Growing Carrots in a 5-Gallon Bucket

 

Since I graduated from college three weeks ago, my new roommate says I have taken on a new obsession to help with the transition: gardening. (A little bit of dirt is good for the soul.) A few years ago, I heard of a neighbor growing carrots in a 5-gallon bucket, and finally, I decided to try it out for myself.
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This project began at my parent’s house (because they have tools and I do not). First step was buying the list below:

  • 5-gallon bucket (The Home Depot had them on sale at the end of each aisle. A bucket cost about $2)
  • A bag of rocks
  • Potting soil
  • Carrot seeds 

I also needed things I found in at my parent’s house

  • Hammer
  • Screw driver

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Before I can pour in the dirt, I prepared the bucket by poking holes in the bottom using a hammer and screwdriver. I found that the holes I made near the center of the bucket caused cracks (which I did not want). So, just beware that can happen. IMG_2713

With holes finished, I put a 3-inch layer of rocks at the bottom of the bucket. I purchased river pebbles, but if I was to do it again, I probably would have used larger rocks.
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Next, I filled the bucket up with dirt. IMG_2715

I read online that carrot seeds should be sown in about 1-inch deep of dirt. And that I could sew a good amount of seeds (like 40-60). So I did. (This is the point of the project where you should know that I am 100% a novice gardener. I can tell you what I did, but I do not know if this is correct.)IMG_2718

But with that being said, after a week of being in full-sun and being watered everyday, I had sprouts! I am not sure how long this growing process will take, but I will need you updated. The lesson to be learned – If I can do it, so can you!IMG_2791

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8 comments on “Growing Carrots in a 5-Gallon Bucket

  1. […] If you want to plant your own carrots in a 5 gallon bucket, read my original post [here]. […]

  2. Joette says:

    Hi there! We’d love to share your orange bucket photo on our social media channels. If you grant us permission, we will cite your Flickr account for photo credit. Let us know or email us at SocialRequest@homedepot.com

    Thanks

  3. Rachael says:

    Did you do an update when you harvested?? I’d love to see!

    • smwaller says:

      Well, I didn’t have much of a harvest to write about. I made the mistake of not thinning out the sprouts in the beginning, so my carrots turned out very short and fat. It was rather disappointing, but I’m planning on trying it again this summer!

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