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Northern Alabama

Hey all,
I appreciate all the interest in the 5 gallon challenge this year and am looking forward to it. Tim said that he handed the challenge over to Porkchop but he hasn’t said anything so unless he wants to host it this year, this post will act as the official sign up. The rules are remaining basically the same as the original rules so I’ll try to summarize them:
- Largest tomato by weight, variety and soil type is growers choice.
- Only 5 gallons of growing medium are permitted (it does not have to be a 5 gallon bucket as long as the container is only 5 gallons.
- Hydroponics are allowed but the above rule remains so no more than 5 gallons of liquid.
- One plant per container, no larger containers with multiple plants (ie: four plants in a 20 gallon container) Also, multiple plants per person are allowed but only one tomato can be entered.
- No roots outside of the bucket, holes for drainage are allowed but the roots must remain inside of the bucket. No, you may not cut one large hole in the bucket and place it over your finest soil, sorry Ashton.
I tried to summarize most of the rules and fill any loopholes but I’m sure some are still here. The deadline for entries will be some time in the fall but this is meant to be a fun challenge so don’t worry about it and have fun!
Also, someone mentioned the 5 gallon sunflower challenge, if anyone else wants to do that one along with any other questions, feel free to mention that in the comments.

3/6/2023 12:08:50 PM

San Diego, CA

I'm in! Just ordered my pots.

3/6/2023 9:00:01 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

I would like to try this challenge. I am thinking that I will use a blue bottom airpot. I think I will fill a 5 gallon bucket with grow media and then transfer it to the airpot. I might have to adjust the location of the bottom of the airpot up or down to make it exactly 5 gallons.

3/7/2023 4:15:11 AM

Grittyville, WA

Thumbs up reedl. Dont worry about getting last place folks, Im sure I've got you covered again this year lol.

3/7/2023 4:59:06 AM

Lodi, California

Cool, thanks for posting Reed.

One tip that immediately came to mind- don't let the sun cook your roots! I'll be keeping my bucket insulated and shaded so the sun can't cook it

3/7/2023 10:30:59 AM

Emmetsburg, Iowa

Awesome, I’m in. Thank you for doing this

3/8/2023 12:55:26 AM

Levittown Long Island New York USA

Hi, Saberonyx here. I want in!

3/8/2023 6:04:47 PM

Woodley, Reading, UK

I'm joining in too.

3/9/2023 3:16:23 PM

Elk County, PA

Always wanted to try tomatoes, been putting it off for years, I'm committing to this.

3/11/2023 12:45:06 PM

South Dakota

I will participate.

3/15/2023 10:01:35 AM

Norwich, NY

Why not? Count me in.

3/15/2023 9:43:49 PM

Roseville CA

I would like to participate, but I don’t really have any seeds lol. Is there anyone that could share some good seeds with me?

3/17/2023 2:08:22 AM

Valencia

Me too

3/18/2023 2:05:07 AM

Ontario, Canada.

Reed 5 gallons, ok then. Was growing in containers a long time ago and grew a pretty big mater in a large pot that weighed in just behind Marv. Would like to try again this year. Please add me to the list.

3/25/2023 5:45:45 PM

Bloomington, IN USA

I'm in!

3/30/2023 4:44:08 PM

Fullerton, California

What's the soil of choice? I've had pretty good luck with Ocean Forest but my try Royal Gold.

4/7/2023 11:32:22 PM

Fair Oaks CA

Pit me down as participating. Pictures on my diary. Planted today. And yes i am doing the traditional “Homer Bucket”

4/23/2023 11:11:06 PM

Fair Oaks CA

Hey the 5 gallon sunflower challenge. Is that length or girth?

4/23/2023 11:54:49 PM

Alabama

Im in!

5/6/2023 1:47:29 AM

Fair Oaks CA

Pg3 great advice on the roots. Wrapping my buckets with old camp insulate pads.

5/7/2023 8:10:11 PM