EarthBox Alternatives

Containers

• Any Earthbox alternative requires some core components. Tough semi-flexible plastic totes, such as those made by Rubbermaid (tm) or five-gallon plastic paint buckets are preferable to cheaper and more brittle plastic containers that may crack or break when drilled or cut.

  You need two nestable containers. The outer container forms a reservoir to hold a constant amount of water for the plants' moisture requirements. Drill about three holes in this container approximately two inches from the bottom to allow excess water to drain away.

  The inner container needs to fit snugly inside the outer container. This inner one must be have several holes drilled into its bottom to give plant roots good drainage and access to oxygen.

Accessories

• Replenish the water reservoir every few days. The plans for most Earthbox alternatives incorporate a length of PVC pipe or plastic tubing to make refilling easy without disturbing the plants or soil. Cut the bottom end of this fill pipe at an angle to allow water to flow easily into the reservoir.

  Some systems use pond baskets to hold the plants in place and for drainage. Other systems use the inner plastic container, perforated with numerous holes, to achieve the same result. You can cut larger holes into a spare lid and snap the lid into place on the top of the planter, forming an effective permanent mulch that cuts down on water evaporation.

  If you grow taller plants , some type, you need a trellis. This can be as simple as a few twigs lashed together and stuck in the planter's soil. You can construct others from PVC pipe and connectors.

Soil

• Most Earthbox-like planting systems recommend using commercial potting soils as opposed to regular garden soil. The commercial potting mixes provide better drainage and tend not to clump and harden. Additionally, many are formulated with plant food and may contain water-retaining crystals. These soils deliver a constant steady supply of nutrients that plants require for optimum growth.

  For growing common vegetables and flowers, an all-purpose potting mix works well. How much you need depends on the size of the container. For example, a one-cubic yard bag of potting soil will be enough to fill an 18-gallon tote or a five-gallon bucket.

Fertilizer

• Plants will obtain most of their nutrients from the potting soil for a few months. However, they tend to grow very quickly under the optimum conditions associated with the Earthbox techniques and may need supplemental feeding. Many do-it-yourself systems incorporate a band of slow-release fertilizer placed around the inner perimeter of the container, holding the soil. Others apply a diluted seaweed or fish-emulsion fertilizer solution while refilling the water reservoir once a week.