I was just at the San Ysidro Home Depot and they had 18 gallon totes for $3.44 each. They are not, repeat NOT, Rubbermaid quality but if given some protection from UV rays (facings of wood or concrete blocks or an earth berm) they would probably last OK.
It's a great price for anyone interested in making their own.
katiebear
Cheap totes for DIYers
Katiebear: My question is this, since plants need the sunlight to grow how are we going to protect them from UV rays? I printed out a PDF file on making a HEB from everything from a child's sand pail to a 8 foot food grade fresh water tank for a boat and another member pointed out that I needed to think about chemicals being leached out into the potting mix in the HEB from PVC pipe used in the setups and I also read that if you do use another type container make sure that you avoid using containers that have the numbers 3 (Polyvinyl), 6 (Polysterene/Sytrofoam), and 7 (Polycarbonate and others) inside the recycling symbol. The numbers 1, 2, 4 or 5 are safe. You don't want harmful chemicals leaching out into your potting mix because the plant will be affected by it and you will too; because you eat the plant. For flowers it might be okay; but, I wouldn't use for vegetables. I own 6 GPs and 5 EBs at the moment and both are made from UV protected material that will endure and last for many, many years, they are also made from safe product. I have made hanging baskets from pails and am now checking the numbers to make sure they will be okay for my veggies should I decide to use them. Just an added note to make you aware ok?
joy112854
Thank you. I'll check the numbers. Unless I'm sure they're safe I'll use them for my brugs.
katiebear
P.S. By protection from UV rays, I meant protect the box, not the plant. The boxes are fairly rigid and will probably not hold up to a lot of sunlight. One of the had a corner break off as I was carrying it out of the store and it fell off the cart (they gave me another one).
kb
Katie bear: As long as it's strong enough to hold the potting mix right? Doesn't have to be that strong for that unless you are going to be moving it? Then it might present a problem for you. Yes, please check the numbers in the center of the recycling symbol to make sure they are safe if you are going to be planting veggies, if it's flowers, it might not make a difference.
joy112854
Hello. Sorry to sound like a novice here - but, as far as earthboxes are concerned, I am (a novice that is). Anyone able to direct me to a site that can show me how to build o ne from tote boxes...also how to actually use it with good results (I would love to gortw tomatoes using one - or two)?
Check the "sticky" - the first thread in this forum. There is a link to a link with directions. I think it's www.josho.com.
I'm not sure about planting mix. I've asked and am still waiting for responses. Meanwhile, I'll use a soiless mix with compost.
katiebear
Any good quality planting mix will do! Just don't buy anything that says soil. Jungle Growth, Miracle Gro, coco coir would be excellent plus dolomite lime. We even have an excellent mix from Mexico sold up here in our Home Depot stores. Don't remember the brand name.
Thankyou everso much.
katie bear: I clicked the link and saw a cute little girl in a rubbermaid tote, that your little angel? She sure is adorable.
joy112854
Not mine. I just provided the link.
kb
katiebear: Oh I see. LOL
joy112854
The number on the totes from HOme Depot is 5 so they should be safe for food.
katiebear
Katiebear: From what your note says, you want to use compost in the EB? I'd think about that one, as it suggests you don't do that. I don't know exactly why perhaps TPlant can explain better. What you use is your mix, 2 cups of dolomite lime and either 3 cups of organic fertilizer or 2 cups of granular fertilizer, don't use the liquid or the time released fertilizer either.
joy112854
The compost would not be a good idea as it will hold to much water and you will develop root rot. Either use a quality container mix or Bocabobobs coco coir which is better yet! Do not use anything that says soil.
I'll be using my home made soiless mix which consists largely of my homemade coconut coir (I call it psuedocoir) made from palm tree trunks. I won't be using dirt.
Please note I am in Mexico - ordering from the U.S. is not an option.
kb
Oh yeah I just noticed! Freight would be a whopper. Too bad as the coir is so easy and dependable to work with.
katiebear....good thinking. Always something to use. Wonder what other plant material has the wicking power to be suitable. Commercial products are commercial because they can be produced in bulk. Must be all sorts of plant material that would work but isn't because it is not economical to sell it (but is economical for the home grower to harvest and use).
I am known here as the strage American woman who goes to the dump to pick things up.
kb
Katiebear....lol...I know that curious look Americans get too. See you are in Baja.Good place for self-watering containers for sure..I lived in Cholula, south of Mexico city, for while. Learned a lot watching what people who have to make-do do. And they watched me too...
Must be exciting? KatieBear are you going to be a permanent resident?