Earthtainer smaller version

[dokutaaguriin]

Hi Ray,
I have some large Roughneck totes ready to go to make some Earthtainer IIs. It took me awhile to find the right size as I failed to recognize that a Canadian gallon is different from a US gallon, .
I am thinking about building some 18US gallon (68.1 litres) smaller Earthtainers for some peppers. As I think the large containers would be too much for them.
1. How much smaller of a wicking chamber would you recommend?
2. Dolomite lime and fertilizer, what % would you cut these down given the smaller space?
3. Do you cover the fertilizer (picture frame) strip with a light covering of mix?
4. Do you mound your soil like the commercial version?

Thanks in advance,
Jeff

[rnewste]

Hi Jeff,

Yes, the 18 gallon containers will work just fine for peppers. I don't believe for peppers in a container that Lime is needed - - somebody correct me if I am wrong. I would think a 4 inch diameter wicking basket would work OK. I would cut the fertilizer back to 1 cup. I cover the picture frame strip with just a bit of potting mix. I keep my potting mix at the top pretty much flat. I believe the other design recommends mounding it a bit as to drain rainwater off to the sides.

Ray

[dokutaaguriin]

I was thinking that since peppers also suffer from BER that lime would be needed.
Since I will be growing in a greenhouse, I will not need to worry about the mounding.
Thanks again Ray.
Jeff

[rnewste]

Jeff,

I have not grown peppers in an AWS type system, so you might want to look at the FAQ at the EarthBox site. Maybe Ami, Earl, and others who have experience with container growing can help answer this.

Ray

[sprtsguy76]

Lime the mix for the peppers too they can get BER too.

Damon

[dokutaaguriin]

Speaking of lime,
does it matter if it is pelleted type of lime or powder form?

Jeff

[rnewste]

Jeff,

Under no circumstances use "Hydrated Lime". This is very fast acting and can be dangerous.

Look for a package labeled "Dolomite Lime" or "Agricultural Lime":



Ray

[dokutaaguriin]

HI Ray,
How many regular sized Earthtainers will that 5 lb box fill?

Thanks,
Jeff

[rnewste]

Jeff,

Someone can do the math conversion better than I, but from recall last season, one box would service about 8 EarthTainers.

Ray