any container _must_ have good drainage - not a couple screwdriver holes either - one inch diameter or so - multiples, depending on size. otherwise you create a swimming pool and the water goes rather nasty at the bottom and will drown plants. also stinketh - all that organic matter going to swamp.
>>lettuce box aka produce box - these are corrugated that has been 'waterproofed' - used to be wax but most are probably polyethylene coated nowadays. lasts a season, then you dump out the soilless mix, dry & store it for next year (I used big trash bags for storage) I got them from the local farmer's market. they like to reuse them, but after a while they get a bit ratty and for a buck you can make a deal for all you need.
if you can find some - the plastic corrugated stuff is great - polypropylene - last many seasons - just don't 'appropriate' USPS mail totes/trays <g> a neighbor did that and wound up with a hefty fine....
anything works for containers - recycling is the most satisfying - unless you're looking for a "show piece" plastic crates from the dollar store - line with corrugated and bingo, 'container'
framing lumber - 2x8 or 5/4x8 - is less than $1/foot - couple nails and instant raised bed / container. not pressure treated, please - will last 5 yrs or better. this also allows you to custom fit the containers to your space. we've got a couple sawmills handy here - I can get scrap lengths (< 4 ft) of re/white cedar for a quarter - smells nice and lasts longer than I'll be around...
I've not yet seen any kind of "watering reservoir' system that worked better than a morning cup of coffee, two half open eye lids and a finger (what KYHeirloomer said) with a hose at the ready.
one trick I've used for stuff that keeps drying out is a 2 liter soda bottle, poke a small (fat needle size) hole in the bottom, fill with water, let it slowly drip. one bottle will take care of roughly 12 inches in all directions.
for small spaces, I'd recommend picking up a copy of Square Foot Gardening - excellent tutorial and info on maximizing your space.  |