General discussion regarding the techniques and methods used to successfully grow tomato plants in containers.
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April 14, 2010 | #16 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Campbell, CA
Posts: 4,064
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Talon,
Sounds like you got a slightly smaller (30 gallon) container, which will work fine. Some of the cage mounting dimensions may be different as compared with the Lowes 31 gallon Rugged Tote. The EarthTainer holds about 3.3 cubic feet of Grow Media. Using the 3:2:1 Combo Mix, you will need about 1.6 cu. ft. of the Potting Mix, 1.1 cu. ft. Decorative Groundcover Bark, and 0.5 cu. ft. of Perlite per 'Tainer. Did you get the DuPont 15 yr. Landscape Fabric from Lowes yet? Raybo |
April 14, 2010 | #17 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Farmington, Michigan. Zone 5b/6a
Posts: 421
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Quote:
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Always looking for a better way to grow tomatoes .......... |
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April 14, 2010 | #18 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Campbell, CA
Posts: 4,064
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Talon,
If it not too much of a hassle I would suggest using the Lowes 31 gal Rugged Totes. Then, the Guide should be straightforward. Keep in mind an alternative for the wicking basket is to take a heavy duty Deli container about the specified size as the net pot, and drill a bunch of small holes in the bottom and sides of it. You will still need the 2 rigid 4 1/8 inch spacers to support the aeration bench, and not have the wicking basket collapse from the weight of the Grow Media. Have fun!! Raybo |
April 15, 2010 | #19 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Farmington, Michigan. Zone 5b/6a
Posts: 421
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Quote:
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Always looking for a better way to grow tomatoes .......... |
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April 15, 2010 | #20 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Florida
Posts: 22
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I believe these are the ones..
http://www.pambinaimpex.com/servlet/Detail?no=48 Also what I do with the left over piece of tote after you cut the bottom of it off. I actually place it back within the completed container after lining the bottom and sides with the Dupont. This way its a tad sturdier and holds a tad more dirt. |
April 15, 2010 | #21 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Campbell, CA
Posts: 4,064
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Thanks GHurt. I just went to the link and it worked fine for me. Talon, perhaps you have some sort of spam blocker enabled that wouldn't let you in.
That is a good idea to place the unused piece back in the EarthTainer to add thickness to the side walls. Do you have a photo or two you could post? I think I should add this to the Guide where you are not using tomato cages (Peppers, cukes, etc.) Raybo |
April 15, 2010 | #22 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Farmington, Michigan. Zone 5b/6a
Posts: 421
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Quote:
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Always looking for a better way to grow tomatoes .......... |
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April 15, 2010 | #23 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Florida
Posts: 22
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Ill get you some pictures this weekend, i'm currently away from the homefront. And i'm even using cages
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April 15, 2010 | #24 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Campbell, CA
Posts: 4,064
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April 16, 2010 | #25 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Farmington, Michigan. Zone 5b/6a
Posts: 421
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I got the 15 1/2 x 54 inch cages heavy duty tomato cages ($10.00) each.......... Will this make a difference or should I take them back for a refund? I am making 2 earthtainers here
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April 16, 2010 | #26 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Campbell, CA
Posts: 4,064
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Talon,
If you are measuring 15 1/2 inches at the top hoop, then they are smaller in diameter than the recommended Glamos cages, which are 18" in diameter. This is what you ideally want: If you cannot absolutely find them, the ones you bought will work in a pinch, but you will have to use the wire rope clip on the top hoopset, rather than the second one down to keep the cages vertical. Again, workable - - but not as rigid and less than ideal. Raybo |
April 17, 2010 | #27 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Texas
Posts: 3,027
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Ray, I have a question for you, and hopefully I'm not asking something that's not already been covered.
In the second post in this thread, I see what appears to be a second cage added on top (but turned upside down and somehow attached) for additional height. http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/h...e/IMG_7110.jpg Could you explain what is shown here, please? Is it two Glamos cages, or a Glamos on bottom and one of the more inexpensive / typical 4 ring cages attached on top upside down? Thanks. |
April 17, 2010 | #28 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Campbell, CA
Posts: 4,064
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Suze,
Good Eye!! The (inverted) cage is indeed a second Glamos cage, with the 4 legs cut off (I don't need to attract a lightening strike). However, now that the heavy duty Glamos cages are difficult to find (and expensive) you can take ANY cage that has an 18 inch diameter hoop, and affix it to the base cage with zip ties. Home Depot in our area is now carrying the lighter duty 18" by 54" tall 4-leg cages, and they would work fine for the inverted cage. Raybo |
April 19, 2010 | #29 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Farmington, Michigan. Zone 5b/6a
Posts: 421
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Quote:
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Always looking for a better way to grow tomatoes .......... |
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April 19, 2010 | #30 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Campbell, CA
Posts: 4,064
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Way to go, Talon!!!
You may want to post the name of the Nursery in case others in the Detroit area may be looking for them. I am SURE you will be happier with the 18 inch ones rather than the original smaller ones you purchased. Raybo |
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