I've never used the covers on my earthboxes, mainly because when I first started, my plants were too large. I've seen in your pictures that some of you use covers, and others don't. Why or why not?
Covers on the earthbox?
Mainly to prevent weeds and keep the mix moist which is very important. I don't know of to many people with the real EBs that don't use their covers otherwise you can save your money and use a flower pot. I order my covers 20 at A TIME as it is much cheaper that way.
i have real EBs (6) and do not use the covers. it's just a personal thing. it doesn't get too hot here and doesn't really pour (there are days, but not watering can be planned).
if i live in a warmer climate, i will sure use the covers to keep the mix moist.
I don't use my covers either. Nor do I add the fertilizer as directed. I mix it in all the soil. My plants do great, they may need more watering, but my plants never seem to suffer as a result.
I for sure use the covers...the weeds go nuts if you dont. I wont make that mistake again.
I use the covers on the true EBs because I want them to operate as advertised BUT I have only one HEB and I don't cover it since I planted so many peas they came up everywhere so I removed the cover. It uses far more water this way though. Oh well...I live and learn...[what is the alternative, proffit by other's mistakes? I don't think so. LOL]
I don't use the covers and use water soluble fertilizer in the reservoir.
I use WS fertilizer too. Im glad to see Im not the only one. I dont get the fertilizer strip. Well...for me at least, the fertilizer is still mostly there it seems after the plant is done. I do still add a little strip to some...but WS to all. I do use the covers tho
We made two HEBs for our lemon and lime trees. We used biodegradable landscaping cloth for the covers to allow aeration. The trees have put out new leves and seem to be very happy in their new containers.
garden mermaid: I was planning to try using the HEBs, the ones made out of 18 gallon totes for dwarf fruit trees this next time, how are yours doing and did you use 18 gallon totes, for some reason I thought the 5 gallon buckets might be too small.
I use covers on my EBs and GPs and try and use covers for the HEBs when I can. I ran out of covers though and will have to order more for next season. I did notice that the HEBs without covers tend to get strange things growing in them right along with what you had planted.
I'm also thinking that 16 ears of corn per HEB might be a tad too much corn also, mine are doing okay; but, I think that in the EBs and GPs, there is not quite enough soil.
joy
Our HEBs are doing wonderfully! Both citrus trees are floruishing in them.
We used 18 gallon totes. DH drilled small holes in the bottom of one tote for drainage and cut a hole in the bottom center for the pond basket. We attached the pond basket with plastic ties and then set that tote inside the other one.
The HEB designs that instruct you to cut the top off the second tote and insert it upside down into the first tote will not provide the structural stability needed.
Keeping the "inside" tote intact will provide that structural integrity. Yes, there is a small amount of evaporation from the sides where one tote is set with the other, but it is really minor. We are using landscape cloth to cover. I'll try to get a photo of them this weekend.
garden mermaid: Ah ha, I got it now, yes, please post some pics. I have been carrying my trusty little knife with me to unclog the drain holes on my totes. I noticed that when I planted my corn in a GP and corn in the totes the ones in the totes are doing better, they can go deeper, as the totes hold more potting mix than the GP does. I've resorted to removing the nozzle when I water them too. Just put the whole hose in the water fill tube and let her rip.
joy