Growing bucket gardens for the hungry

Kitty litter buckets make excellent bucket gardens!

This year, my garden is primarily bucket gardens. Growing an extra row for the hungry could easily play into that strategy next year. After all, I actually got the idea to use buckets in the garden due to an annual charity event. Groups get together and plant 5 gallon buckets with tomatoes surrounded by various vegetables and herbs. The gardens are then distributed to the hungry.

Bucket gardens differ from planting a row.

They give the hungry an opportunity to grow their own vegetables. These 5 gallon buckets give recipients food as well as a sense of accomplishment as they nurture their growing gardens.

Bucket gardens can be planted with any number of vegetables and herbs.

Just be sure to punch several drainage holes in the bottom of bucket gardens prior to adding soil. Soil with timed release fertilizer is best for bucket gardens. The recipient may not have financial means to purchase fertilizer.

Bucket gardens are traditionally started by planting a tomato in the center of the bucket.

Be sure to bury the tomato plant about 2/3 of the way so that only the top leaves are above ground. For added fertilizer, place a whole, uncooked, unbroken egg under the planted tomato.

Other vegetables and herbs are planted around the tomato.

Plant short root vegetables such as lettuce, radishes and green onions. Basil is very compatible with tomato plants as well.

Bucket gardens are a great way to help the community, even in the fall.

Fall is not too late to plant bucket gardens. Many garden centers have unsold tomato plants available at discount prices. Vegetables like lettuce and radishes grow rapidly. Plus, bucket gardens can be grown indoors.

Bucket gardens can be replanted throughout the year with quick growing veggies.

Consider giving seed packets and instructions with the bucket gardens. Some seeds may even be able to be used next year. Most herbs are perennial and will not need replanting.