Help Me Build a PVC Pipe Planter for Vegetables

Spring, summer and even fall seasons see vegetable gardeners racing outdoors to their established gardens for soil amendment and planting. In-ground vegetable gardens produce lush foliage and bright vegetable harvests but don't represent the only possible growing environment. Many vegetable plants also thrive in planters, containers, baskets and hanging gardens for more contained, controlled growth. A vegetable planter must satisfy some structural necessities but may take many shapes. If you want a unique, industrial look for your vegetables, plant them in large, recycled pieces of 4-inch-wide PVC pipe.

PVC pipe, 4-to 5-inch diameter
Organic compost
Potting/garden soil
Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Plant vegetables in early to mid-spring to take advantage of their natural growing seasons. Container vegetables don't need warm soil temperatures but still require warm air and nighttime temperatures.
- 2
  Set 6-to-10-inch lengths of 4-to-6-inch-diameter PVC pipe in bright, sunny sites with good air movement. Place the pipes open side up to form unique pots for planting. The open ends on the bottom ensure quick drainage for the plants.
- 3
  Mix a rich, moist and crumbly planting soil with 1 part organic compost to 1 part garden loam or potting soil. Container vegetables grow in isolated soils and require better initial nutrition and moisture than in-ground plants. Turn slow-release 10-10-10, 13-13-13 or 14-14-14 fertilizer into the soil for more vitamins and minerals.
- 4
  Fill each PVC pipe to within 1/2 inch of the top with soil mix. Plant small container-appropriate vegetables such as carrots, radishes, green onions, beets, lettuce, broccoli, cabbage and herbs in these pots to avoid crowding and over-balancing.

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