IMHO: TSK (Tomato Success Kit) Wins Over EB

This may apply only to my own micro-climate. With the same: tomato varieties planted, potting mix, and fertilizer, Gardener's Supply Company's Tomato Success Kit is the winner. EarthBox with its narrower design became top heavy, and toppled over one windy day. The wicking mechanism of the TSK most likely plays a good part as well: it covers more surface area (more distribution area).

My test has 6 EBs and 6 TSKs.

I still like the design of the EB and will enjoy it for many more years; however, I will not be buying more.

IF you have used BOTH, I would like to hear your experience.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Annapet

This is very interesting, Annapet, and I'm glad you posed the question.

MY question is: is the toppling-over effect the only difference you noticed between the two designs, or were there other differences as to production, and so forth?

Hi, CapeCodGardener! Thanks for the reply. I'll write more as the tomatoes grow.

The Wicking Mechanism: EB has two (2) measuring about 3" x 3" and TSK has three (3) running on the width of the container (about 18" each).

Water Reservoir: TSK has 4 gallons, EB has 3 gallons. On a 2-Day Weekend with tomatoes drinking 2 gallons per day, EB tomatoes wilted. I now have drip irrigation solving this problem. I have noted of course that my EB tomatoes have some recovery to do while TSK tomatoes are happy-happy.

Price (Complete): Although $54.95 EB seems a bargain over the $69.95 TSK, the latter includes cages and there are almost always15% off or free shipping code to apply.

Overflow: Both have this feature; however, I'd rather not waste a drop of water. TSK has a gauge. I wrote to them to make it bigger.

I really wish EB tomatoes to catch up or even out-perform TSK. I totally like the ease of set-up of EB. I had to fuss a bit with the TSK cages...however, the cages work!

Thank you for listening/reading. I read so much about EB here, but nothing much on TSK. That's why I had to conduct my own experiment. Kinda pricey...

Sincerely,

Annapet

This is very interesting. I will look forward to more of your observations about the two systems. I've only tried the EBs but why not learn more (and I'm a fan of Gardener's Supply) ?
Keep us posted!

Annapet: I have two of Gardener's Supply square footer ones, they are the squares of the ones you mention, and the problem I have is the plastic feeding tubes aren't working properly, they have this black thingy that is supposed to float to the top when it's full, it doesn't always and I don't like the wicking strips too well in thier merchandise, a real pain when they dry out as you have to wet the entire medium to get them wet again. Gardener's Supply makes the revolutionary planter also, it's like the topsy turvy, only has a reservoir that is fed with a cloth wicking device, and it wears out after about 2 months and needs replaced constantly. I didn't try tomatoes in EBs this year though, as mine were all planted in 5 gallon grow bags, the 2 topsy's, the 4 revolutionarys, 2 square footers and 5 gallon buckets. Although, I did transfer some tomatoes from the lay flat bags to EBs and they are not doing so well. I love the EBs though, the water fill tube has worked great for me and the drain fill hole has always let me know when it's had enough water. Easy to operate. I am going to be getting an automatic watering device on a timer though, and 10 more EBS along with another yard sale table. Haven't figured out what I will grow next time in the revolutionary planters; but, it probably won't be tomatoes.
joy

Hi, Joy. The Square Foot Success Kit and Revolutionary Planter have different wicking mechanism. The former has been discontinued and the latter has been redesigned.

Annapet

Happy Gardening!

I haven't tried the TSK's yet but now you got me intrigued. I will be trying them next spring for sure. However, I have tried both the Garden Patch boxes and Earthbox. I have likes and dislikes about both.....

- Garden Patch -

Pros
-The width is nice.
-The 4 gallon reservoir helps.
-I like the middle wicking system for some reason. Seems like I have more freedom with where to plant.
-I like that it comes apart from the reservoir. Easier carrying around when dumping and replanting. All of my boxes are on the 2nd story.
-Love the front watering since I do it all manually(with two 2 gallon watering cans). Ya, it sucks lol

Cons
-I hate the "Candy Necklace" fertilizer they send. I used it on one box for a test. I knew it was a bad move but had to try it. The rest I used many different fertilizers with better results.
-The covers! Not sure why they would not use a shower cap cover. The EB ones fit perfectly tight on them. Actually better than on an EB.
-The removable plastic guards that are supposed to block soil from falling into the reservoir. It could be better. Too flimsy.
-Casters would be nice.


- Earthbox -

Pros
-Overall design.
-Well built(will last longer than the GP).
-Comes with 2 covers. I like that since I usually replant after the first 5 months of the season. Long growing season here.
-Casters are nice and they work well.

Cons
-Would like a bigger reservoir.
-Wish it was wider.
-Tube watering. Manually watering in a small tube with a can gets a bit annoying.

Mark, thanks for your input. I will try GP next season. Now I know how a bigger reservoir has a big play in growing tomatoes.

TSK Cons:
-Tube Watering - Smaller than EB. Hopefully that part will be redesigned. However, I still like having a gauge versus waiting for an overflow. I'm looking into my crystal ball and it's showing me, "Mark will install drip irrigation for next season..." LOL.

TSK Pros:
-No worrying about soil from falling into the reservoir.
-Planting Freedom - Since the fertilizer is mixed in, you can plant right smack in the middle.
-Look - Love that no shower caps. It comes with a red plastic mulch instead that you can lay flat and trim not to show.

Report:
My EB tomatoes still show stress from the weekend "drought," making them three days behind. At this rate, tomatoes are growing a few inches per day.

I have no recent experience, but I remember EB Customer Service really sucked. I hope they improved. Some people in their forum are not very sweet either. LOL.

Have a great day!

Sincerely,

Annapet

LOL

I was going to this season but I would have needed at least 400-500 feet of tubing to reach the deck which runs the length of the house. I have all my boxes spread out, so it would have been a huge undertaking. It's a pain to manual water all my boxes and containers but it does let me spend more time with each plant, inspecting, encouraging and even reprimanding the ones that are showing signs of disease. A couple of kicks to the container followed up with a curse word or 2 lol

I've read and heard about EB's customer service. I have had only but good luck with them. Everything arrived the way it should be and in a timely manner. Too funny, I've read the EB forums before and have seen on more than one occasion their mods jumping on members. Took everything in my power to not jump in and unleash a verbal hell upon them :) I've seen them be extremely rude to newcomers. I bit my tongue, not my fight....so I just moved on.

Sounds like TSK's are pretty cool. But a smaller tube than EB's?????? I don't like the sound of that.

Yeah, Mark. Smaller tube. However, once drip irrigation is set up, this is no longer an issue.

I read and read the reviews of TSK today, and generally the customers who rated TSK poorly had something to do with assembling the cage. It was not an issue to me, but I'm noting it here.

TSK Cons:
-Some people find it difficult to assemble.

But then again, some people has general difficulty following the clearest instructions. Love EB instructions and diagrams, though some still find it difficult to follow. LOL.

TSK Pro:
-Since there is more surface area for planting, I was able to plant marigolds and herbs at the corners, protecting my TSK tomatoes from pests. I could not do so with EB because I followed planting directions.

Happy Gardening!

This amazing container may solve most of your tomato gardening problems:

http://www.growerssolution.com/page/GS/PROD/casepots/10GP

It uses approximately the same amount and the same type of grow mix as the wonder boxes. You can even buy and use the same type of fertilizers from the wonder box people if you are convinced it is the thing to do. Or you can use any of the other stuff on the market. Hook this baby up to an automatic watering system, poke a tomato plant (or two) into it, stand back and let-er-rip!! It wont blow over. No staking necessary, let 'em sprawl as nature intended.

Annapet: Didn't they just have the TSKs on sale over father's day for $100 for three of them I think? That isn't a bad deal at all. I missed the sale unfortunately. But, am happy with the EBs got too many different types of growing things already and think with the EBs being my favorite will just buy more of them and then hook them up to an automatic watering device on a timer. Just bought a really cool book too, its called "Easy, Garden Projects to make and build and grow. It has over 200 do it yourself projects in it. I was looking at some of the stuff and they seem easy enough for even me to make. LOL
joy

Jay, thanks. I do have 10 gallon capacity pots and even 15 gallon smart pots. Watering from the bottom (EB, TSK) proves to be the better science, minimizing water/fertilizer run-off must have something to do with it. I wish I have the space to let my tomatoes sprawl...

Joy, thanks. The sale was not for the whole kit - - - just the planters. Still a great deal though. I reckon you have GP to compare with EB?

Happy gardening, everyone!

Sincerely,

Annapet

Moonglow: Yepper, I might have to get some TSK's though, if they repeat that sale though, since your test shows they are winners. LOL
joy

LOL, Joy. Like you need an excuse to go shopping at Gardener's. Please do read the reviews. The not so good reviews especially!

Love, love EBs for eggplants and peppers.

The watering tube for the TSK has a cover. EB is open and can be a favorite hangout of insects.

Off to Palm Springs!

Moonglow: Yes, I never need an excuse to go shopping, I had to check out their new sale, but the TSK aren't one of the sale items. Did you add any drain holes to yours? I did buy more mulch covers from EB though, the red ones this time. LOL Gotta try them, I ordered 20 and hope they work on more than just tomatoes. My ambrosia melon, which turned out to be a cantaloupe fell off the vine and I cut it open, it was mushy in one spot. But, have lots of yellow flowers on the vines now and hearing buzzing going on in the yard so are remaining hopeful that my melons will get pollinated. It's been so hot lately.
joy

Don't forget to use GS coupon codes. I usually get 15% off or free shipping whichever makes more sense.

In Cabazon now...

Three (3) of my TSKs. As you can see, they are pretty contained in their cages, although a cage extension would be sweeter.

Ack! Another terribly dark photo. I shall take another early in the morning.

My Sungold (EB) has yet to recover from that weekend water shortage. I removed the dried foliage (quite a lot). Was that the right thing to do?

Thanks.

Edited to add more photo info:
(L) Sugar Snack/Sungold EB Pair after I removed the dried leaves. I remember from last year, Sungold was a big plant, and I planted one in a regular 7g pot. Keeping an open mind not all starters are created equal. Picked up from very reputable nursery here in Marin.

(R) Green Zebra/Black Prince TSK Pair - Please note where the cage ends as a height reference.

Thank you.

This message was edited Jul 7, 2009 3:04 PM

Moonglow, I think you just beat me to it--I was going to ask if you had pictures comparing the two!

Boy your plants look great!

Moonglow: They all look great to me.
joy

Thanks, Jill. I wish you could see the difference LIVE. Of course I want this beauty pageant to be TIED, but it's not happening YET (hopefully the next two months will make a change).

Here's the Sugar Snack/Sungold TSK Pair. Since the TSK is not limited to two (2) tomatoes, I was able to tuck in marigolds, chives, and oregano (pest protection and culinary needs, LOL).

Thanks, Joy. We cross-posted. The volume of this pair is double compared to the EB pair, and the foliage is visibly greener (live).

This message was edited Jul 7, 2009 3:43 PM

Love that arrangement, too, Moonglow--pretty as well as tasty!

Moonglow: Both look fabulous though. LOL
joy

Joy, thank you. However, my notes may have been unclear? Please take another look at about 1/3 of the photo on the LEFT side.

Then compare to the RIGHT (about 2/3). To me the right cluster has lush greener foliage (hence covering much of the photo).

I wish they really are both fabulous. They are photogenic, LOL.

Moonglow: Yes, you are right; but they both look great. LOL I'm still trying to decide what kind to plant next year, I will be planting the potato top; but not in the topsy's or revolutionary's I don't think, right in 5 gallon HEBs I think? Now, I do have some just for baskets, and those I think I might try planting in the revolutionary's and topsy's; but, was thinking what else I could plant in the revolutionary's besides tomatoes?
joy

Joy, thanks.

Per Mark's Pros and Cons, I may have to try Grow Patch since I like the "look". I'm not fan of the shower cap style anyway. Not sexy enough on the deck. LOL.

I really hope my EB tomatoes only suffered from drought. To be safe, I removed the yellow leaves with brown spots because it looks so similar to a tomato disease. I went through all the EB tomatoes diligently.

Wow Annapet! Awesome looking plants. No wonder you don't like the shower cap....you have marigolds doing the job. Yup, that's much more sexy than a lame plastic, stretchy cover. Will my "man card" be taken away if I plant marigolds? I do have Pansies popping up in my strawberry boxes(pic below) and I have no idea where they came from. That alone, has suspended my "man card" for 30 days. lol





This message was edited Jul 9, 2009 7:14 PM

Ray: Maybe that is the secret to your success, I heard that if you plant pansies, the bees will come and pollinate everything. I'm thinking perhaps if I plant some flowers close to my veggies, and melons especially, they will all get pollinated.
joy

Thanks, Mark. I think your "man card" is safe. But I guess people hardly imagine a Raider Fan who dotes on his vegetable garden. If "pansies" are pushing it, please do try NASTURTIUMS instead. Here are the benefits:

NASTURTIUMS: Plant as a barrier around tomatoes, cabbage, cucumbers, and under fruit trees. Do not plant near cauliflower. Deters wooly aphids, whiteflies, squash bug, cucumber beetles and other pests of the cucurbit family. Great trap crop for aphids (in particular the black aphids) which it does attract, especially the yellow flowering varieties. Likes poor soil with low moisture and no fertilizer. It has been the practice of some fruit growers that planting nasturtiums every year in the root zone of fruit trees allow the trees to take up the pungent odor of the plants and repel bugs. Studies say it is among the best at attracting predatory insects. It has no taste effect on the fruit. A nice variety to grow is Alaska which has attractive green and white variegated leaves. The leaves, flowers and seeds of nasturtiums are all edible and wonderful in salads!

Most of my Tomato Success Kits (TSKs) have either nasturtiums or herbs companions. One TSK has edamame (nitrogen fixer).

Here's 'Ananas Noire' TSK duo engulfed in nasturtiums. I'll thin it out today to make salad or pesto (i just saw a recipe online). Knock on wood, I have not sprayed my tomatoes - - - companion planting must be working.

Here's my mini salad earlier this week. First time I tried nasturtium flowers. I loved the peppery kick. In fact, I cannot wait to make my a BCNT sandwich. I think cucumber's crunch would be great for texture and the nasturtium leaves will give lettuce a little break.

Joy- I put all of my melons and squash on, near and around my Red Apple Ice Plant. The bees love that stuff. Also provides a nice cushion for the melons to develop on.



Annapet- I even told my buddies last year "I wish football season would hurry up and end. Because that would mean it's almost planting time". They shook their heads and looked at me as if I lost my mind. "Pansies" are pushing it, but if they grow in my yard, I call them "Toughies" lol They're kinda weird little flowers, they have faces and seem to be watching me whenever I'm in the yard.

I'm gonna give the Nasturtiums a try in a box or 2 when I replant this week. My deck can use some more "Sexiness".

Wow! Look at your salad! Very cool picture!!

Anapet: Beautiful salad pic there, it looks very yummy. I notice you said you had endamame in one of your TSKs? They fix nitrogen? Could that be why your toms in the TSKs are doing better than the ones in the EB? Just thought it might be worth investigating and what are endamames? Are they a flower perhaps? Maybe if they are a good companion for tomatoes and don't take up much room, we could plant them with toms in EBS too?

Ray: Do you have a pic of this red apple ice plant and what is it?

joy

Here's a pic of a watermelon starting. The Red Apple Ice Plant underneath.

The more I read about it, the more I hear how much bees like it.

http://life.gaiam.com/gaiam/p/VanishingHoneybeesThreatenFoodSupply5WaystoHelp.html

Thanks, Mark.

Picture this: Your team won, you and your lovely wife enjoying outdoor dining on your deck. Us girls usually love photos (keepsake), so you prop your digi cam on a timer, and click! Romantic evening photo with a backdrop of shower-capped planters and tomatoes' skinny legs showing. LOL.

OR
Backdrop of pretty planters with pretty/beneficial under-plantings.

Joy, good point, and I'd like to think edamame is doing it's job. All soybeans, including edamame, are legumes that host beneficial nitrogen-fixing bacteria on their roots.

And that's one of the things I love about TSKs. Looks like I haven't compromised the effectiveness of the planters by adding companion plants or under-plantings. With EBs, I followed directions to a T (Control Group). As mentioned earlier, same potting mix, same fertilizer (organic).

I have one EB (not part of the Tomato Experiment) without the shower cap planted with eggplants (2) and marigolds to deter pests.

MARIGOLDS: Given a lot of credit as a pest deterrent. Keeps soil free of bad nematodes; supposed to discourage many insects. Plant freely throughout the garden. The marigolds you choose must be a scented variety for them to work.

French Marigold (T. patula) has roots that exude a substance which spreads in their immediate vicinity killing nematodes. For nematode control you want to plant dense areas of them. There have been some studies done that proved this nematode killing effect lasted for several years after the plants were These marigolds also help to deter whiteflies when planted around tomatoes and can be used in greenhouses for the same purpose. Whiteflies hate the smell of marigolds. Do not plant French marigolds next to bean plants.

Mexican marigold (T. minuta) is the most powerful of the insect repelling marigolds and may also overwhelm weed roots such as bind weed! It is said to repel the Mexican bean beetle and wild bunnies! Be careful it can have an herbicidal effect on some plants like beans and cabbage.

Ack, we cross-posted.

Cushion is a great idea.Except my berm is really bare. I don't have melons growing but I do have butternut squash on the ground (hoping to cover that berm).

Borage is a friend indeed. I finally have the seeds. Took me a while to find locally and I didn't want to buy online.

Companion plant for tomatoes, squash, strawberries and most plants. Deters tomato hornworms and cabbage worms. One of the best bee and wasp attracting plants. Adds trace minerals to the soil and a good addition the compost pile. The leaves contain vitamin C and are rich in calcium, potassium and mineral salts. Borage may benefit any plant it is growing next to via increasing resistance to pests and disease. It also makes a nice mulch for most plants. Borage and strawberries help each other and strawberry farmers always set a few plants in their beds to enhance the fruits flavor and yield. Plant near tomatoes to improve growth and disease resistance. After you have planned this annual once it will self seed. Borage flowers are edible.

OK, peeps. You probably had enough of me today. Have a fabulous weekend!

Happy Gardening!

Sincerely,

Annapet

Annapet: Dear no one can ever get too much of you, you are a fountain of great information there. I will have to get some borage and red apple ice plants. I will be planting cabbage in Sept, and broccoli and cauliflower are part of the cabbage family also and I'm planting them next month, so I will need borage to definately deter the bugs and deter the bunnies as I'm planning on planting pumpkins next month also. I like what you know about companion planting, that idea is fabulous. So; borage helps with the taste of strawberries hey? I'm planting them in October.

Ray: That melon looks great mine is a dark green and round and doing well so far. I have lots of yellow blooms, I hope they get pollinated and I hope these bad bugs go. I'm pulling up the cukes this weekend. Gives me a few more GPs and totes that way and they are becoming bug food too quickly for my taste.
joy

My team win? HA! Wins have been few and far between these past 6 years. I don't have a lovely wife. Not that she wouldn't be lovely :) I'll need to get a stand-in the meantime. I totally see what you are saying though. Your plants are a lot more photogenic than mine. Marigolds and Borage it is.

Joy, thanks. They are Googled information and e-mailed info from my local nursery. I'm sure you have a few reputable nurseries in your area that can give you bug news, LOL.

Below is a useful link.

http://sloatgardens.blogspot.com/2008/05/companion-planting.html

Mark, stand-in, LOL.

I only like my home team (Chargers) when they are winning (terrible, I know).

And yet another cluster of unripe tomatoes...