How to Make a Garden Earthbox

Take the cover off the container and cut about 1/2 inch off the edge around the entire perimeter so it slides into the container and holds snugly in place. Remove more from the edge, if needed.

Drill drainage holes with a 1/8-inch diameter evenly throughout the surface of the cover. Cut a 1-inch diameter hole into each corner of the cover about 1 inch from the edge and one in the center of the cover for PVC pipe legs.

Cut a section of 1-inch diameter PVC pipe into three pieces that are 4 inches long and two pieces that are 1 inch longer than the height of the container. Cut a notch into one end of each section to help with water flow and prevent blockage in the pipes.

Slide the two long pipe pieces through the holes on one side of the cover so they protrude 4 inches underneath the cover and the notch is on the bottom of the container. Slide the two short pipes through the holes on the opposite side of the cover and center of the cover so they are flush with the top of the cover and protrude through the bottom. The cover rests on the PVC legs at a height of 4 inches above the bottom of the container.

Slide the cover into the container so the PVC pipes touch the bottom. Affix the cover to the side of the container with duct tape to prevent soil from falling through and into the water in bottom of the container.

Set the container in a brightly lit area where you want to grow plants. Moisten a good-quality potting soil with water until it feels like a damp sponge, and then fill it into the container.

Affix a trellis or support poles behind the container if you are growing a vine or tall plant to provide structure and support as they grow.

Pour water into the container through the protruding PVC pipes until the bottom is full and water remains in the pipe. Add water to the container when the water level drops and you can no longer see water in the pipe.

Dig a 2-inch trench in the soil along the center of the container. Pour 2 cups of a slow-release vegetable fertilizer evenly through the trench. Cover the trench with soil.

Cut a piece of plastic mulch sheet 1 to 2 inches larger than the top of the container and place it on top of the soil. Tuck in the edges along the side of the container to hold in place.

Cut a hole into the plastic sheet and plant the container with seeds or seedlings along the sides of the fertilizer trench. Set large plants, such as tomatoes or peppers, about 8 inches apart. Set small plants, such as herbs, about 4 inches apart.