My Florida-based sister asked if I could recommend a good way for her to start an organic veggie container garden so I decided to do a little digging around. (My husband I planted basil, rosemary, oregano, lettuce and tomatoes in containers this past spring and we’ve enjoyed the fresh homegrown tastes all summer, but we sort of just threw it together.) I recalled Michael McDonough mentioning in a video that he used EarthBox containers to grow a veggie garden on his home’s rooftop deck, so I figured I’d check them out.
Their straightforward method of growing plants is based on a reservoir system to manage the watering of plants. It’s so simple — once the plants are planted, all you have to do is make sure there’s water in the reservoir of the container. There’s no way to over-water plants with these containers. So, as long as there’s always water in the reservoir, plants will never dry out.
You can either order just the EarthBox container (about $30) or the container with a kit (about $48-53). The kit comes with all the essentials for starting a garden, (organic or non), and also includes casters (which makes moving around the plants — for shade or sun — so easy). The only other thing you’ll need to get is organic plants, and then you’re on your way to enjoying fresh, homegrown veggies at your fingertips.
A great way to start going local. more @ earthbox.com
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I have a friend that has been planting in Earthboxes for several years. Wow..the yield is terrific. Easily maintained, weed free (mostly), easily harvested (little or no bending over to pick fruits, vegies, greens).
She has used these in New Mexico (obviously very dry climate) and in Oregon (obviously very wet climate).
They conserve water and fertilizer because it all stays in the box.
Highly recommended for the experienced or the beginning gardener. Especially good when space is limited.
No, I do not, in any way, work for or represent the manufacturer of the Earthbox.
Whoa – I’ve never even heard of these. Very cool. Thanks for the tip AC.