I think the picutures will be very helpful to someone who wants to samples - I know I alway did when I was trying to figure all this out..

I'd calm down a bit on the hole drilling - milk jugs need only the spout hole on top and you shouldn't need more then a few wellspaced holes in the BOTTOMS of jugs or containers. I think a lot of side holes will shorten the life of the container eventually cause they will make it structurally weaker.

I recognize the walmart lasanga trays! I've used some for 4 seasons, so I think they are a good investment. The clear tops have cracked a bit, some repairs made with tape.

thank you Nan,
other than wearing down the structures is there any other draw back to the many holes? (Other than time, of course?) Has anyone ever compared the difference? I'm not being rude, just think that proper drainage is very important. Now it might make the contaierns dry out too fast; if that is the case please let me know,
Thanks to anyone who wants to comment. Truly I am not at all defensive on my ideas since I've never done this better.

Nan or anyone, when in the Spring do your container strart to dry out? Such as middle of May. When do you have to start watering your containers? Have you ever had one water logged?

I looked up your zone, it is zone 7 right? I think Long Island could be considered both 6 and 7 right?

Too many or too large holes can result in mix drying out quicker. This is why most don't use strawberry clear plastic containers. For milk jugs I started putting holes about an inch up the side on each side as found it helped both with drainage and with soaking up water from a pan when I watered. I wouldn't worry about structural damage from the jugs as mine become brittle and break apart after 2-3 years regardless of the number of holes. Picking the jug up and finding myself with just the handle was a bit of a surprise.

For the lasagna pans, which are flimsy to start, lots of holes might weaken them. Can't say as I don't use them.

When to start watering jugs depends on the weather. We had lots of rain last spring so I didn't have to water until late spring. When it is a dry spring I may have to water early and often. One way to tell if a container needs water is to lift it. A dry container will be very light compared to a moist container. Also, a moist container will have condensation on the sides.

Yes, I have had one water logged because I FORGOT to put drainage holes in during preparation. A few poked holes in the sides took care of the problem.