I found a link for instructions on how to make self-watering containers in various sizes with pictures and detailed explanations.
http://hometown.aol.com/jmalt31/myhomepage/Earthbox.PDF
Earth Boxes
These instructions are awesome... especailly since I have a free supply of those five gallon buckets they demo in the instructions!! Since discovering this thread Friday night, this has been about all I can think about, I'm so excited. :) TPlant convinced me to buy the real deal, and I did order already, but I am stronly considering making my own as well. :) I don't think i will be able to have too many of these things and I would love to share them with folks who want them too. :) We are having a fall round-up, and they would make great gifts, considering I don't currently have lots of plants to offer since I've only been gardening for just over a year :)
Susan
LOL. I got pretty excited myself. I went to HD right away to look for the right containers but they didn't have any. However, after rooting around in my garage, I found a couple of the 18 gal. Roughneck containers that would be perfect (medium size, tough yet flexible). I'll be back at HD today to get the PVC pipes and some more potting soil stuff.
I think you'll be a big hit at the roundup if you're bringing the 5 gal. ones as gifts.
I'd love to see pictures of your projects and how the homemade ones compare with the real thing. I'll post mine, as well.
Happy gardening.
Wal-Mart has the tubs that you need. You could try them as they look better when set-up.
Thanks, Tplant. Will go to Wally's soon. I do have a question about the potting mix, though.
What kind should I use? I've been using SuperSoil Potting SOIL for my regular containers. Is there a difference b/t the Soil and the Mix?
Not familiar with that mix but I do believe it was acceptable on a prior thread. As long as it isn't sandy.
Hey Quyen, when I ordered my EB, the young lady said for California area, Supersoil is on the list of recommended potting mixes, but so is the Earth Gro mix. Tplant, you were right about the EarthGro, it is pretty much identical to the Jungle Growth. Since the 2cubic foot bag is $4.98 @ Home Depot Quyen, thats what I am using.
This message was edited Aug 1, 2005 2:07 PM
Kanita --- $4.98 is a good price for 2 cu.ft. It costs a dollar or so more in my area but it's called Jungle Growth.
Has anyone used a product called "Spray and Grow"...???
From what I can tell, it seems similar to Messenger..
Unknown to me !
I believe Spray and Grow is basically a plant food with emphasis on micro-nutrients such as magnesium, boron, etc. Messenger is not a plant food. It contains Harpin which is a naturally occuring organic protein that interacts with the plant's leaf receptors essentially tricking the plant into reacting as though it is being attacked which stimulates the plant's growth, immune and reproductive systems. It in essence works from the inside out as opposed to fertilizers which act from the outside in.
Rich
Yes I have used Spray and Grow and according to them, Messenger is not the same and should be used at least 2 days apart.
S & G sells Messenger too. I like S & G and had it prior to Messenger or all the good advice here at DG.
You also have to wait 2 days after using anything but their "Bills" fertilizer. I mix Bill's in when I apply S & G as it just gets me out of the heat quicker and is 2 jobs done.
I am wondering if anyone has used Coir basket liners as a lower part of their homemade EB's?
sidney
Thank you for the replies..I was curious as to the differences (if any) and now I know.
Kris
Hi All! I finally got my Earthboxes today, just in time for fall planting. I am so excited!!!!!
Would anyone know of a link, or where I can get info to set up an earthbox? I had a neighbour give me one, but I don't know how to get it going. My neighbour got a few from a garage sale, so there were no instructions included.Thanks!
Ithink you can decipher it from here http://josho.com/Earthbox.htm
sidney
You can find all the info at www.earthbox.com and/or just ask and we will be happy to help.
I checked out the site, but I couldn't find instructions. I also checked the "josho" site, I think I could get by on what hehas to say. I'm thinking I might try the organic method first.
Thank you for the sites :)
The way you set it up is very important. If not done properly you will not get the desired results.
Hi Sugarshokt!
I have the instruction pages you're looking for. If your interested I'll scan them and e-mail them to you. Let me know.
Toni
This message was edited Aug 15, 2005 11:55 PM
Thanks Toni!!! I would appreciate it. :)
sugarshokt:
Check your D-Mail. I'm going to need your e-mail address.
Toni
For full instructions and tips from the man that invented them go to: http://earthboxresearch.com/