Making custom containers for soil?

[KingOllie]

I'm trying to find some information on making custom soil containers (planters, pots, and boxes - search terms) and couldn't find anything by searching. I'm wanting to make a custom container to fill the whole floor of my growing cabinet to maximize the root mat (20" x 10" in my case). I couldn't find the exact measurements I want at the local stores...wish there was a container world close by. Seems like I've seen growers use bags in cardboard boxes, but don't know how to handle drainage in that situation, and also cutting up and gluing back together premade containers. Anybody have any information for me? Thanks!

 

[Anghellic]

Ive been having this problem also. I was going to use bags but i would never be happy, and drainage would be a pain. I think the closest thing you can get is maybe a trash can, or something else plastic like that. Look around the flea market maybe? Its one of those things where you just gotta look around for the right thing.

 

[Mr Celsius]

Cat litter box?

 

[Guest]

have u looked at the rubbermaid/tupperware/sterlite containers at wallyworld? lots of sizes.............the customer returns lady was confused when i came back twice in one day and simply said that the x number of containers i had with me were the wrong size for my new cabinet

 

[KingOllie]

Yeah, I've been searching at the Mal-Wart, but they never seem to have to exact size that I need. I guess I'll either have to find a best fit or come up with something of my own. Shouldn't be too hard hacking one of those things up and putting it back together again.

 

[famous]

what about buying a 30-40 gallon rubbermade, and just cutting down the top?

 

[chosen]

If you are trying to make containers for reservoirs or planting, there was an old thread on OG. I've used the guide,but I can't find it right now. Essentially you use styrofoam sheets. If you are doing a reservoir, use the thicker stuff or even wood. If you are making square growing containers, use light weight styrofoam. Here is how it works
You can use liquid nails or guerilla glue type adhesive when bonding styrofoam. When bonding wood use the same idea, but also fire in some screw or nails to join the parts. Then once you've got the item adhered together in that way. Use fiberglass resin from a boat repair kit or similar found at Homedepot or Osh. Just pour the appropriate amount into the middle of the now adhered container and use a paint brush to swirl the hardener and gel together. Start coating the entire inner portions. Make sure to get every little nook and cranny. The fiberglass resin in your water sealer. It's what's going to make that container tough as nails and water tight. It's handy but it takes a while to dry. Make sure that it dries. You may even want to line it after you are done as well. I am a paranoid. I don't like the chemicals in the fiberglass kit. The plastic liner is to just avoid the chemicals. You can cut the styrofoam with a razor blade. So, you don't need much for tools. And the thick foam by the way after coating and curing will support about 200 pounds of weight. The guy on OG use to stand on his to show it off. I don't treat mine that badly. You can make a wooden table to put the tray on and slide a rubbermaid container right underneath as a reservoir too.

 

[KingOllie]

Thanks for the information, I'll see what I can piece together. Its not like its rocket science

 

[chosen]

Damn straight. You can grow in anything. Work it out....