Around the Home: #2 Making a Garden Barrel

[@professorb7054]

This was by far the most comprehensive and easy-to-follow demonstration. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@Herhighness211]

None of the other videos explain this so clearly and tell EXACTLY what the parts are. I’m happy to have found this. Others move past the PVC fittings as though it’s common knowledge when it isn’t. THANKS!

[@jellyg.8961]

Some things you can use to make the holes rounded: - an aluminum bat - metal round fence pipe like the one used for cyclone fence - two inch iron pipe - probably the easiest to come by: cans of food. I remember an article where the author used a 15 oz can of beans. Obviously the can can't be open, it has to be filled and sealed to prevent it from crushing. She had a water bucket nearby to cool down the can because it gets hot fast. If you heat the hole enough and press the can straight it will make a perfectly round hole with both a nice pocket to the outside and a curved shape to the inside. The plants will have more space.

[@George1mac]

Scott, I made one of the planters today.....I did not have a heat gun, but the propane worked ok. I had some old 2 inch pvc pipe laying around, so I cut several pieces and cut the ends at 45 degrees.....used a heavy pair of gloves after heating the plastic and could pry the slits apart with fingers then stick in a slanted 2 x 3 to work the slot and then put in the slanted pvc piece.....this allowed me to have several slots cooling while working on a new one. It actually went pretty fast.. I did the worm tube, and it worked out great. Many thanks!!! Project was for my wife to plant strawberries.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

So glad the project worked out for you. Strawberries would be very cool. May have to toss a few in mine. Hope your growing goes well. Thanks for watching.

[@a1930ford]

If you flip your barrel over and cut out the bottom instead of the top, then the two plugs you show can be used as water drain plugs and the barrel will be stronger with the top on the bottom like that. That top is actually stronger than the bottom of the average olive/pickle barrel.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Good suggestion. May try that on my next one.

[@Xochitlgarden]

a1930ford , my thought also. The only thing that might be a draw back on that idea would be, how you would keep the composted organic from falling out before it’s ready to use when the plug is removed, when you only want to drain the compost tea? Maybe make holes in or around the plug for draining the tea? Still trying to work things out before investing the time making it and then thinking, “Oh, maybe I shoulda, coulda, woulda, if only....”. Cheers!

[@johnshilling2221]

"I concur, captain!" In addition, just like your compost worm pipe, you will be able to have both ends open that will make it so much easier to clean and/or change out your soil.

[@Rod-uw8ud]

RodRodr... Maybe if you caulked an upside-down 3" net cup inside the barrel over the drain plug?

[@indigochild7936]

@@SpiffyguyAdventures So how many pieces did you have to cut those onions in to get them out?..... snickers

[@JamesCouch777]

I've got a bunch of those plastic barrels and plan to make some of those planters. My plan is to cut them in half, set them up on cinder blocks and plant in the pockets and in the tops. Thanks for sharing your experience. 👍👍

[@karenchakey]

What an awesome idea! I would really like to try this! I have a very small yard and have to be creative when it comes to gardening to get the most out of my small space!

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Thanks. Be sure to check out Halfpint Homestead which is where I got the idea. kzbin.info/door/AW7cBwIa1Qri3-IIg3Q0wQ

[@karenchakey]

I just went over and watch her channel, what an awesome channel she has!

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

She has some good content. I am looking forward to see how her barrels fair this year.

[@karenchakey]

me too! i am looking now on ebay for some barrels to make one!

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

I found mine on Craigslist. You may also want to try some local soda distribution places like Coke or Pepsi. May have some cheap.

[@mariannenicklaus3037]

I saw several videos on this type of project. Each one showed an effort to jam the 2x4 into the hole. I tried and found to be better, making 1" vertical slits on each end of the horizontal slit, forming sort of a tab. I found it to be so much easier to slip the beveled 2x4 in place. Also, I plan to make a platform out of treated 2x8 pieces on 3 sides with scraps of T1-11 or plywood and just set the barrel on top. One side would be open for access underneath. May also put pieces of 4x4 post I have in the inside corners for added support and to use up the post pieces that have been reclaimed from earlier work. but any other scrap treated wood in the corners would work. This appeals to me more than creating legs and I think it would offer overall more reliable support.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

@ Steve Sanders. I don't feel this is a patent violation. First, I am not selling this item. I found information that is freely available on the web and presented my work as an educational video. There are numerous garden barrel and garden tower projects available so I am not sure whose patent I would be violating. Should the owner of any patents wish to contact me, I would be happy to discuss it.

[@trish7440]

***** I don't think so either, Scott. It is very similar to multi-pocketed strawberry planters that have been around for decades. Over the years, I have done something very similar on a much smaller scale using the PVC pipe in the center.

[@trish7440]

Trish Mastriano BTW, I love this project!

[@adamtolley9129]

+Scott Hayden hahahaahaha patent on a barrel with slots cut in it what a crock

[@rickshadrick2431]

do you sell this item i am to old to build. let me know. ph no is 918 367 2626

[@rickshadrick2431]

i live in okla

[@Xochitlgarden]

Great video and you make it look so easy! I do have a suggestion, if I may. If the bottom part of the hole isn’t stretched out to form a lip, there won’t be enough room for the thicker stems like a basil plant or a squash plant. Also, the plants need a smooth area to rest on and hang from otherwise the straight bottom edge of the hole will eventually cause a tear or callous on the stem from the weight of the plant. This can cause bacteria to enter the plant and pests could find a open area perfect to chew on, especially like the tender, crisp and hollow stems of squash. Haven’t built mine yet but I’m looking forward to it and it sure beats buying a ready made one. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, it’s much appreciate it!

[@HMFamilyLife]

It would be nice to see you when its time to pull out the worm castings from the bottom opening, and see how that looks or works out...

[@nalingosalia7667]

missed the video earlier, 7 yrs a long time considering that I am not very lazy.Thanks for sharing . Any new updates?

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

I moved and no longer have the barrel.

[@ShapeleszCreature]

I've been wanting to put a series of these in my greenhouse. I looked at the commercially available ones but I just can't drop that kind of money to grow my own food. So I began looking at DIY's, your video helped fill in the gaps for my own project. Thank you so much for sharing this, it has been a huge help!

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

ShapeleszCreature Glad it was helpful. Good luck on your project.

[@briansmith6824]

Great video. A few tips: - the material of the barrels is not PVC, it is High-density polyethylene (HDPE). - The right tools help. - after drilling the holes in the corners of the pockets, plunge cutting with a circular saw is faster and neater than a jigsaw (if you know how to use one). - A 1400 watt heat gun is quicker and is safer than a torch. Heat the outside for 30 seconds, the inside for 30 seconds, back to the outside for 30 and you are ready. - a shaped 2x4 is a good pocket opening tool. Rounding the edges of the wood helps with the insertion. Take the other end of the 2x4 and cut about 8" of the length to 2x2.5 with a 30 degree angled point. Put this in after you open the pocket and hold it as vertical a possible. The 2.5" block rounds the pocket out nicely. - a large towel dipped into a nearby bucket of water and squeezed just so it doesn't drip, is good for cooling the HDPE within seconds so you can move on to the next pocket.

[@lorilange8654]

Yes HDPE plastic has no BPAs is food safe too as long as it did not have chemicals in the barrel..

[@lorilange8654]

I got a heat gun for this very purpose :)

[@herbertpoland6321]

Great job on the garden barrel

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Thanks

[@ricgray9259]

Nice and simple. Not trying to sell anything. I am going to do this, since I got no yard space. I am thinking of adding wheel so I can move it around but not sure yet. Thanks for making this.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

ric gray Thanks. If you can put wheels on it then I would. I have been thinking about modifying mine to add some ability to turn it. I can see a difference in the plant growth. Good luck.

[@PaulCrickLyon]

This is the perfect Idea, for the continued use of plastic barrels that are likely to end up in land fill waste dumps. Makes them productive and very useful. I live in a very small house with a tiny garden. I'm already growing lots of flowers in 150mm dia Poly Pipe on top of the 2 metre high privacy/security wall. Now I am going to make some vegetable growing barrels.

[@DiegoLinde]

this gives me the idea of attaching or have misters come out of the central column instead of filling the barrel with earth and creating an aeroponic system. The root system would be intruding from the periphery and the misters would spray nutrient-water at regular intervals. Thoughts?

[@johnfranklin4038]

7:30... once you have the 2x4 in there and the shape is what you want, use a garden spray bottle (can get them for like a dollar at a dollar store) filled with water and a few ice cubes. Spritz around the edges to cool it down fast then you can pull out the 2x4 to use for next spot right away :)

[@TheOrcasRule]

FYI: You can can get 4 inch PVC covers for less than 50 cents that will work just as well. That cover you have is over 5 bucks in most places. Just giving tips to people to say even more money. I bought 12 PVC covers for less than the cost of ONE of the type you used.

[@TheOrcasRule]

Scott, did you think about maybe flipping the barrels and using the TOP of the barrel as the BOTTOM of the garden barrel??? I"m about to make 6 of these, and I was thinking the top of the barrel would actually be smart to use at the bottom. You can use the existing bung holes for drainage. (Maybe put a little screen or something there). Plus the top of the barrel has that lip on it, which I'm thinking might work better to put the legs on? What do you think???

[@rockyjjones8989]

Great idea of the upside down. The rigid top would support a lot more weight and you could cut to 2x6 at right degree angle. The bung holes would work great for the drains too. That way is would drain from both sides.

[@JacobsOompa]

Great system and "How To" video demo....really wish you luck...I believe this will be a BUMPER success story...One of the BEST concepts I have seen, Barrel Gardening, wished I had done that when I was your age...love gardening, but have no means as in place to do it now....GOOD LUCK.!!!! Suscribed and Liked... Ken - Orlando, Fl.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

I am hoping the system will work out well. Covered in snow at the moment. Few more months and I will find out. Thanks for watching.

[@macmund]

Thanks. very superb setup. How did it do?

[@scrago100]

One of these would be great for my townhouse. Not much room to grow plants here. About how much did the entire project cost you? And spring has arrived so I look forward to see how yours does. Take care.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

The barrel was $10 I think, maybe $15. The tube I had already, and that is the expensive part really. The plug was less than $5. I forget how much the wood for the legs were, but it could not have been that much. I did buy the heat gun for this project, which increased the cost, but I will use it on some others as well. I plan on planting with seeds soon, waiting on the official last frost to pass.

[@scrago100]

Awesome. That's really not much at all. Looking forward to building it.

[@douglaswindsor120]

Used to wonder were you could get these 55 gallon drums then I found out how much smaller your gallon is than ours almost a quart that is why up here al we have is 45 gallon drums

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

I got mine off craigslist. Although some cities will provide them as rain barrels for a fee.

[@bluemoongypsies]

I like the heat gun rather than the propane and your method for making the worm tube! Thanks.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

The heat gun really helped out. I think it will work nicely on some other PVC related projects as well. Looking forward to spring to really see how well this system works. Thanks for watching.

[@trwagner1]

This is what I'm going to have to do based on parts I found at Lowes. Great video. I'm making a barrel myself and have all the parts, just need to assemble here in April.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Awesome. I plan on making a 2nd one myself.

[@Sky07ism]

Great job man. I love this great sustainable planting barrel. God bless you.

[@SuperFourwinns]

Great narrative on how to do this!

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Thanks. Can't wait for spring.

[@parrotbill]

Nice job! The only problem I see is with these Garden Barrels is there will be a dark side where the direct sunlight won't reach. What about putting caster wheels on your legs so you can turn it around everyday or so all the plants get equal light?

[@SamGibson_]

yea thats a really good idea

[@sharilynfritz247]

Get a drum dollie from your local industrial/automotive supply. They take a lot of weight.

[@forcesightknight]

I approve of the low waste use of the heat gun to expand the holes. A round hole would be nice to add removable pots, maybe cut a tree branch instead of the 2x4 stud?. You can cut the top off a few inches to make a stand and reservoir for water over flow, center tube you can stack modified 2 litter bottles to minimize store bought stuff and save some $. Awesome video!!

[@jellyg.8961]

Some things you can use to make the holes rounded: - an aluminum bat - metal round fence pipe like the one used for cyclone fence - two inch iron pipe - probably the easiest to come by: cans of food. I remember an article where the author used a 15 oz can of beans. Obviously the can can't be open, it has to be filled and sealed to prevent it from crushing. She had a water bucket nearby to cool down the can because it gets hot fast. If you heat the hole enough and press the can straight it will make a perfectly round hole with both a nice pocket to the outside and a curved shape to the inside. The plants will have more space.

[@evilrobotics1]

This is a very useful video for making a vertical garden barrel.

[@evelynmonrad]

How did it go this year with growing veggies? I am at the point with doing this same project and cannot find the 6" composting pipe without paying 80 bucks for a 10 foot stick, so I am stuck at the moment. Thinking about doing what you did and use the 4" pipe. Thanks for the alternative idea.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

it worked quite well this year. I still need to clean out the compost and see how the worms did. My Siberian Kale went all year with no bolting. Had a ton of lettuce in the cooler months and some Rat's Nest Radishes here in the fall. I plan to make a 2nd for strawberries next year but will skip the compost tube in favor of trying to create a wicking bed for the barrel. Should be interesting. I would not get too hung up on the compost tube. It is a nice thing to have but could be skipped if you have other composting means.

[@evelynmonrad]

***** thank you Scott for such a quick rely :) The compost tube is important to me, I don't have good material for regular composting as it's so dry around here, but do make a lot of green juice and this creates a lot of pulp from the greens which I think would make good food for the worms. Worms! another learning curve for me :)

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Evelyn Vollmer A 4 inch tube will be much cheaper and should work out. I ordered a 1000 worms online once it got warmer in the spring. Stuck half in the garden barrel and half in my composter. Next year I will probably stick them all in the garden barrel. Be sure to water though, i did have issues with it drying out a bit in the dead of summer. I will post up a video some time soon showing what the tube looks like after the worms did there thing. Hope there is something nice in there for me. :) good luck.

[@evelynmonrad]

***** thank you Scott, I will definitely think on using the 4" pipe. I look forward to the next video.

[@boyahdoggielane6033]

Save your self a bit of money and call plumbers and sprinkler companies THEY have scrap lengths. Soon pool builders have the 4" pile as well. Just a thought

[@mattuk1310]

Nicely done ..thanks for sharing.....i made some worms towers for my garden, basically just the tube parts in the center about 2ft long buried which i put a sm flower pot over to keep cap it to rain & critters out...I put food scraps & compost in them along w/ worms to start out i also have worm bins so just planting them all over the yard is agood thing worms visit for food and get out under my plants to do their business....I would suggest more holes in your tube make it easier for worms to go back n forth ...i think i may just have to make a couple of these for strawberries

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Thanks for watching. Be sure to check out the version I made with a water reservoir. Worked out well for strawberries.

[@JimBeshears]

Scott, I am going to be making two of these this weekend. What have you grown in these successfully? I live in NW Indiana, our last frost was last Monday, off to the garden.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Jim, I had great success with leafy greens like Dwarf Siberian Kale, Spinach and various lettuce. This year I plan to do the same and add in some Swiss Chard. Check out this video from July 2014 with an update. Make sure to keep the watered, they can dry out in the dead of summer. One issue I had last year. Good luck. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nombfKeAptSfrMU

[@JimBeshears]

OK thanks Scott, I'm actually out in the garage now getting some seedlings started.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Jim Beshears Great job. I am actually finishing up the rabbit fence for the new U shaped raised bed. Look for that video soon.

[@JimBeshears]

Will do thanks. I just rewatched your barrel vid, and I stopped to make a template with a bigprint program. I'm going to make something that you can mark a row of pockets, then shift the template, like making boxjoints on a tablesaw. I also want to make a vid of building the second one, but I would be pretty nervous and I think it would be a train wreck, so i don't know.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Jim Beshears making a template would be helpful to get everything lined up. beats doing math :)

[@nicoleketchem8560]

If you added another PVC pipe with holes in it to the center and packed it with peat moss could that act as a self-watering tower if the end was placed in the reservoir? Just as a between watering solution?

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

That is a good idea, thanks for sharing. I created a self watering version of the barrel without the composting tube. Check out this vid. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGTOhn17l9OkkNU

[@jadeswrapsandbraids]

If you get the plastic soft enough, take a 2L soda bottle and push it in. Makes it practically perfect. Check out migardeners channel. Don't cut a bottom hole. When putting water in your food scraps and stuff down into the warm part of the composting, if you put holes around the composting tube, all the liquid will drain out into your plants so you really wouldn't need to have a hole in the bottom.

[@theswych]

I read somewhere that the compost tube is necessary so that you can add worms to keep the soil aerated. If that's true, how do you insure that the worms don't all migrate to the bottom layer and leave the soil near the top compacted? I think I must be missing something here. Great video btw... I appreciate all the extra tips!

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

+Deborah Cooper-Asberry The compost tube is there for the worms to provide nutrients back into the barrel. Compaction will happen but if you use a loose soil it should not have too much of an impact on the plants. I like the 30 % of each peat moss, vermiculite and compost. I also stick compost in the pockets at the beginning of the year too. As long at the soil does not dry out too much your worms will move all around the barrel.

[@theswych]

Thanks Scott! I'm definitely going to give this a try in the spring.

[@RavenReedStarr]

I am going to make a couple of these but space the holes out more, and do only four rows. I worry that there isn't enough growing room for the plants that want to be bushy.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

That is the beauty of DIY, you can customize to suit your needs. I may get some smaller 20 gallon barrels and make a few patio containers as well. Thanks for watching.

[@sun6v546]

V good job , Mate . Can I suggest one good info is that , instead of the air-tight cap on the top , its better a piece of nylon / cotton cloth mesh for aeration , good for the worms , roots and final output will be better when these two important agents are improved , :)

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Cool. thanks for the suggestion.

[@ekaurashishkumar]

Nicely explained, thanks. 1 question though on compost tube. When earthworms starts eating the food scrap, it will start becoming semi-solid & eventually become liquid. Am I right here or not? If yes, then worms might get stuck inside the tube. And also food scrap at the bottom of the tube will always be there whereas at top it will not, so worms will move within the soil only at the bottom & not at the top which will make quality of soil good at the bottom & bad at the top. Is there a way to handle this situation?

[@gameenders5017]

My concern with this is I don't see a way to really drain the leche juices that accrue in the bottom of your vermicompost tube. Wouldnt the center of that tube get really waterlogged at the bottom? This makes me think you could incorporate a screen so you can drain excess water from that tube, but a screen might make it hard if you want to collect the vermicompost and add it to the top or other plants. I'm having a hard time finding a design for these that takes those factors into account and had a decent build video.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

There are drain holes in the bottom with a container underneath it to capture any liquid that did come out. This can be poured right back into the container. I think a screen might get clogged after some time.

[@gameenders5017]

@@SpiffyguyAdventures Sure but the drain holes are in the area where your growing mix is. Wouldn't water specifically flood into the bottom of that pipe that you use for worm composting? Especially if it rained and your growing mix got oversaturated, wouldnt it leak into the inside of the pipe from the worm holes?

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

@@gameenders5017 I guess. but I would think most of the liquid would be soaked back into the growing medium. I found that the pipe was a bit too small. I think a better option would be to use the worm tube direct into a planting bed. maybe 2 4" pipes per 8 foot. But all an experiment game.

[@johnfranklin4038]

Bottom hole, make it slightly less than the diameter than the center pipe. When installing it, barrel upside down, heat the edges of the hole, get it good and soft then shove in the center pipe, keeping it as vertical as you can to avoid making the hole oblong and no longer matching the shape of the pipe.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

That is a good idea. Thanks

[@deborahjabara2614]

Could you rig it so that it could be turned? I'm thinking that one side won't get much sun if it is stationary. I'm thinking of a lazy susan type contraption.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

You could mount it on wheels, although it is heavy. I have since moved locations to an area that should get a little more coverage. If I have issues I can plant things that do not require full sun on the shaded side.

[@mermaid3152]

Neat concept...have you had a chance to grow anything? Dying with curiosity. I'm sure you'll be able to produce many things.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Unfortunately not yet. Winter set in. I was a bit behind it seems. I have ordered up the seeds for spring. Few more weeks and I can get planting. Planning salad greens mainly, top will be kale and green onions. Should tide me over until I can get the raised bed in.

[@miguelg4006]

Awesome job!

[@susanbarney9645]

Do you have any thoughts on building a dolly for it so that you can spin it around and allow light to get to all sides of the tower? I also live in an area with a very very short growing season (28 days) and would like to be able to wheel them into a garage on cold nights.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Susan Barney I would think that you could. keep in mind it may be heavy and hard to move. But having wheels or the ability to turn would be nice to get even light on all the plants. Another option for cold nights is to make a small cold frame out of plastic and pvc? like a mini green house. Good luck.

[@rosehebrewable]

You are a great builder and you made a wonderfully helpful video. Thank you so much!

[@Roombacare]

Hi: I hope you will answer this question: Why would you drill holes in the bottom and silicone the pipe on the bottom? Why wouldn't you keep the pipe hole open and not drill holes so the excess water runs past the pipe on the bottom into a bucket?

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

The pipe is designed to work as a composter so putting the plug in the end keeps the food scrape from falling out so the worms can eat them. Removing the plug is how you get out the compost once the worms have done their thing. I drilled some holes in one corner to allow access water to drain out. The silicon around the pipe was just to keep that opening sealed so the water would come out the drain. The seal has since shifted and it does leak a little. Hope that helps.

[@Roombacare]

yes, that I understand but instead of silicone, keep that open, so excess water leaks out around the pipe through the 4" hole that the pipe is stuck in and that way you don't need the drain holes? So not through the pipe, but around the pipe :). I don't see the difference why you should drill drain holes instead of using where you now say it leaks a little. Make it to leak a bit more? Thank you Scott

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

squashkarakal Yeah you could do that. I think the original plans had the silicon to help seal in the pipe too. But whatever works to get things growing. There are lots of variations. My next one I plan to skip the compost tube but also have it as a wicking bed. Might work might not. But I shall find out this spring.

[@Roombacare]

***** Thanks Scott and good luck :)

[@1mtstewart]

use a deburring tool (machinist) carbide will smooth those sharp edges for hand safety. nice video

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Thanks for the tip.

[@raypontious8395]

By H

[@otellahobson7341]

I have 2 barrels my friend give to me .And your tutorials are clear enough for me to try.thanks

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Otella Hobson Glad it worked out for you. Mine is doing great.

[@brucelipnickas3968]

Did you have to paint it green? I bought 5 white barrels. I am in florida and figured white would reflect the sun,. How did the 4" pvc work out?

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

I painted it with Krylon Fusion. Held up for a few seasons. 4 inch pipe worked fine.

[@brucelipnickas3968]

@@SpiffyguyAdventures can I use the white ones as is? or should I paint them?

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

@@brucelipnickas3968 They are fine as is, just really white.

[@chan108dra]

you are a nice chap-nice video

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

+Chandra Dasa Thanks

[@nayrenae-ree9029]

Greetings! This is such a wonderful project what is the estimated cost of all the materials?

[@peterbreis5407]

Don't drill a drain hole in the bottom. 1. Fill the bottom of the drum with 150mm of 5mm round gravel. Drill a hole 150mm from the bottom and fit an irrigation tap to the outside and irrigation tube running to at least the centre of the drum or coil the tube inside with plenty of holes on top of the stones to allow excess water to drain into the tube. 2. Add a PVC watering pipe to the side of the drum from the top down to the top of the gravel. 3. Cover the 5mm round gravel with hessian sack or Agmesh and then pour a soil/vermiculite mix on top to within 50mm of the top of the drum. 4. To discourage snails and slugs, split a large diameter irrigation tube, heat it to widen the split and hot glue it to the inside of the lip of the drum so it forms a large overhanging lip. 5. You can water/fertilise the drum from the top via the PVC pipe and the water/fertiliser mix will wick up from the bottom. 6. This not only reduces watering, the water keeps the barrel cooler during the day and warmer during the night. 7. You can cap the barrel with a protective mesh hood against raiding birds and other animals. 8. When planting keep in mind that there is a sunny side and shady side to the barrel and it will be too heavy to move.

[@MysticFogGarden]

Could you take the plugs out and flip the barrel and cut the bottom for the top...then you have 2 drain holes...

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Yeah you could do that. You may need a screen over the holes to keep the soil from draining out.

[@raephmcdowell1325]

Thanks, ..glad you are here...raeph

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Thanks. Glad you are here too. Good luck gardening.

[@tracyhawescoaching4460]

Hi @Spiffyguy I am not that handy however am attempting this. Would you consider a list of supplies? I am also wondering how long the PVC Tube is cut. Thank you for the video.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Pipe length would depend on the barrel length. Would add a few inches for top and bottom over lap. The wood was just scrap so don't really have dimensions for that. But really it was barrel, the pipe and something to raise it of the ground so you can empty the pipe. You can skip the pipe too if you want. I made a version of this that was self watering. It is on the playlist.

[@tracyhawescoaching4460]

@@SpiffyguyAdventures Thank you

[@kathygoodwin4477]

These holes close up if you live in a hot climate. I used a light blue water barrel and the side facing south closed up so much that they killed the plants.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

That is interesting. I have not had that issue. My holes were not as big as I would have liked but that can be traced back to the object I used to create the holes.

[@kathygoodwin4477]

I used a heat gun and 2x4 stakes to keep them open while they cooled. I didn't remove the stakes for more than 5 minutes. The holes stayed open for a few months but gradually closed as the weather got more humid and hot.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

hmm might have to re-apply to heat to mold it back into place.

[@cartoonchikn]

Is there a quick supplies list somewhere? I'm fine with jotting it down by watching the video again, but thought I could save some time.

[@pershop4950]

After 3 years and no reply, I hope you saved some time by re-watching the video and jotting down the parts list.

[@AKitty-rn7nl]

does one really need to make the worm tube go through the bottom of the barrel? I would think it would work okay just set inside the barrel since the worms can come in and out. Just seems like a lot of extra expense and bother to have it open at the bottom if that's just to get at the small amount of compost they make. I'd just as soon leave it in there. Or maybe I'm totally missing something?

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

There is no need that I see to add the worm tube if you do not want to. It is an extra way to get composting and add back nutrients into the barrel. I may make a few more of these in a 30 gallon size without the tube. Just get growing :) Thanks for watching.

[@AKitty-rn7nl]

***** thx good to know. We have very happy worms where I live, I'm sure they'd be happy to live in it either way. We also have very happy slugs...I bet wrapping some pokey strips of metal window screen around the legs would discourage them. I have 2 sacks of strawberry plants looking for a home, I'll have to give it a shot.

[@rorionstar]

thanks for replying, well this past winter we got down to negative 15 so I am not sure if it would be safe for the worms unless we can insulated it somehow .

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

I am not sure how the worms would weather temps like that. Perhaps using a water heater insulator to keep it warm? I am not sure. Personally I think I would just order another batch of worms each spring or raise some inside during the winter. But I have not dealt with worms yet.

[@1ilgrillo]

great work on the barrell and the video, Scott. I see you are referring to Larry Hall....great videos there too. On my list of winter projects...definitely. Thanks.

[@jasonwatson951]

Good video but have a question on the pvc in the middle I thought pvc shouldn't be used cause it can leach bad chemicals when constantly exposed to heat and cold isn't cpvc the grey pvc stuff better it's only a few bucks more correct me if I'm wrong

[@brianmi40]

PVC is only bad if you heat it, which he didn't other than the small retaining ring he made which could be excluded in the design easily. Those food safe containers should all be PET, which was all that truly needed to be heated. Here's a reference: waldenlabs.com/are-window-farms-safe/

[@sadiefordheritagefarmandar9871]

Any updates for your homemade garden tower?

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

I moved locations and don't have a garden set up. Was working great while I had it though.

[@rorionstar]

I have question I live in Indiana we had a harsh winter will the worms stay alive in the garage ?

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Honestly I am not sure. I did not add any worms last fall. I plan on adding them towards the end of April closer to our last freeze date here in Missouri. I would think in the garage the dirt should not freeze all the way through. It would be hard to move though, would be heavy I think.

[@TheShelbyruss]

excellent presentation. Russ Cataldo from Knox, Pa.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Thanks for watching.

[@Naiemaa]

what type of plastic for the barrel should I be looking for? is there any type to avoid, I mean in regards to health concerns, since it's going to be in touch with edible plants for years possibly, with constant moisture and sun heat and light, are there any concerns about the possibility of certain materials to degrade or dissolve into the soil?

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

+Naiemaa look for food grade. one that had soda syrup or something along those lines.

[@hitomilillecrapp4302]

it might be good to have some wheels on the bottom so you can rotate to catch the sun especially if its on a balcony.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

That is a good idea. I plan a rebuild in the spring to replace this with one that has water reservoir. Might try to add a wheel base.

[@bharathik3911]

Super nice to explain

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Thanks.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

For my clean plug at the bottom I used one of these. You can get the 4 inch pipe at home depot as well. www.homedepot.com/p/NDS-4-in-PVC-MPT-Clean-Out-Plug-Solvent-Weld-Fitting-in-White-41P8/100164594

[@lenering1084]

You need to make wholes under the container for the water to get out.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Drainage holes are drilled at 8:40 in the video. As the container aged the seal around the pipe did leak a little too.

[@GregDeLonais]

Great video! I was talking to my wife about one of these growing barrels I saw on Facebook which sold for over 200 dollars, I told her I would look on KZbin and see what's out there and found your video. Well done!

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Glad it was helpful. I have some self-watering planters that are made with similar materials. Vid in the playlist. Might be helpful too. Good luck.

[@azintrepid1]

Great video. Well done.

[@kaewpapromin6469]

How do you make your legs fit so perfectly?

[@anitac12345]

Love this idea. I live in the northeast what do you do with the worms for the winter? Put them in the ground after growing season?

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

I don't do anything with them. They are on their own. I suspect some shall survive. Worms are resilient creatures.

[@johnshilling2221]

Love the end where you obviously used a plastic paint to block the sunlight. Too many videos put out by people that don't seem to be aware that you can buy inexpensive aerosol plastic paint at any of the box stores. (Krylon Fusion is one brand) It also makes standard PVC pipe irrigation that is exposed to the Sun, last for years and years. Standard white PVC has no UV blockers and will become brittle in a short time from exposure to the Sun.

[@trishamerrill6623]

is there an update video as to how successful the growth inside these were?

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

+Trisha Merrill Check the Around the Home playlist for garden updates from last year. Did very well in my opinion. I have a hold over Kale from last year that is a over a foot high and last frost date is not for another week. Hope to have it planted with Kale and Spinach this weekend. I am also building another for strawberries so keep a look out for that video.

[@SuperOldbassman]

Scott Hayden Thanks for sharing. The cost of Garden Tower offered for sale is prohibitive for us, but this project will allow us to build several of these as a summer project. It might also be a great project for our grandchildren to build as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout project. Great job!

[@aleyalan2010]

So water thru the pipe would ve enpugh for the plantas? Add water when feed only? Ty

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Water around the edges of the top to let the water soak down the sides by the pockets.

[@briansmithenergy248]

Respect love and gratitude 🙏

[@adrianramirez1687]

would it be possible to make a five gallon bucket version of this project, and if so what size pipe would you recommend?

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

+Adrian Ramirez I am not sure a 5 gallon would work especially with a compost tube. I think it would be too small. A 20 gallon might be a better option with a 2 inch pipe? You would have to play with it and see how the sizing matches up. You could do a 20 gallon with no pipe and would probably work nice as a herb bucket close to the house. Have to play around and see.

[@adrianramirez1687]

+Scott Hayden much apprechiated.

[@iraricell2918]

Mr,..ni dari indonesia. Makasih ilmu nya

[@tylerkehn67]

Do you have to do the pipe down the middle for the compost? Or is that an option situation?

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

The worm tube is an optional addition in my opinion. I would make sure to put some drain holes in the bottom though.

[@Paradoxataur]

This video is the best thing ever! I am so ready to make mine. Where did you find that specific plug? I can only find the kind with the square part.

[@savoith]

It's been several years now, are the worms living through the winter? Are your winters cold?

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

The worms most likely will not live through the winter. We have temps that get down into single digit F and the soil will freeze solid. I have since migrated this barrel to a potato barrel which you can see right here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpKyo4prgteEr5o&index=53&list=PLONRmdcNsoZG9WoD9AdS-bswsA3O72zQS

[@ricgray9259]

I don;t see where the green skin gets added. Looks like some kind of paint or coating. Can someone explain that? Thanks.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

ric gray The barrel came white. I spray painted it with Krylon Fusion paint, it is designed for plastics. So far it has held up. Few scratches here and there. One hint is to plug the holes with some plastic bags so the paint does not get on the interior of the barrel. Probably not going to hurt anything but it is a waste of paint too. Paint after you make the holes though, the heat gun will bubble the paint. hope that helps.

[@1mtstewart]

with the weight that the barrel will be holding, I would have at least four legs, or I would have a dolly with casters to carry the weight.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

The barrel is quite stable. The soil mix I use is quite light. mix of peat moss, compost and vermiculite. I think having casters would be nice to turn the barrel daily so all sides can get the same lighting. That is one issue I have seen. The north side plants are not quite as big.

[@1mtstewart]

wood tends to shrink and swell depending on moisture level. Ultimately if the bottom of those feet are not tied together with a strut they will act independently if the barrel is bumped or run into. Harbor freight will sell caster s that can be attached to a light angle iron frame to give the barrel mobility and revolving capability to balance light. I, like you enjoyed the half pint homestead video. I use coconut coir, perlite and soil in most of the non-garden projects I grow in. it is lighter than just soil, but in that volume there is still plenty of weight and kinetic energy/energy potential if things go south! good luck, keep innovating!

[@joylipski794]

how would this work for in the desert? Dry and very hot, thanks

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

I am not sure. I would guess it would do ok as long as the soil was a good water retaining mixture and it was properly watered like other containers. Drying out would be my concern.

[@adaman04]

That's pretty slick man. Kind of like a giant Topsy Turvy planter.

[@JamesFraley]

How do you handle watering? I'm going to build 1 or 5 of these (never say I don't jump in with both feet). But, how do you water them without having the bottom 1/3 of the barrel much wetter than the top 1/3 of the barrel? I know the excess water will drain, but the soil will hold some. Thanks Jim

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

The soil will dry a bit quicker than other containers. I hooked mine into the irrigation system and dialed in a good flow for daily watering. I also made a version that has a wicking bed in the bottom and no compost tube. That seems to hold water a bit better during the summer months.

[@JamesFraley]

Interesting. I was thinking about burying a soaker hose as I fill the barrel with soil. That should evenly distribute the water as it goes in. Have you ever seen that tried?

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

I have not messed with soaker hose. I used drip emitters. I would wonder if burying it would cause it to get clogged up.

[@danielhilden7181]

I just have two questions. Do any of the plastics used in this system leach any toxins into the soil and then into the food? Has the research been done to find out?

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

The plastics in the barrel are food grade. it is important when sourcing the barrel that it specifically says food grade. Many are used in soda plants to store syrup and things like that.

[@THESHOMROM]

This is a great project. Thank you for the video.

[@steveraman4562]

super cool thanks for the info

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@adrianciu]

Excellent! Specially the part with the tube and fixing it to the bottom of the barrel. Congrats!!! You could of course do this can be done with smaller containers and then cut round holes say of 2 inches and it would require much less effort. Thank you so much Scott.

[@tinaroman3946]

Thank you for sharing this video. I'm new to gardening & do not really have a lot of space & this will maximize the space I do have. City living & the lack of space - LOL.

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

yeah it does save some space. I also made one that has a water reservoir in the base. Useful on those hot summer days. Video in the playlist.

[@christyofbattlebornbelievers]

Ok, you are just sooo handy!! VERY CREATIVE!!💕

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Thanks

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

@Ryan Jordan I don't really have a list as it may change depend on the size of the pipe or if the compost tube is used at all. I can say that I used a 4 inch PVC pipe with a 4 inch clean out and a plug. You can find those at Home Depot or any hardware store. If you choose to use a 6 inch tube, get the corresponding size clean out and plug. For the legs, any wood will do with some nuts and bolts to attach it to the barrel. My next barrel won't have any legs so you could in theory skip this part too. Hope that helps.

[@antoniobarra9923]

hello, try with a glass bottle 1 liter or 0.75cl to form the holes

[@kansasroute1945]

I think it would be better if you use round thing to make those holes.

[@TomDubYeah]

One thing I am failing to find on all of the videos I have watched is the measurements for the holes. How long is hte slit and how much space is between them? I guess you would have two different rows or one is offset from the next?

[@SpiffyguyAdventures]

Yes each row is offset. The size of the holes is up to you really. I think mine were 4 inches. They will widen a bit as you heat and stretch it. You could create more holes if you were growing smaller things or less if the items needed more stalk space.