Grow Buckets vs SIPs

[DBJohnson]

In your experience, what are the pros and cons of each? Which do you prefer and why?

I currently have 2gal and 5gal SIPs and 2gal and 4gal grow buckets. I'm using 2:4:1 (PBF:Peat:Calcined Clay) in the SIPs and 5:2:1 in the grow buckets. Both top dressed with garden lime.

The plants are doing well in both types of planters and the only difference I can tell is that the grow buckets are easier to make and maintain. The SIPs aren't hard to make but they take more labor and require more maintainence (checking water levels every couple of days). For the grow buckets, I carry my multi-probe (light, pH, moisture) and check moisture levels.

I am considering going to just grow buckets but would like input from the group in case I'm missing something.

[AscPete]

What the physical distinction / design difference between your Grow Buckets and SIPs? Thanks.

[DBJohnson]

The grow buckets have 4-8 3/4" holes (depending on the bucket size) around the bottom edge of the outside and then evenly spaced every 4-6" up to soil level. No holes in the bottom, but the bottom holes are at the very bottom so there is no place for water to gather. The inside is lined with landscape fabric to keep the medium from flowing out.

The SIPs are nested buckets to form a reservoir in the bottom with a watering tube from the top. Drain holes drilled in the bottom of the top bucket and drain hole in bottom bucket drilled to insure an air space between top bucket and water level. A space for wicking soil (in landscape fabric) in the center extends down to the bottom of the bottom bucket. Plastic bag wrapped around to block off the medium from the top.

[AscPete]

IMO, and experience the SIPs work better for continuous uninterrupted growth due to the constant availability of water and or nutrients.

The Grow buckets will have daily wet dry cycles (as the canopy get larger) which often interfere with continuous uninterrupted growth, unless they're connected to an automatic watering system or setup. Good luck.

[Coop]

Hi Bryant
I have been growing figs in "Bills Figs" types of containers for about 10 years now. I believe that this is the best way to grow containerized plants. I have about 6 in Bills type pots and another 10 in home made 5 gallon double buckets. The growth and yield from these types of containers can't be beat.
However,IMHO, I believe the absolute best way to grow figs is "in ground" if your situation allows.
I have a few trees in ground too, but second to that is the world of SIPS

[DBJohnson]

Oh, I agree about in-ground. My plan is to stay in containers for this season to get the smaller plants time to grow and get an established root ball...and be brought in for next winter before going in-ground next spring.

[F. Bennett]

Bryant,

Have you explored the rain gutter grow system? I have 15 five-gallon buckets sitting in 30' worth of gutters fed by rain barrels and regulated with float valves. Completely hands-free. I could be away for a month as long as there is water in the barrels. Great growth and uses the SIP concept.

[cjmach1973]

any photos?

[Jamie0507]

Me likey the sound of this concept! Lol! I NEED a nice vacation at some point this summer after all

[DBJohnson]

Yeah, something like that will be the bomb when I can get to it. Right now the gutters don't work well at all...and are on the list of projects that need doing this summer.

[F. Bennett]

Below is a post I did a couple years ago. I now have 3 rows. Best thing ever!