How To Grow Squash In Containers, Complete Growing Guide

[@moonshynegirl172]

I made the mistake of using 10 gallon buckets. I can't move them when they've been watered! Plus side... I planted a tomato plant, basil, and marigolds in one bucket. Another bucket has cucumbers, oregano, and nasturtiums. I love my little mini gardens!

[@jamesprigioni]

Yeah that would be a back breaker to move! Oooh you got a whole companion planting mini garden in one bucker, me and tuck like to hear it!

[@VashtheStampede007]

Tell me about it lol. I have a few 18” pots. One of them has a third-year orange bell pepper plant in it. So heavy! And I am in northern Michigan. So I had to move the pot in and out every day in May to get more sun for my dying pepper plant (aphids problem) while avoiding the < 50F night temperature. I found that the 14” pots are a lot more manageable. Currently I have six 14” pots with second-year pepper plants, and another 6 with zucchini in them. Also four with cucumber plants on each side of a cattle panel at the entrance of my door (using the 14” pots to make the panel stay in place).

[@kele1264]

Awww....minigardens....yes they are!!!

[@luiseschmid7960]

I have about 20 planted containers on my patio, I use a plant saucer and a plant caddy underneath This way it is easy to water and move the plants around.

[@kele1264]

@@luiseschmid7960 👍

[@anotherhorrorstory4467]

Bro is like the chilliest dude on earth no wonder your vegetables grow for you.

[@prepnow4431]

Tuck is the boss and we all love him. We need more Tucks in this world!

[@callikohl5698]

James, I have found that drilling holes about an inch or two from the bottom up the sides of the buckets. That way, water doesn't drain right through, you have a slight water reservoir at the bottom. I do add one smaller hole at the middle of the bottom.

[@Tazzyone.]

I do the same but no bottom hole.

[@callikohl5698]

@@Tazzyone. I put a very small hole at the middle. I always think about stagnant, stinky water. Lol

[@makerofstuff]

That sounds like it would work better in our high desert garden!

[@barbaraguinn2522]

Love this.!

[@TheSouthernLady777]

That's what I do too.

[@marybushey3214]

❤❤❤ I love seeing Tuck in your videos ❤️❤️❤️

[@tankforwin]

One of the best intros yet. Always clicking on James' videos for his energetic delivery and informative content.

[@hillaryburdick9313]

Yes! I am doing this right now, so this is very applicable (I’m an apartment patio gardener). ❤️❤️❤️s for the boss!

[@jamesprigioni]

Glad to hear that Hillary! Me and Tuck are going to be doing some more veggies in container videos this year as well. We are having a lot more fun growing in containers than we thought we would lol

[@hillaryburdick9313]

@@jamesprigioni yes, it’s amazing what can be accomplished I containers! You are right in saying that limited space is never an excuse for not gardening. I have a thriving flower and veggie garden, and they are ALL in containers!

[@davidthedeaf]

@@jamesprigioniI am using a huge Rubbermaid container, and have it up on two rolling plant stands with drilled holes along one side that the lid can put under to catch the drips. It is on my west facing patio, and keeps producing cherry tomatoes through November. One white tomato still tasted fresh and delicious here in April!

[@wakeupitskelsey]

My first year gardening, I have 5 10 gallon bags on my porch that are overflowing with food thanks to you!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@ioschris]

How is it going so far?

[@wakeupitskelsey]

@@ioschris great! I have a flower garden and a vegetable garden. My second year I've dealt with blight on my tomatoes and mildew on my cucumbers. We've had such weird weather in Boston. Excited for next year!! This year's favorite were the sugar sweet peas and salt and pepper cucumber

[@ioschris]

@@wakeupitskelsey wow you’ve accomplished alot. I’ve asked because I started gardening about 1 month ago and I have a lot of stuff growing. Cucumber, carrots, radish, a ton of herbs. I just been binging growing videos trying to take in as much as possible. So I don’t make minimum mistakes. U can’t avoid them especially as a new gardener. That’s awesome that you are growing cucumbers, powdery mildew is from a lack of airflow through the plant!

[@wakeupitskelsey]

@@ioschris that sounds amazing!!! You're doing so well! Thank you for the tip about lack of airflow that's totally possible. I have my veggies on my front porch so it could definitely be lack of airflow I did even more containers this year and it was challenging.

[@starababa1985]

Squash plants have such beautiful leaves and blossoms, they're worth growing for their decorative value alone. The vegetables are simply a bonus.

[@jamesprigioni]

Very true Stara! 😁

[@dispmonk]

Both leaves and blossoms are also edible. Give it a try. 😉

[@simplylivingsimply9948]

Such enthusiasm! Lovely to see your wonderful garden thriving as always.

[@barbaraguinn2522]

Love that you still have that robust energy. So many loose it after a few years. ❤ to Tuck.!

[@everthingoutdoors8181]

Happy frog is the best glad to find someone who also uses it, honestly it better than the most expensive fertilizer out their hands down

[@tyler6147]

The only thing in this video that I would recommend differently is when you were drilling holes in the bucket. If you put holes in the side near the bottom edge the bucket can be used a lot longer. With holes in the bottom the bottom will bust out much much sooner. Also since I live in a really hot environment (in Texas) I put the holes up maybe 6" from the bottom on the side of the bucket. It will retain water but when it's 90-100 degrees outside your plant will drink it all in no time. A tomato plant for example can drink a gallon of water in just one afternoon. Also this prevents the roots from forming a solid hard ball. The slight 'soaking effect' actually allows the plant to have better access to water from all the roots.

[@susanblauss5829]

This is very helpful

[@adevore1971]

Thanx for the tip! (My parents are from Texas.. hi from BC Canada!)

[@Tazzyone.]

I do this in Pennsylvania but you have to be careful of root rot, so my holes are 2" from the base on the sides.

[@tyler6147]

@@Tazzyone. This is important to note. I also am careful about watering, as in how much I water given the specific conditions. If it's not as hot then I just use 'enough'.

[@theone031]

If you dont drill holes in the bottom the water will get stagnant and anaerobic which is bad. Smells like sewage. You have to have some holes in the very bottom. Holes are not only for drainage but the roots need air so they dont rot.

[@mesugo]

Thanks so much for your great, well organized info, thoughtfully and enthusiastically presented!!!

[@panisalesmaluz]

What a blessful hands and mind

[@instabloksuncare808]

Congrats on getting to over 1 million subs!!! That’s friggin’ awesome! Bravo to you, Tuck and mystery camera person!!!

[@Niallmylove]

Great to see you again! I ate my first cucumber of the season today and couldn’t stop thinking about how much tuck would love it! Excited to see when you guys are back.

[@mochamommyATX]

❤️❤️❤️

[@francisdesmond4353]

big brother is listening hard!! I didn't even search planting in buckets yet as its next on my list and this just popped up on my recommended list! thank you once again for another great video!!!

[@Big_Bother_1984]

My dude! I've been wandering around my garden the past few days looking at lengthy vines wondering what to do to get it producing, was thinking nutrient angle. And the simple answer is cut 'em! Love this channel for golden info nuggets such as this. Keep growing in good health!

[@haleyhoward5556]

Love the container gardening tips! Like you said, I'm using these containers to practice and prepare for whenever I get lucky enough to have an in ground garden. ❤️❤️❤️ To Tuck!! My garden mascot is my cat, Finn, but he's been up to shenanigans in the patio garden. He broke a full bottle of fish fertilizer on the patio! I hope he becomes as helpful as Tuck! ❤️❤️❤️

[@traciecarrier8891]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Waiting on my Soldacki tomatoes to ripen! First year growing because of you! I'll let you know how my first tomato sandwich with one is!

[@theone031]

I love that you share your hard earned knowledge with the rest of us. God bless you!

[@marilyn6468]

Hi James I have been hearing alot of people buying seeds that is not producing. The seeds will grow a beautiful plant bloom once then the plant dies . Not being fruitful. My neighbor has a ten foot long cucumber vine no blooms . I myself have the same problem with yellow crook neck squash and cucumbers. Big heart ❤️ to the boss. Tuck is a sweetheart 💕.

[@bathory5026]

They're probably descendants from GMOs. They're engineered to not have viable seeds so the powers that be can control our food supply.

[@mariakapary1917]

i do hope, sweet little Tuck feels better soon. We love loveeeee him and i like you a lot. May God be with you!

[@RobbieAndGaryGardeningEasy]

So Love our zucchini, we grow tons like you in buckets and totes and small flower pots. How Fun.

[@dianepuskas6362]

Thanks for the great video. I am growing acorn squash for the first time, so thanks for the reminders to keep them on the vine until fully ripe. Hearts and hugs to Tuck.

[@chrismanley8431]

Congratulations on your paramount achievement of 1 million subscribers!

[@chrismanley8431]

Your enthusiasm and charisma is magnetic. I truly admire you for the enjoyment you portray from helping to enlighten people to be more self sustainable while also minimizing our individual strain on our great Mother Earth ! Thank you bro.

[@Freedom2025-x2b]

Love seeing planting of seed and following through to harvest!

[@malissalenzzo8434]

I'm not calling anyone out specifically I'm not calling him out. But he sounds like he never takes a breath. Like he has a lot on his mind. I have ADHD and that's how I am. Makes one wonder. Totally awesome and always has good info to share! 🤗

[@muniondalenewyurk6777]

Lol😅🙄

[@JeanHudson2022]

Praying Tuck feels better soon big hugs and blessings to you all

[@patrickgniech7873]

1st time container gardener, I used ideas and advice from james and I've been able to have a very successful experience so far. I've already started to plan out expanding my garden to incorporate raised beds with my containers to double my growing output. Thanks James & Tuck for your inthusiasm and your love for growing food!

[@winningrabbit9843]

Great insight! Sending happy wishes to Tuck!! 🌷

[@657449]

Thank you for mentioning to cut off the growth bud on the squash. Last year my Zucchino Rampicante got out of hand. Instead of making holes in the bottom, how about a few small holes and the big holes an inch or more from the bottom? That way you have a reservoir of water. When do you harvest the winter squashes? Before a frost or later when they harden?

[@donnarichey144]

Prayers for little Tuck and he is okay. So cute. Thank you for sharing. I do not text and I don't know if this is real or not too many out there trying to get info from people.

[@robyaksich1944]

Great vid, James. Thank you. My New Mexico squash plants are about half the size of your New Jersey plants. What a difference humidity makes (although now that our Southwest monsoon season has started, it's at least no longer in the single digits; still not East Coast humid, but no longer nosebleed dry).

[@FrozEnbyWolf150]

For your potting soil mix, if you don't have the first two ingredients on hand, you can substitute leaf mold for both. I much prefer leaf mold anyway because it's more sustainable, and you can get a nearly unlimited supply of leaves each autumn if you haul away your neighbors' leaf piles. The only problem is can take up to a year before it's ready.

[@romo3439]

You inspired me to grow I started grow since I was 11 years old

[@katiemoyer8679]

Love Tuck & his pet Gardner. 🎉❣️💓🕊💓

[@S.Kay.Steffy]

Hope tuck is ok…he is such a precious little guy🤣. Thanks for your videos!

[@jamesprigioni]

Yeah he is already back to his energetic self Sharon! 🐕❤️

[@heygetoffmylawn1572]

This year I planted more veggies in different sized containers than I usually do in ground. All doing well so far. Hearts to Tuck ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Greenwoodby]

Супер позитивные видео!

[@ekhoromeo]

It’s always a pleasure to see what’s happening in your food forest Just as it’s exciting and a pleasure to see Tuck … especially when he’s nibbling on a veggie!… he deserves a shade break !🐶

[@EstherP_]

Thanks for making this video, and Tuck is so cute.

[@nancydrewsgarden]

Here’s to James prigioni and tuck tuck ❤️ ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ the king and boss of the gardening community. Let’s growwwwww! summer 2022!!! 🍌🍋🍈🍄🌾🥜

[@aidanho1804]

So excited for this video James. growing in containers is very convinent for urban gardeners

[@jamesprigioni]

Let's Gooo Aidan! Glad to hear that my friend. Me and Tuck are doing a whole series of these this year. Growing in tomatoes in containers is coming and cukes too 😁

[@geriangell8037]

Thank you. I am new to gardening and your channel is the first one I actually understand and can follow. I love how you make it simple & affordable. Love to Tuck

[@zaibcom]

Amazing

[@noneofyourbusiness2253]

I've learned so many things from James and tucker.

[@gardentours]

I always grow them in containers and it works really good.

[@beckymelton1046]

Tuck is the best guy ever!

[@willsolarski8550]

I'm experimenting with growing squash in 5 and 7 gal grow bags-seems to be working great so far!

[@Beemgee]

As a container gardener, this was very encouraging. Thank you!

[@TheRealSabrinaDeep]

Thank you for this video! Growing zucchinis for the first time this year because my husband loves to eat the flowers. I need to plant in containers only and I wasnt sure about how they would do. I actually sat down now thinking " I hope James has a video about this" and it popped right up. I have had so much success with your growing tips in the past I always give your videos a watch or 3 when I need advice.

[@hivolco151]

Tuck is adorable! Loved seeing how you are mixing the soil! Thanks for sharing! :)

[@RobMyself]

I live on this incline that makes it impossible to have a ground or raised bed garden. So I have about 30 fabric pots scattered about and and looks beautiful by the time we hit July. It totally transforms my yard and turns it into my personal paradise! However, having all those beds with that much space would be an absolute dream. Lucky! 😁 James, you have the best job on the planet!

[@TheUltimateGardener]

Great Video James!! And congrats on 1M!!!🤩🤩🤩

[@michelleprull4105]

I just watched one of your old videos today😂You we’re totally different on camera back then. From monotone and almost depressed looking to ecstatic and happy.

[@dianebrodeen3863]

Hi, James and Tuck! I've always grown zucchini in the ground. Will try starting some in containers. That will give my dogs more room to run around in my small yard.

[@Violinna]

Perfect timing!!!! This is my first year growing vegs and living in NYC, containers are the only thing I currently have available! Got zucchinis in 5-gal fabric containers, and even though I made some mistakes, this is very exciting! I've been binge watching your channel the past few weeks :)

[@jessicaveganjessica2208]

What fabric containers did you get, please, Violinna? How are they holding up?

[@Violinna]

@@jessicaveganjessica2208 I got MAVLIK Farmer 5 Gallon Grow Bags on Amazon. They have handles to make them easy to move around. When you put soil in, they expand to take their shape, and water drains through the fabric. My other (plastic and clay) pots are smaller and so far, everything in the fabric ones did much better (I'm sure the size is the main factor for this). Will definitely get more for next year. They can easily fold/store away when not in use, which is great for saving space.

[@jessicaveganjessica2208]

@@Violinna Thank you! That sounds great! I'll check them out.

[@roxannemoskal]

Thanks!

[@jamesprigioni]

Thanks Roxanne me and Tuck really appreciate your contribution and kindness!!! 😁🐕❤️

[@lynnie57]

I've learned so much with your videos. Our community garden plot has been very frustrating, so this year I've concentrated on container planting on my deck. Never thought squash was an option!

[@mistersmith8962]

i SQUASHED the like button

[@jamesprigioni]

Let's Gooo Mister Smith!

[@phyllisshankle3540]

😂😂😂😂❤ I see what you did there Sir!!

[@andreagayle1972]

😂😂😂❤❤

[@brichter4669]

I'm a container gardener and use grow bags and GreenStalk vertical planters in my very small backyard. I live in south central TX, and the summer heat has been brutal this year, 100°+ temps everyday since end of May. My garden was a bust this year due to the heat. Also, I think my raised bed potting mix, not soil, was too heavy and became compacted from watering to allow strong root growth. Next spring I am going to aerate the potting mix with sand and perlite in addition to amending the potting mix with other organic ingredients. Can I use a mix of vermiculite and perlite or just one or the other? Love watching your videos and like your gardening tips.

[@kennethgardzinski]

God save the king. Long live king tuck. ❤️

[@r.g8649]

Tuck 🐕 is so cute 🥰

[@jamesprigioni]

Yeah he is my sweet little pup! ❤️🐕

[@unravel523]

Tuck, the one and only ; in the flesh, can´t be stopped! TUCK!!

[@lindalee601]

Hi James and Tuck, it's crazy hot here in NJ today. I'm zone 6b and it's 91°. Anyway, I love the container growing idea. I've never tried squash. You've inspired me to give it a try. Thanks James. Hope you and Tuck are chilling out in the air conditioning. Poor buddy couldn't take it outside in today's video. He even looked hot. Thanks again and God bless you, Tuck and your incredible Food Forest. ❤❤

[@jessicaveganjessica2208]

I'm in zone 7/8 and due to a lot of things, only got around to planting our 30 varieties of veggies 2 1/2 months late (mid-June) and I'll say that the only thing that is really growing is the zucchini! It was super hot when we planted, weeks of 95-ish degree days. It made it, from seed, so far, so good...it looks like we are getting some flowers coming up on the plants now.

[@657449]

I’m in NJ also. You can plant squash now and get some fruits before the frost comes. The Zucchino Rampicante is bug free and gives giant fruits.

[@ag.angelaevangelina6243]

Thanks James and Tuck for the great info.

[@theshotdown3215]

First, also just wanted to say love your vids mate 👍

[@jamesprigioni]

Let's Gooo!! Thank you my friend, me and Tuck have a blast making them so we are happy to hear you enjoy them like us!

[@karenburrell5188]

💖💖💖💖💖💖 I love the Boss Tuck in the videos. Thanks for letting him be in the videos.

[@deniseguidotti2652]

I did not know that I could plant zuccchini ( summer squash in a 5 gl bucket. I am happy to have seen this video. I have tomatoes and peppers in 5 gl bucket but now I am going to add my squahes. Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@kerripatterson7117]

Awww, Tuck! My doggo loves laying full out in the sun while I'm out in the garden. She's got a real short coat, though, so I wonder if that helps. Love that little dude and can't wait to see more of him as soon as he gets some shade.

[@liamtaylor4955]

Great video, thank you, I just happen to be growing my first winter squash this year, in a bucket. While I have found "Mel's mix" is good for growing, unfortunately the peat moss/coconut coir and vermiculite are not sustainable resources. I've seen other gardeners getting great results from a mix of clay and compost, and that's the direction I'm heading now, as both are produced and available locally.

[@elizabethlink3993]

💚 Hi Tuck! Great Squash in buckets info, thanks. 💚

[@outlawpete4636]

Much love to you and Tuck❤️❤️❤️

[@zan4110]

Love you Tuck🐶😘

[@mariatoskas07]

love watching your inspirational videos James, this is my first year of raised bed gardening, I cant wait for Australian spring. Thankyou so much

[@KM00Youtube]

what can I mix my extra avocado leaves with to make soil?

[@barrybridgeford530]

The heat sure can slow down the wee dogs. I have a Yorkie too. He's named 'Tinker' and he also finds a breezy spot in the shade on hot days!

[@lynettetucker544]

Great information stay cool Tuck ✨❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ronniebrace2917]

Another helpful video, thanks! For a moment there I thought Tuck was as going to grab your squash off the vine lol. ❤️ Tuck

[@brianduncan8276]

I have the Costata Romanesco variety and it's so good, but the squash bugs decimated my plant last year. I'm going to try one in a pot now and see if it works. I didn't know they could grow in pots thanks for this video James!

[@jeremysmith8814]

Fantastic man! I have a squash plant in my grow tent that I want to grow on my deck. Now I know that it can be grown this way. Fantastic.

[@sandrinamodeste9628]

What do you do with all.these fruits and vegetables?

[@chickadeetle]

♥♥♥♥♥ From my Ripley to Tuck!

[@sdkemm]

We have 19 raised beds but added 140 "free" 3 gal fresh cut flower pots for our hot peppers. Went to our local grocery and the flower shop manager gave them to us for free.. you are such an inspiration James. Shout out to Tuck. We love you little guy. James, Tuck needs his own shirt design. ❤🧡💛🤍🖤🤎💜💙💚

[@promisedlandpropertiesofte4977]

My miniature poodle, Oliver, would love a playdate with Tuck. Oliver loves eating from the garden too, especially steamed broccoli.

[@sandifigueroa6914]

Tuck, the boss and KING!💕💕💕

[@HealthyDisrespectforAuthority]

it's been a weird year in the garden.. so far, just blossoms on my zucchini (in Georgia) but I've already harvested one pumpkin and three butternut squashes.. they're small but ready.

[@thirstymercfan]

Yum! I love butternut squash I grew one plant last year… this year I’m growing 4 plants lol! Can’t wait for spring… we are half way into winter so not long now for us downunder 🐨 I love zucchini I grew 3 plants last year, this year I’m going to try the golden variety and see what I think and I think I might try growing a couple in grow bags to see how it goes, they take up so much space in the garden bed. Tip for zucchini as we know they are prolific, I ended up putting a whole lot of them in the food processor and grating them, then freezing. I have been using them all winter in soups, making zucchini fritters with potatoes and it’s so good. Great way to preserve for the winter months. Nothing goes to waste that way, all the greens in winter 👍

[@shawnlandreth2779]

Love you tuck♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@southsidecarly7427]

Stay cool little Tuckey ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️Thanks for all the tips and sharing the video

[@MDRstudi0s]

ay yo James! ya a new jersey boy. New yorker guy here; moved to texas. have my own farm.. SAVE! the male sqaush flowers; after pollenation; you save them. and make fiori di zucca fritti. I like to use ricotta and fresh herbs from my garden; basil, sage, rosemerry, and thyme.

[@MDRstudi0s]

i grow them just for the flowers. my ma and wife love the baked stuffed zucchini flowers; and if you do it right you get the flowers and the fruit.

[@MDRstudi0s]

use crushed ritz crackers for the bread crumbs

[@leeanndoan7002]

This was the most informative video ive watched. I appreciate the high positive energy it kept my interest.

[@jo9364]

😊 Thank you James 😊 💞 💞 Love Tuck 💞 💞

[@JohnTomasella]

Hello from a fellow Jerseyan in the same grow zone. I decided to garden again, though I don't have the acreage I used to have. Happy to find your channel for new info and to rehash things I used to do.

[@KatT-qr6fi]

Tucker is the cutest! ❤

[@babe9293]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️For Tuck!

[@nicholasroos3627]

An added improvement to the drainage hole/tray setup is a standoff just taller than the edge of the tray. Or just standoffs holding the pot off the ground (if you are on dirt). They will dry quicker. Even more helpful is it keeps ground temp and the pot a tad separate which helps on hot patio stones or concrete. I find my plants very much don't like being roasted at their roots on the stones. I use insulated base/light blocking around the pot and air gaps between root zone and insulated base because its hard to block immense amount of thermal energy being radiated into the ground they sit on. Otherwise I get some very unhappy tomato plants mid to late afternoon.

[@moukidelmar]

Two questions: 1) How do you fight against pests like Squash Vine Borers and 2) if you trellis the vines, how do you clear them in the fall when the season is done?