Earthtainer III ready for Michigan

drlarry · May 15, 2011

I've been growing tomatoes in large pots for about 10 years now with mixed results. Decided to give the Earthtainer III a try and will be building four this week and plan to stick close to the instructions for the first year. I'll be using Premier Pro-Mix BX and just need to find a few more supplies.

I've been unable to find E.B. Stone Sure Start in the Detroit area. Anyone know of a source or a good alternative?

I'm also trying to figure out how I'll measure out the Pro-Mix since it comes in compressed 3.8 cu.ft. bales and each container should be allocated roughly 2.7 cu.ft. I should have enough for my four Earthtainers, but don't want to run short.

Rnewste states six scoops of grow media plus one Perlite for each layer. Any thoughts on what size scoop works best?

Also, is the Earthtainer III designed to hold two tomato plants? The photo on the top of page 15 of the instructions shows the first transplant almost in the corner of the container, as if leaving room for more plants? Is it typical to transplant in the corners?

Any other Michiganders have your Earthtainers up and growing?

May 15, 2011	#1
drlarry Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2011 Location: Detroit Posts: 6	Earthtainer III ready for Michigan I've been growing tomatoes in large pots for about 10 years now with mixed results. Decided to give the Earthtainer III a try and will be building four this week and plan to stick close to the instructions for the first year. I'll be using Premier Pro-Mix BX and just need to find a few more supplies. I've been unable to find E.B. Stone Sure Start in the Detroit area. Anyone know of a source or a good alternative? I'm also trying to figure out how I'll measure out the Pro-Mix since it comes in compressed 3.8 cu.ft. bales and each container should be allocated roughly 2.7 cu.ft. I should have enough for my four Earthtainers, but don't want to run short. Rnewste states six scoops of grow media plus one Perlite for each layer. Any thoughts on what size scoop works best? Also, is the Earthtainer III designed to hold two tomato plants? The photo on the top of page 15 of the instructions shows the first transplant almost in the corner of the container, as if leaving room for more plants? Is it typical to transplant in the corners? Any other Michiganders have your Earthtainers up and growing?