March 12, 2015 | #46 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: SoCal Inland
Posts: 2,705
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EB is a very specific system. Those who follow the guidelines, at least out the door have good success. It is a "closed" system, meaning there is a plastic cover placed over the potting mix. I don't under plant with anything because with two ind toms in the box I don't want anything else competing for space of nutrients.
I now place about 2 cups of granular synthetic ferts down the middle, short side of the box. I like a Lily Miller product for my toms which is rated 5-10-10. I also supplement with a TBSP of "snack" Calcium Nitrate down the watering tube once a week. This helps prevent blossom end rot and adds supplement food. EBs come with detailed instructions. I'm sure you could also look it up on line. |
March 12, 2015 | #47 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Allentown, PA
Posts: 349
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Quote:
Anyone have a child who needs a science fair project? =) |
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March 12, 2015 | #48 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Plantation, Florida zone 10
Posts: 9,283
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Quote:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2y2QUifx2gg |
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March 12, 2015 | #49 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: SoCal Inland
Posts: 2,705
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March 12, 2015 | #50 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Allentown, PA
Posts: 349
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Quote:
Many are saying "well, an EarthBox is cheaper/the same/not much more than building an EarthTainer" ... but that is not an apples-to-apples comparison in terms of potential yield. |
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March 12, 2015 | #51 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Plantation, Florida zone 10
Posts: 9,283
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March 12, 2015 | #52 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: zone 5
Posts: 821
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Quote:
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March 12, 2015 | #53 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: zone 5
Posts: 821
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Quote:
Stacy |
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March 12, 2015 | #54 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Virginia
Posts: 116
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This appears to be easier and less expensive. How long have you been using these...how are they "holding up"?
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March 12, 2015 | #55 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: zone 5
Posts: 821
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Quote:
Stacy |
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March 12, 2015 | #56 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: zone 5
Posts: 821
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Quote:
Stacy Last edited by bughunter99; March 12, 2015 at 11:36 PM. |
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March 12, 2015 | #57 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Allentown, PA
Posts: 349
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Mine are entering their 5th season, but the first 3 of those seasons were only in partial sunlight, so not the best gauge. If you use the quality totes recommended by Ray, I think you'll easily get 5-7 years. He also recommends a sun protection spray which will surely also help (although I haven't invested in it).
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March 12, 2015 | #58 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Indialantic, Florida
Posts: 2,000
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Quote:
To meet the $100, I bought 3 extra caster kits (for my other EBs) that were on Dollys. There is no choice of color - it is green. BTW - After I ordered, I looked up the vendor on Davesgarden and it had horrible reviews. But all went well. The benefit of buying directly from EB, is you get to pick your color - White stays so much cooler in the hot weather; the dark green I need to drape thick white plastic around. If you want the casters, buying the EB this way is a good deal. |
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March 13, 2015 | #59 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: SoCal Inland
Posts: 2,705
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March 13, 2015 | #60 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Virginia
Posts: 116
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I know the white would be better...can you paint, etc, the plastic that either the EB or the diy planter is made out of? I know that you can put a protective "coat" of something like we use on the kayaks to prevent breakdown. It would probably increase the life of both. Also, yield may be a factor for some, but just us two here now, and I garden for many reasons and yield isn't the most important to me at this time as long as each plant produces "something" whether it be a fruit, flower, etc. Sometimes the yield is too much around here and I am begging people to take extra..
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