Additional Types of Garden Containers
GRAIN FEED SACKS
Feed sacks, or grain sacks as they
are sometimes called, are the least expensive of the containers in which you can grow
vegetables, and due to their porous yet strong nature, are quite well-suited to wet or
moist climates. Feed sacks may be found for free or cost about $1 each. 
They are
available from feed stores, mills, coffee shops, restaurants, garden centers, farms,
racetracks or golf courses. The bags might have been used for such items as coffee, bulk
grains, grass or sunflower seeds.
1. Find a used polyethylene feed sack or purchase one from a hardware store or grain co-op. Modern feed sacks, as opposed to their burlap predecessors, are made of woven plastic ribbons and are quite durable. Check for tears, clean out any debris and wash the sack in clear water if necessary. Allow to dry. If the sack does have a small puncture hole or two, do not discard, but use with that side as the `bottom' side and place it down against the ground.
2. Prepare your growing medium by thoroughly mixing all the materials in a container such as a wheelbarrow or 5 gallon pail (you don't have to mix all your medium at once). Water the soil thoroughly. Again, do not saturate! Decide where you want your feed sack garden to be and fill the sack at least 3/4 full with your growing medium.
3. Sew the bag shut with twine, or, using twine or baling wire, tie the bag shut; whichever method is easiest. If the feed sack doesn't drain readily, cut a few small slits in the side of the sack near the bottom.
4. Lay the feed sack on its side (puncture holes, if any, down) and tamp it smooth and level with your hands. Carefully cut 2" square holes where you want your plants to be. Remember to check the plant or seed packet for spacing requirements. You can now transplant or sow seed directly into the hole which you made.
5. To lengthen the life span of your sack garden (ultraviolet rays degrade the plastic), you can mulch the entire sack with straw or take black plastic and lay strips over the exposed fabric.
6. With the help of sunlight, attentiveness to water, and gentle caring, your feed sack garden can be highly productive and lots of fun.