiest soil mix ever plus its all organic.