Earthbox problems

DogsandDirt · August 11, 2011

I am starting to dabble in SWC's with 3 Earthboxes. I planted some fall tomatoes in the EB's, in traditional containers with a 3-2-1 mix, and in the raised beds. The tomatoes in the EB's look the most unhappy and one I already pulled. I also had 3 jalapenos in one EB and 2 golden zebra squash in the other. One of the jalapenos died today and the squash are doing so-so. They have all been on concrete under 50% white shade cloth and I followed the directions that came with the EB. I used Sunshine Organic potting mix (75-85% peat, perlite, dolomite lime, and an organice wetting agent [yucca extract]) and the dolomite and fertilizer that came in the kit. Anybody have any idea what's wrong with the tomato? Could the soil be too hot (been over 100 since July 2). I'm thinking of transferring the yellow pear to a traditional container.

Here's some pictures that may help:

Sunpride and Yellow pear in EB.jpg

Sunpride in EB.jpg

sunpride roots.jpg

eddie46 · August 11, 2011

It appears to me you are not wicking. Water from the top a gallon or so and see if they perk up.

Ed

DogsandDirt · August 12, 2011

The soil seems moist but not soggy; I was thinking it may actually have too much moisture? I scooped some of the upper most soil out and squeezed it; the mix held together initially but then fell apart easily with a light touch and doesn't seem to compact easily at all. I wasn't able to squeeze water out. I dug a little deeper (more than half way) and scooped some mix out. It had more moisture and I was able to get some water out if I squeezed it very hard. I think it's wicking well enough?

beefyboy · August 12, 2011

I have 22 earthboxes and if the temp was a hundred here in Florida or even 92 and up, then I would never even set out plants.

Keiththibodeaux · August 12, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by beefyboy

I have 22 earthboxes and if the temp was a hundred here in Florida or even 92 and up, then I would never even set out plants.

I had an Earthbox for quite a few years, but always had issues when it got good and hot down here. (Louisiana) . But, I have friends, including the one I gave my Earthbox to, who swear by them when used under a patio with partial sun.

beefyboy · August 15, 2011

Mine all do well here and will keep plants upright instead of going South when in the ground. But this is Florida and they were developed here and only an hour from my home actually. Just picked up 11 more over the weekend!! Rules of gardening do not apply here!!!! lol

Ken4230 · August 17, 2011

Google.....Al's container garden. The man is sharp and extremely nice.

Ken

It possible you might need to wick some of the water out of the bottom and top water lightly until the roots are better established.

cushman350 · August 17, 2011

My hat is off to anyone having success in this Texas heat. I planted very early varieties (started Jan. 25and planted Mar. 15 with protection) and was still cut short by 100° temps in APRIL! We've had 51 straight days of 100°+ temps.

Crispy in Tomato Hell, TX. (Wichita Falls)

tnpeppers · August 17, 2011

I had tomatoes in Earth Boxes in East Tennessee a few years back...we had an August with temps of 95 or so for roughly the entire month. They had shade from trees in the morning and later in the day (from four o'clock on); and all were a good seven or eight feet tall, loaded with 'maters. I have EB's now that get sun all day in New England...not quite as tall; but still loaded with tomatoes. We had quite a few days in the 90's, with a couple that touched 100. Partial shade might help in these areas with persistent heat. Personally; I love my Earth Boxes.

cushman350 · August 17, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnpeppers

I had tomatoes in Earth Boxes in East Tennessee a few years back...we had an August with temps of 95 or so for roughly the entire month. They had shade from trees in the morning and later in the day (from four o'clock on); and all were a good seven or eight feet tall, loaded with 'maters. I have EB's now that get sun all day in New England...not quite as tall; but still loaded with tomatoes. We had quite a few days in the 90's, with a couple that touched 100. Partial shade might help in these areas with persistent heat. Personally; I love my Earth Boxes.

Oh, I've used the shade cloth and misting also. Been using EBs for 5 years now.

August 11, 2011	#1
DogsandDirt Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2011 Location: Dallas/FortWorth, TX Posts: 116	Earthbox problems I am starting to dabble in SWC's with 3 Earthboxes. I planted some fall tomatoes in the EB's, in traditional containers with a 3-2-1 mix, and in the raised beds. The tomatoes in the EB's look the most unhappy and one I already pulled. I also had 3 jalapenos in one EB and 2 golden zebra squash in the other. One of the jalapenos died today and the squash are doing so-so. They have all been on concrete under 50% white shade cloth and I followed the directions that came with the EB. I used Sunshine Organic potting mix (75-85% peat, perlite, dolomite lime, and an organice wetting agent [yucca extract]) and the dolomite and fertilizer that came in the kit. Anybody have any idea what's wrong with the tomato? Could the soil be too hot (been over 100 since July 2). I'm thinking of transferring the yellow pear to a traditional container. Here's some pictures that may help: Sunpride and Yellow pear in EB.jpg Sunpride in EB.jpg sunpride roots.jpg

August 17, 2011	#7
Ken4230 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Western Ky Posts: 282	Tapla Google.....Al's container garden. The man is sharp and extremely nice. Ken It possible you might need to wick some of the water out of the bottom and top water lightly until the roots are better established. Last edited by Ken4230; August 17, 2011 at 11:40 AM. Reason: Too big of a hurry

August 11, 2011	#2
eddie46 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: SW PA Posts: 160	It appears to me you are not wicking. Water from the top a gallon or so and see if they perk up. Ed

August 12, 2011	#3
DogsandDirt Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2011 Location: Dallas/FortWorth, TX Posts: 116	The soil seems moist but not soggy; I was thinking it may actually have too much moisture? I scooped some of the upper most soil out and squeezed it; the mix held together initially but then fell apart easily with a light touch and doesn't seem to compact easily at all. I wasn't able to squeeze water out. I dug a little deeper (more than half way) and scooped some mix out. It had more moisture and I was able to get some water out if I squeezed it very hard. I think it's wicking well enough?

August 12, 2011	#4
beefyboy Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pt. Charlotte fl Posts: 330	I have 22 earthboxes and if the temp was a hundred here in Florida or even 92 and up, then I would never even set out plants.

August 15, 2011	#6
beefyboy Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pt. Charlotte fl Posts: 330	Mine all do well here and will keep plants upright instead of going South when in the ground. But this is Florida and they were developed here and only an hour from my home actually. Just picked up 11 more over the weekend!! Rules of gardening do not apply here!!!! lol

August 17, 2011	#8
cushman350 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Wichita Falls, TX [Tomato Hell] Posts: 99	My hat is off to anyone having success in this Texas heat. I planted very early varieties (started Jan. 25and planted Mar. 15 with protection) and was still cut short by 100° temps in APRIL! We've had 51 straight days of 100°+ temps. Crispy in Tomato Hell, TX. (Wichita Falls)

August 17, 2011	#9
tnpeppers Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Zone 6 Posts: 365	I had tomatoes in Earth Boxes in East Tennessee a few years back...we had an August with temps of 95 or so for roughly the entire month. They had shade from trees in the morning and later in the day (from four o'clock on); and all were a good seven or eight feet tall, loaded with 'maters. I have EB's now that get sun all day in New England...not quite as tall; but still loaded with tomatoes. We had quite a few days in the 90's, with a couple that touched 100. Partial shade might help in these areas with persistent heat. Personally; I love my Earth Boxes.