I'm using them right now. Bought three 55 gal blue food grade drums last year, and cut them in half. Am using 2 halfs now, each with 25 gal of mix. Will fill remaining 4 halfs this year. Only first year using them, but they seem like they'll hold up great. Got mine for $10 each. Can't beat a 30 gal container for 5 bucks!! They look pretty good too.

edweather:

Nice price! I know were on different sides of U.S., but where did you get yours? Maybe you can give me some ideas on where to search locally.

Thanks

Kevin

I put an add on Craig's list that I was looking for them. A guy that works for a car dealership takes home all the drums that had liquid soap in them for car detailing. All I had to do was wash them. I also saw some at a local car detailers shop. They also make white ones. They might be better for exterme heat and sun

Thanks edweather. I might try that myself. What did you use to cut them? Sawzall?

I can't believe there aren't more posters on GW that haven't used these drums. Especially with the prices of true planting containers. Sure, 5 gal home depot buckets for 3 bucks are fine, but they break so easily.

Kevin

I'm sure there are many methods that would work to cut them. A plain old crosscut saw rips through them easily, and it's easy to control as I worked my way around.

since i use these half drums for root veggies, i've always bought food grade ones. they are partially buried, with many 1/4" and 5/8" holes for drainage and worms only. some are 3 years old here in Ct. and have no sign of deteriorating. i don't know what constant sunshine would do ! (they make great rain barrels too.) no sign of vole damage. i like the 30 gal. because i can tip over the half drums and spill out potatoes and sweet potatoes. not pretty, but useful.

Pattypan, where do you buy the food grade ones?

Could I cut them with just an exacto?

Thanks!

check craigslist for them. we used a sabre saw. to cut tops for rain barrels, drill a few holes to make a space for the saw to fit in. i drill plenty of 1/4" holes in the bottom of the half barrels. small holes keep out voles ! they are all still in good condition.

Yeah, they are pretty thick. An exacto wouldn't do it. But they are just plastic, and a regular handsaw rips through them pretty easily.

Those '55 gallon' drums are closer to holding 42 gallons. But still a nice sized container. Just make sure you have plenty of holes.

I use them for compost and they hold up well. Wrt the drainage issue, I have found that a paddle bit works the best. Don't mess around with little holes. Just drill some one inch holes.