I was certainly doing it the hard way! This PDF file shows how to make a self-watering container for as little as $6-$7 per tub.
I guess I won't work at making those containers I was thinking about! I can make 20 of these for less money than what I was going to make.
Just so happens I live quite close to the Phinney Neighborhood Center. I went to a workshop/class to learn to make these containers. They are slick if you are short on "ground space". Once you get the hang of construction and know the theory behind how it works you can think outside the box, so to speak, and adapt all kinds of containers. I picked up 8 Rubbermaid tubs from the For Free section of CraigsList and scrounged PVC pipe scraps from a construction site where they were building condos near by. This lowered my costs even more ;)
I also have a worm bin, producer of fabulous black gold, that has been in the under sink cabinet of my kitchen for several years. This works great if you don't have a place to compost.
Gardening on a 4th floor balcony, Val
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