Cheapest Method For Container Growing, Ep 122

For more information call or text Leon at 580-564-5909. If you don't get through the first time, please be patient and try again. He receives many calls and tries to answer them all, but may take a time. Thanks for your patience, thanks for watching and happy gardening.

[@keenankindle4724]

I’ve been blessed to have known Leon for 6 years, I first met him selling tomatoes at the Dallas market my first year of farming and he would always buy everything I had left for sale around 5am every Friday morning, and that was a blessing after picking tomatoes all day Thursday and selling all night into Friday morning. Always looked forward to seeing him so I could head home and take a nap and get back to the farm. you would be very hard pressed to find a better man than Leon, I think very highly of him and he is a very good person and very helpful and nice to everyone he meets. He never meets a stranger

[@ShareBrightLight]

Thank you for sharing something so positive.

[@my_flippin_journey]

.. ❤ ..

[@aholman4571]

We need more Leon in this world. He is unbelievably giving, loving and smart. Thanks Leon. Now, let’s work on cloning you.

[@paisleyflanders9649]

I love how genuine and down to earth you are.

[@aliciagarcia51]

Hi Leon. You are a wealth of knowledge. I would like to see a video of start to finish. I know it will take some time but it would be really worth it. I would like to see how you start the container garden and then what your yield is for any particular vegggie. Tomato? Potato? Corn? Tree? Anything and everything. I hate to “stay tuned until”. This would be something I would love to watch from beginning to end...from someone who knows what their doing. I would love to see mistakes, problems , solutions , etc. Of all gardeners, I know you would be the one who can do this for us!

[@helenbradley3123]

Hello Mr Leon thank you for review on wicking tubs. I got 10 mineral tubs from local farmer. My honey just cut all my pipes for my 9 tubs, ( one was cracked) now to gather up milk jugs and water bottles, and plant my starts. I did get 3ea. 5 gallon tubs started out of stuff I had around. Thank you for reminder about watering from top at first! I forgot that part! But makes sense till soil and roots can utilize the base water. I have learned so much from your videos it's like listening to my sweet grandpa that loves gardening 😂 God has given you a gift and tons of knowledge that you have shared with all of us lucky folks that have found you. Have a prosperous summer Sir. God Bless.

[@SBChevy]

I had the issue of cracked tubs. Here was my fix ... (1st) drill a small hole at each end of the crack to prevent it from spreading. (2nd) break out the ole hot glue gun and some plastic containers (I used Folgers Coffee cans). Fill the crack and holes with glue then cut the plastic to cover the crack and apply a liberal coating of glue and patch the crack/holes.

[@handrewsmom1260]

I was in Tishomingo, OK on Wednesday helping my son pack up his dorm room. Since I was so close by, I decided to go to Leon’s Greenhouse. The young lady was very helpful and I was able to get all the things I needed to get my wicking pots started. Thank you so much! I’m excited to try them out.

[@ROMANS.CHAPTER8.38-39]

GOOD MORNING MR. LEON & FAMILY. HAVE THE BLESSED DAY LOVE YOU ALL AMEN AMEN & AMEN🙏🏽🧘🏽🙏🏽

[@adnacraigo6590]

Thank you Mr. Leon.

[@hootowlholler3760]

Hey Leon. Always glad to see your videos. More please.

[@pplusbthrust]

I'm givin it a try Mr. Leon.

[@sassysanders3997]

Thank you Leon!

[@idahohoosier8989]

Love tall Leon. Blessings, julie

[@djnatrocksjohnson1232]

I'm excited to give this a try. Just saw this.

[@Kent-ij4wj]

So happy to have found you Leon!! Love all you do to help others and share your great wisdom and experience! May God continue to bless you!

[@paulinehignett6557]

I feel totally blessed to have found your channel Leon. Thanks for all the great advice. I learned a lot. God bless you.

[@standupsandiego]

I've made the 5 gallon version of these last year and they work so good! Thanks Leon!

[@sheilaharris861]

Thank you for helping us to be self sufficient gardeners

[@kellycreek6142]

I just love that you are sharing your wisdom. You make me think of my Pappy when he was alive working on the farm. Much love to you!

[@jojocano3827]

Good morning .Mr.Leon....thanks for your sharing your secrets...

[@donwilliams1193]

I sure am glad I found your channel and enjoying yours they are full of great knowledge. God bless your family

[@paratrooper8916]

I have a back porch absolutely full of self wicking pots that I learned how to make from watching Leon over the years. Absolutely love seeing how fast they progress with these excellent pots and nutrient mix.

[@joannwilson8263]

Good Morning Leon! Loved learning in this video, I’m going to contact you for the information sheet!

[@ABoperaAB]

Good to see you this morning Mr. Leon!!! I used your new method with Duck Tape and it is so much easier!!!

[@steelmill888]

Thanks Leon ,You remind me of my uncle in North Carolina.He was a wealth of knowledge on life and gardening and common sense.Thank you for your knowledge.

[@tx_usa4evr471]

Thanks Mr. Leon! A lot of rain here, and thanks for the "re-emphasis/review" on fertilizing! More rain coming our way this entire next week!!! The Good Lord's Blessings to you and yours!

[@glholden30]

Great job

[@mylittlebluecottage6061]

I have 4 wicking tubs now! they are doing so well! Tomatoes cucumbers and even yellow squash! Thank you for all the info! I have never been very successful gardening until I found Leon!!!

[@oleman490]

always like watchin the master with the plants;;;;lol;;;;Mrl Leon;;;thank you for teaching me the ropes of growing plenty tomatoes with tubs;;;have restarted my grocery plants twice ;;; probably won't get a bumper crop this year;;;; too hot too quick;;;;gonna try anyway;;;;keep em comin;;;;sent this one to several friends that wanted to grow in wicking tubs;;;;

[@SuperBenjamin1965]

👍 to see you Today Take Care ❤

[@yahushaismyshepherd1179]

Good morning from The Great White North 🤜🤛💞🇨🇦

[@brilorify]

I just discovered you channel. I e joy how you explain everything, giving different examples and choices. Wish you were closer to us so we could easily visit. Have a blessed day!

[@JoandIvan777]

new sub...great video Leon God Bless you!!

[@tessriley1774]

Mr Leon - I want to say “thank you” for all the wonderfully helpful information you’ve provided. I’m a “wanna be” gardener, one who has never had a very successful yield. This year I’m trying your wicking tubs and following your fertilization recommendations so I’m hoping for better results. I think I heard you retired so I pray you and your wife have some wonderfully slow, quiet and fun filled days ahead! God bless you “exceedingly, abundantly above all that ye ask or think”!

[@seastar1289]

Thank you Mr. Leon. I am 2 months into my first wicking tub garden and a cattle panel high tunnel. I am ASTOUNDED at how vigorous and healthy my plants are esp my tomatoes...they went from seedlings to 6' tall in 8 wks! And I've been a gardener for 40 yrs. I have already harvested more than I got the entire season last yr here in Ark. due to last year's heat and varmints. One question what is master blend? THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for making it easy and spelling out just what fertlizer to use and when! God bless you and your family and Congrats on 100k+ subscribers!

[@robinlewisart_1997]

Thamks Leon you are awesome

[@erinv5689]

New sub.thank you. Apt gardening. Sacramento in the house.window will gardening.thank u again.

[@fel944]

Angela wright Hi Leon I want to thank you for sharing about growing into container how are you doing today's I am doing fine today's from columbus ga love your whole family and pets and pets too 🙂🌹⚘

[@StephaneDurand]

Awesome Awesome Awesome 👍👍👍

[@sausagehead9151]

Leon seems to be a fine very down to man. I'm using his wicking pot method and having great results. I'm not using his master blend fertilizer yet. I still have a surplus of shults 20/20/20. I will use the master blend as soon as its gone. Thanks Leon for sharing your knowledge.

[@marywilliams7977]

You are awesome thank you

[@hesha7798]

老大爷厉害啊，我也学着搞了几个5加仑的。。

[@USNR13]

I couldn't find any. I got 35 gal barrels, cut them in half. Works great. I left a couple in tac for hydroponics. Thanks Leon. I'd love to purchase ten used mineral tubs from you.

[@phreed6320]

This is amazing and will be doing this this year. It'd be nice to catch the water than runs out of your pot to reuse as it should have some "good stuff" in it as well.

[@jktriple_g_129]

Cool thanks for the info

[@BrendaHoward411]

I did this last year and it is a miracle worker... Only had to water once a week and I’m in Southern Utah 100+ degree summers

[@aidennewell4034]

How are you doing today? I'm Patrick :)

[@katievdbshsh757]

I apsolutely love your video---this is the kind if gartening i can do at my age of 73. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! God bless you from grandma Katie in Oregon

[@RobertMacCready]

Howdee Mr. Leon. Always like your videos. I think I need your list of additives. Gonna look for a buck like you got. Thanks for the video.

[@moreiscomingeasy6710]

I'm in love with this Channel. And this sweet man 😍 reminds me of my grandfather. I'm non American, I live in the holy land of Israel, and I send you my best wishes and appreciation.

[@jayricks8938]

Thanks for the new video Leon. So you didn't use any fabric in it that was my biggest concern with the old versions

[@roylenafreeman7305]

Thank you. What is the master blend? Is it something you mix up or purchase as is?

[@ggreene4477]

Hi, thanks for new video. Please give method for flowering plants. Thanks from Gayle in Albany Georgia

[@maureenrandolph9863]

Wow 🙏 ❤

[@papawsplace]

Mr. Leon, I'm glade to see I'm not the only one that has trouble keeping up with the year. LOL. Poorboys' Little Homestead.

[@lindaadrid9795]

What were the numbers for natures source for bloom phase?x-x-x. I only heard the 10-4-3 to start the plants

[@73gmiller]

Thank ya Sir

[@aks20002]

I presume he is recommending 1 tsp of just master blend / gallon during flowering stage and not adding other components , like epsom salt and calcium nitrate to the blend. Since these other two components are usually added to the blend for hydroponics in 2:1:2 ratio, hence my question. I don't expect Mr Leon to answer it , so requesting other knowledgeable gardeners to chime in.

[@cjmcadams4817]

Can I use this system for blue berry bushes? Also can you advise me on getting my acid levels right for blue berries. Every soil is alkaline that I find.

[@SBChevy]

I have to admit that I was skeptical after watching ALL of your videos but, I decided to try. Boy was I wrong!!! I "created" 12 5 gal buckets and 4 mineral tubs using what I could scrounge up for materials (that is a WHOLE different story about how I "created" them). As a test, I planted jalapeno, chili, habanero & Cayenne peppers in the 5 gal buckets with cherry, big boy and Roma tomatoes in the tubs. There was so much produced that I began having trouble GIVING away the excess until a friend that has a Mexican restaurant said that she'd take all that I could bring her (next year she wants me to become one of her suppliers for $$$) Long story short here ... People, listen to this man! Don't just "watch" the videos "STUDY" the videos! You WILL NOT be sorry. THANK YOU LEON!!!

[@my_flippin_journey]

Curious .. *did you fill the water jugs partially, before adding the soil, etc* I'm having a hard time envisioning them taking in much water before the overflow started draining

[@SBChevy]

@@my_flippin_journey I did not. After preparing the buckets, I "watered" them down using the shower setting on the spray nozzle, completely soaking the potting mix. With the tubs, I initially fill them about 1/2 full of potting mix. Afterwards (with the nozzle removed), I water filled by inserting the hose end down the tube. When the tub was about to overflow, stopped filling. The next day I topped off the tub with potting mix. I let everything sit for a few days before planting to let the water "settle down". This year we have more than doubled our bucket & tub count.

[@my_flippin_journey]

@@SBChevy thanks for replying .. I'm wanting to make self watering/ wicking raised beds. The majority of video's I've watched, they have used the drainage pipe. I have access to solid pvc pipe and have been mulling over using it since it wouldn't cost me anything. Then I found Leon. So now I'm wondering if I should consider using milk/water jugs or 2liter bottles 🤔 *Wonder if one would be better than another ..*

[@SBChevy]

@@my_flippin_journey for the most part, I used empty coffee containers (I get them frequently from work, home & friends). Remove the lid ... Add a few holes on the bottom sides ... Arrange in tub or bucket bottom side up. I also used empty soda cans in some of my 5 gal buckets. Just about anything can be used that is food safe.

[@my_flippin_journey]

@@SBChevy *Interesting* .. makes me want to use a fishtank to see how the process works with the coffee containers 🤔

[@beth6102]

Make sure to check what type of plastic the container is as only numbers 1, 2, 4 , 5 are safe for growing food.

[@danhogle1776]

what brand potting mix do you like using?

[@jimcarter7742]

I’m getting ready to try building some wicking tubs for growing tomatoes in. Could someone clarify the process of adding water to the soil from the top to get the wicking action going? How much, how often, for how long? I got the impression that if I add too much I could pack the soil too tight and it won’t wick. And how do I tell when I’ve got the wicking action going? Also, could I do this prior to setting my tomato plants in the tub or should I wait? I’m so excited to try this! Also,

[@nflravensuop]

what size hole do you drill in the side of the container? The same as the jugs inside?

[@kandjsma]

Hi, Leon Do the tubs need to be round? Can they be rectangular?

[@italianladyr]

Hello from Southwest Virginia. I love my wicken tubs. This year I made wicken buckets. My plants are growing bigger and faster than their companion plants growing in the ground. I also got the fertilizers you suggested and want to thank you for explaining how much and when to apply fertilizers. Thank you.

[@helenbradley3123]

I'm glad to know they do work so good. This year is my first year to try them out. And I to put one plant in tub and one in ground to see how they work out.

[@randyman8984]

@@helenbradley3123 did you have good results?

[@helenbradley3123]

@@randyman8984 Yes I did . My tomatoes were too close together so some fungus issues. But sure was nice to walk down line with hose in hand and even in dry summer all stayed watered. Next year might try carrots and beets in one.

[@randyman8984]

@@helenbradley3123I've been going through Leon's videos and learning how to do it, this spring will be my first go at it. I've got my 5 five gallonbuckets ready. Still rounding up some water bottles for the inside.. you can also grow onions and potatoes in them.. His lettuce looks really yummy too .

[@helenbradley3123]

@@randyman8984 I did cut off green onions and replant roots in one and even grew in shade worked really well for fresh green onions ( regrow as long as roots are there)

[@mobaldia]

Since I have your system at a place where I go evey five days, a smell of rotten water is coming out of the bucket. I have tried to make a water exchange by hosing a lot of water down the pvc but somehow, the water comes up from the earth. It improved the smell but I would lije to avoid it from happening again. What could I pour in to make it healthier?

[@rebeccasanford8607]

Good morning from East Texas! Good to see you! Hope all is well. Can you explain again why you aren’t using the black cloth over the bottles again?

[@roylenafreeman7305]

The bottles have lids and small holes to prevent the soil from getting into the bottles. He uses the fabric with the pipes because the ends of the pipes are open. The fabric prevents soil from getting into the pipes which reduces the water and air content.

[@carolynchoate5186]

Do you fill milk jugs up with water

[@LauraBaker-up3ff]

Are you not putting gardening cloth in these anymore?

[@midwesternhotpeppers6780]

How much is the shipping and handling for 10 of those tubs ?

[@djnatrocksjohnson1232]

How often are you supposed to fertilize? I live in a desert region.

[@elizabethkirby1782]

How big are the tubs & where did you get them? Thanks

[@rogerdue85]

How can I get that master blend?

[@mitchelldavenport4519]

What is the content & mix of the Master Blend Fertilizer after my Toms start blooming?

[@ernesttrujillo7336]

I have a dumb question. How do the jugs fill up? I can't see the little holes taking in that much water.

[@ChrisfromFL]

What is the size (in gallons) of the blue tubes?

[@frederickollewagen6559]

Greetings from South Africa, two questions, please. 1. In your videos, you say that 80+% of the bucket bottom must be covered with bottles; is there a maximum height for the bottles? What is the minimum depth of potting mix required above the plastic bottles? 2. You speak about covering the buckets with plastic to divert excessive rain, I assume using the bucket lids would serve the same purpose? Just wondering if the potting mix would get too hot inside a black 20 litre (5 gallon) bucket?

[@djnatrocksjohnson1232]

Could I add worms to it also?

[@kefirheals7383]

I've been watching Leon make these tubs on KZbin for a while now. And this is the first time he did not put down the landscaper's cloth first, then the soil. Did he come up with this new method, and is it better to put the dirt in without the landscaper cloth?????

[@Trahloc]

I think he only uses the cloth for water reservoirs with large holes. The holes drilled in the jugs are small enough soil won't intrude perhaps. I'm testing it without any cloth just awl punched holes but the drink bottles I'm using are 28oz Powerade bottles in 5 gallon bucks and they're quite rigid.

[@emjoe8892]

I watched the video and wrote down the ingredients. He mentioned that he put in lime but I don't think he did. I rewound it and watched that part 3 times. How much lime?

[@leonicholson9382]

Any simple ways to make a visual water level indicator?

[@chanelprincess6061]

when I did this. the bottle litterely floated to the top of the soil. What did I do wrong? I did not add the pipe. Also I put two holes on the top, and two on the bottom

[@Fmkayla]

What is the master blend?

[@kevinrudisill8044]

I would like to try the wicking in 5 gallon buckets. I can get lots of buckets for FREE. The only problem is they had hydraulic fluid in them. Is there a good way to cleen them out?? Thanks for any suggestions .

[@denniskundinger7815]

Go to any bakery, it's food grade

[@aussiegirl654]

Anyone got a list of the mix you put in as im too far away to call Leon. Some names of the ingredients I don't recognise so probably different here in Australia. It will certainly save money to grow my own vegetables etc as prices are through the roof.

[@damienwilson5649]

hello sir, thank you. Viewing you from Australia. Ould you kindly provide the natures source recipe or product you use for leaved produce. Could you also provide the star blend product/ recipe please that your using?

[@denniscleveland669]

Where do we get those blue and red tubs.

[@gabrielmo3133]

why don't you directly drill the bottom and the water will drain without other bottles inside? and what use is that pipe?

[@donnalineberry764]

How do you grow onions?

[@stevewaddell2859]

How many squash plants would you put in one mineral bucket? Thank you, Leon.

[@janehorning5209]

If you are talking about a 5 gallon bucket, that would be one squash plant

[@stanfromgeorgia3117]

Where can I get the salt water trace minerals I'm in Georgia

[@bobbyjoeperry9563]

I'd like to purchase 10-15 of these tubs can they be shipped to me here in Vermont?

[@mj625]

What is the purpose of the drilled hole in the side of the tub? Is it so you know when to stop watering when it runs out?

[@jimcarter7742]

Yes.

[@michellemccabe6890]

Can I use galvanized tubs? Not sure if is healthy

[@kristenmarie9248]

Great question! I have 2 of them that someone was throwing out! I couldn't believe it! 👍❤

[@JimMeakim]

I'm still not getting what the jugs and bottles are doing??? If you add water through the tube, the water goes to the bottom, and will wick up in the dirt. So, what are the bottles and jugs doing??

[@mrsrajininathan1990]

3:36 sir, how can we know that all the empty containers kept down wS filled with water?

[@cheflife420]

✊🤙

[@sunbird2479]

I don’t understand why we need to drill two holes on small bottles inside ?

[@Southern195]

Did anyone see what potting mix he used?

[@carolinahotproperty]

Can anyone tell me how to buy those tubs?

[@truthseekertoday2377]

Instead of pop bottles could you use sticks?. Which would decompose and create soil.

[@kristenmarie9248]

🤔 I don't think that there would be enough air flow, especially when the sticks break down.

[@cravey44]

Sticks wouldn’t work well in this application. The reason for the jugs is they restrict the amount of soil in contact with the water. Leon recommends roughly 20%. If the soil percentage contacting water is higher. The “wick” will be so big that it can drown the plant. You don’t want decomposition you want effective air/water chamber for wicking and not be vapor locked in a vacuum.

[@patrickriddlem9130]

Question for Leon or whomever: I plan on using 2 liter cola bottles inside a standard 5 gallon bucket. Where should I drill my holes in bottles and bucket?