Got a bath

[Jason Cartwright]

Hi,

I've got a 'p' shaped bath I was going to use as a pond but decided to use it as herb garden.
What should I fill it with soil, compost or a mixture of both?
Is there anything I need to know before and/or after I go ahead with it?

I'm planning on having a mint plant do its own thing in the round part of the bath and then a mixture of herbs we'll use.

Thanks

[happyhumph]

Worth putting some sort of barrier in to stop the mint spreading out of its zone. Also, lots of herbs need good drainage so plenty of grit or similar & maybe some holes in the bottom...

[lottie dolly]

you could always use it to cool of in,when it gets to hot OK am off

[jonny the plant pot]

I did some parsnips in a bath a couple of years ago .once the root hit the bottom it had a swelling affect as the parsnips ended up nearly 4 inch in diameter at the top .

[Small pumpkin]

I'm using a bath this year for my carrot.
It should work well for a herb garden. I would put extra drainage holes in.
I also agree that a barrier of some sort to control the mint is a good plan. The little thug will take over very quickly. I would probably grow the mint in a bucket sunk into the bath. With the top inch / inch and a half of the bucket above the soil level in the bath ( if that makes sense! ).

[Jay-ell]

Make sure you have good drainage and a good layer of grit. A couple of extra drainage holes may also bee needed.

How about Jerusalem Artichokes in a bath? Would it work?

[1Bee]

I'd agree with the drainage and grit.... herbs like thyme, sage, rosemary all prefer dry, not too fertile conditions.

[fiveaday]

We used our old bath last year for potatoes. Worked quite well but when I cleared it out yesterday ready for this year the bottom few inches of soil were sodden so I definitely agree with the posts above re extra drainage.

Our plan was some extra holes but around the sides (maybe an inch or so from the bottom) rather than on the base so it retained some moisture on those hot summer days. But for your needs in the bottom could be the way forward.

[4390evans]

I was going to put my posh garlic in mine seen as the pup has a habit of sitting on it.

I filled mine with house hold scraps that I would usually put in the compost bin, old dead plants that for one reason or another just hasn't come back, root ball and all. Then I will be adding a layer of shop bought compost on the top with bone meal etc.

I've put a tray where the plug bit is to catch any juice so I can reuse it.

Maybe an idea