Quick question about growing in a pail with holes

I just emptied a small pail I was using for compost. It has holes drilled into the sides and top/bottom. Would the side holes negatively effect growing plants in it? They aren't big enough for much soil to spill out, but I was wondering more about insects and over-aeration if that's even possible?

There is a containerized garden method known as air pruning using cloth or bags.  the idea is that the roots will grow to the edge of the porous container and stop then they reach air exposure.  So you can grow in soil that has exposure to air; and the plants will grow to the point conditions are favorable.

Short answer is yes, you can holes in your bucket and it will not negatively effect the roots.  Insects attack the above ground portion of plants.  There are 'insects' that attack roots, but they live in the soil anyway/already.  having a hole in a bucket will not influence their behavior.

Often times pots are given holes in the side to utilize the sides to plant into, allowing more surface area/plant density in the same container.  Think of a strawberry barrel, where plants are inserted into the sides as well as the top.

You can even increase the number of holes so that it's around 50% of the total surface, and then put porous fabric inside and fill that to encourage the air pruning. Usually the roots will increase and you end up with a really robust root system.