Frequently Asked Questions
DOES THE EARTHBOX COME IN DIFFERENT COLORS OR SIZES?
Yes, the original EarthBox is now available in dark green, sage, terracotta, chocolate, eggplant, and white. Some colors have been discontinued.The original EarthBox measures 29”L x 13”W x 11”H. The EarthBox Jr. is perfect for flowers, lettuce, peppers and herbs and its dimensions are 23”L x 9”W x 8”H. The Root and Veg EarthBox measures 17”L x 17”W x 16”H.
HOW MUCH WATER DOES THE EARTHBOX HOLD?
The water reservoir in the original EarthBox has a 3-gallon capacity, root and vegetable 2 gallons and EarthBox Jr. 1 gallon.
HOW OFTEN MUST THE EARTHBOX BE WATERED?
Varies greatly, only needs watering through the tube when reservoir is dry. For example, A full grown tomato plant needs watering once a day. Young starter plants every 1-2 weeks. Once water is flowing from the overflow hole you stop watering, therefore you can’t overwater just underwater.
CAN YOU PLANT MORE THAN JUST TOMATOES?
Yes, please see planting guide on this site or in the instruction booklet that comes with your box.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE PLASTIC MULCH COVER?
Several very important reasons. 1. To protect fertilizer from elements such as rain. 2. Acts as a plastic mulch cover to stop evaporation and prevent weed growth. 3. Keeps the box disease free from nematodes and soil borne diseases.
WHAT IS DOLOMITE AND WHAT IS IT PURPOSE?
Ours is a mixture of our special starter fertilizer and dolomite (calcium and magnesium). Its main purpose is to provide calcium for plants particularly tomatoes to stop Blossom End Rot. It is also a mixture of minor elements and phosphorous to promote good healthy plants.
DO YOU HAVE TO USE PESTICIDES?
They are not always necessary, though it is better to prevent a problem with pests. Good scouting and sanitation can always help, most fruiting vegetables require some type of control. There are many effective organic products available also. We have 50 years of experience caring for plants, so come by or call!
HOW OFTEN DOES SOIL NEED CHANGING WHEN PLANTING?
It varies according to how plants are performing but needs to be taken care of over the years, soil will decompose and hold more water. What we do when replanting is take the residual fertilizer out, skim top 2-3 inches of soil and add more fresh potting mix to lighten and aerate the soil. If soil is really saturated and plants were not performing as they should or have some soil borne disease, go ahead and just replace all of the soil. That soil would be good to use in a flower bed or raised bed.
DO I NEED TO REMOVE FERTILIZER BEFORE EACH PLANTING?
Before each planting remove the residual fertilizer and add new before planting.
DO I NEED TO REPLENISH THE DOLOMITE EVERY SEASON?
For vegetables, yes, herbs and flowers we usually do, not as critical particularly with flowers. DO NOT USE WHEN PLANTING BLUEBERRIES OR STRAWBERRIES!
DO YOU USE DIFFERENT FERTILIZERS FOR DIFFERENT PLANTS?
Yes, for most vegetables we use a 6-8-10. Annual and perennial flowers plants, herbs, blueberries and strawberries use a slow release fertilizer.
IS IT IMPORTANT WHERE I PLACE MY EARTHBOX?
Yes, most vegetables and flowers require a certain amount of sunlight. Also, consider animals such as squirrels, dogs, rabbits and raccoons will eat your plants. Runoff from roofs can damage plants. Screened in porches will work if required sunlight is obtained. Remember, sun is always to the South side. Always consider how close your box is to watering source, proper placement gives you a greater chance for success!
IS TYPE OF SOIL IMPORTANT?
VERY IMPORTANT!! Use a good potting mix, ours is 80% Canadian peat, 10% vermiculite and 10% perlite. Lighter, well-draining soil works best. Heavier soils such as topsoil, Black Cow work great in a garden but in the EarthBox retain too much water.
CAN I START SEEDS IN THE EARTHBOX?
Yes, we do it all the time. We recommend starter plants from the Greenhouse; they have less disease and less grow time in the box. We carry a good variety of seeds and organic seeds in the store.
CAN I GROW ORGANICALLY?
Yes, works fine, just use organically certified products, we carry most.
ARE SOME PLANTS TOO LARGE TO GROW IN AN EARTHBOX?
Yes, anything that is taller than 12-15 feet and usually living longer than 10 years tend to get root bound and they will blow over. Although, we do have some hibiscus and roses in our garden that have been in there longer than 10 years. We grow blueberries, hibiscus, papayas, roses and small perennial trees in EarthBoxes. Medium to large trees are not recommended.
WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY EARTHBOX AFTER GROWING SEASON IS OVER?
Take plants out and cover with the plastic mulch cover which prevents the growth of weeds in your box and protect your soil for next time.
CAN I PLANT MORE THAN ONE TYPE OF PLANT IN THE BOX?
Yes, choose plants that are similar in size and have the same growing needs, for example; 1 eggplant and 1 tomato work well. You don’t want a bigger plant over-shading a smaller plant. You want plants that mature at the same rate. Refer to the fertilizer and placement chart.