Cucumbers,flower buckets and tomatoes

[Dorothy rouse]

Just a couple of silly questions:-

I have 3 cucumber plants, mini cues, in3 " pots, on window sill, look healthy about 8" high, should I be planting them into bigger pots yet, and when can I move them outside? Or will they need further protecting,no greenhouse, just a plastic one, also how big do these grow? Do they ramble like courgette plants?

I have got some flower buckets, what is the safest way to make holes in bottom, ready for tomatoes.

I have some tomato plants hardening off outside ( a Gardeners Delight I think) now about 9" tall, and quite bushy, can these be planted out into their final pots yet?

And is the general consensus that it's not worth the bother putting crocs in the bottom of pots? And does this apply to the veggie bags as well?

Thank you

[WendyC]

It is still too early for tender plants outside, I'm further south than you and have only just ventured my tomatoes into the greenhouse under a double layer of fleece. It got to 4 degrees last night. It will be another 6 weeks before planting them out.
As far as potting on, gently turn one of your cucumbers upside down and remove the pot. I'd be looking for the roots have well filled the pots and starting to poke through the bottom. Just move them up one size if needed. I haven't sown mine yet!
As for holes in flower buckets, various methods I'*ve heard are heating something like a poker and pushing through, or drilling them out. I've managed before just with a hand drill.
I grow my cucmbers up a support or you can let them strangle if you gave the room, but I think the fruits would ve more susceptible to slug damage.

[darcyvuqua]

I drilled holes in mine do it close the the rim otherwise they keep snapping be patient as to much force also snaps them

[Philthy]

Last year, I attached a cane to the front edge of the shelf in my GH, and grew a cucumber up from ground level (about 4') and then along said cane. Tied in every 6" or so, the leaves rested on the shelf, while the fruits hung down vertically. They swelled evenly, and straight. Worked really well.
I'd have thought any supporting frame in a sheltered spot would work just as well.
And better than allowing it to ramble along the ground, where the fruits will be more susceptible to rots, and slug damage.

[Bill HH]

If you drill holes in a flower bucket make them big enough, at least 1/2 an inch i would say. I actualy use a hole saw and put 1 inch holes in, the compost doesnt come out. The hot poker method is good too.

No you dont put crocks in a veggie bag but add plenty of drain holes, dont use a knife though the holes tear along the cuts, melting is best. A hot screw driver would do it.

[Dorothy rouse]

If you drill holes in a flower bucket make them big enough, at least 1/2 an inch i would say. I actualy use a hole saw and put 1 inch holes in, the compost doesnt come out. The hot poker method is good too.

No you dont put crocks in a veggie bag but add plenty of drain holes, dont use a knife though the holes tear along the cuts, melting is best. A hot screw driver would do it.

Ok, now just to find a poker!

The veggie bags do have some holes already,but it also says put crocus in the bottom ! I won't bother,haven't used them before, or these flower buckets either, so giving them ago, with some toms, so 'watch this space'.

[Bill HH]

Ok, now just to find a poker!

The veggie bags do have some holes already,but it also says put crocus in the bottom ! I won't bother,haven't used them before, or these flower buckets either, so giving them ago, with some toms, so 'watch this space'.

Is putting a crocus in the bottom some kind of voodo ritual?

[Dorothy rouse]

Hahaha, didn't notice that, how funny, if it worked then I guess it wud be a good idea, think I meant to say 'crocks', silly iPad!

[Spunky]

If you drill any holes Dorothy put the drill in reverse so it's got less chance of catching and a cleaner cut

[BUFFS]

I drilled holes in mine do it close the the rim otherwise they keep snapping be patient as to much force also snaps them

put the pots upside down , pour some just boiled water over the base and then drill holes as this will make the plastic less brittle than when cold, I do this with 99p buckets I get from a pound shop..

[lottie dolly]

we have no bother with using the battery drill,1 holds the pot,the other drills,for cue's i like the taller rose flower pots,also best to stand them into some form of trays,so you can keep them watered easier,

[Mr Gardener]

99p buckets I get from a pound shop..

You're being overcharged a penny...

[Potstubsdustbins]

Black Morrisons flower buckets 8 for 99p.

If you can get a short end of 15mm copper pipe say 15 inches this works very well.

It will heat to cherry red in a couple of minutes and cut 3 to 4 holes at a time. It does not produce fumes like using a poker as it gets much hotter and the job is much quicker. It also has the advantage of leaving a raised lip around the hole to prevent splitting.

Don't forget to wear your leather gardening gloves and make sure you have somewhere safe to lay it down when your finished.

Potty

[Dorothy rouse]

Thanks all, a nice number of options to try.

[Dorothy rouse]

I read your reply quickly Potty, and initially thought you said, ' make sure you have somewhere to lay down', wondered what you meant, then I read it properly