Homemade Tomato Planter

Overview

Tomatoes are such hardy plants it seems as if they will grow anywhere. As long as they have sun, heat and a good, well-drained soil; they aren't picky about the container they are grown in. Depending upon the size tomato you plan to grow, cherry or full-sized, you can even plant them in a window box. Making your own tomato planter is as easy as going through your garage--or a neighbor's--to find a 5-gallon bucket.

Step 1

Clean the bucket well with soap and water. It is important that you remove all soap residue, so rinse it several times. Allow the bucket to dry.

Step 2

Paint or decorate the exterior of the bucket, if desired, and allow the paint to dry thoroughly.

Step 3

Turn the bucket upside down and, using an electric drill with a sharp-twist bit, make 10 to 15 small holes in the bottom of the bucket.

Step 4

Add a 1-inch layer of small rocks to the bottom of the bucket. You can also use pieces of broken pottery shard or pea gravel. This layer is to prevent the soil from running out of the bottom of the bucket when you water.

Step 5

Place the bucket in an area that receives all-day sun.

Step 6

Fill the bucket with a commercial planting mix and water well. You are now ready to plant your tomatoes.