Preparing The Containers

I prepared the Earthboxes for planting. I used Easy Gro Premium Potting Soil, this is actually a "potting mix" not a soil. I mixed in 2 cups of dolomite into the top 4 inches of potting mix.

I wet the soil and filled the reservoir. Now I am ready for my fertilizer strip and my seeds.

Fewer Garden Pests

One advantage to container gardening is less pests. This picture was taken this morning in the yard of a neighbor.
Possum stuck on fence.....Poor little guy!

Fertilizing Tips

It is best to use dry fertilizer granules or plant food for vegetables. Choose a fertilizer that has all 3 numbers between 5 and 15. Do not use slow release or water soluble fertilizer. You will need to cups per 2 cubic feet or 60 quarts of potting mix. If you choose organic fertilizer you will need to use 3 cups.

Fertilizer should not be mixed int to the potting mix or sprinkled around the top. Fertilizer should be placed in a strip away from the plants/seeds, between two rows or as far from the single row as possible. Create a slight mound with a trough in the center and pour in the fertilizer. Cover the strip with moist potting mix. You will not need to add anymore during the growing season. See the Earthbox diagram below:

Legend

The patterns shown below illustrate the best placement of plants and fertilizer based on the suggested number of plants per variety as listed above.

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Single Row

(2 seedlings per row)(4 seedlings per row)

Double Row

(3 seedlings per row)(4 seedlings per row)

(5 seedlings per row)(8 seedlings per row)

A Few Vegetable Growing Tips

Vegetables require a higher pH level than is found in most potting mixes and they love calcium. Add 2 cups of dolomite or hydrated lime to 2 cubic feet or 60 quarts of potting mix before planting. This will prevent blossom end rot. However, if your plants do develop blossom end rot, mix 1/4 cup of hydrated lime to a gallon of water. You can spray it directly on the plants or add it to the reservoir.

It is best to use dry fertilizer granules or plant food for vegetables. Choose a fertilizer that has all 3 numbers between 5 and 15. Do not use slow release or water soluble fertilizer. You will need 2 cups per 2 cubic feet or 60 quarts of potting mix. If you choose organic fertilizer you will need to use 3 cups. You will not need to add anymore during the growing season.

Earthbox Has Arrived

The EarthBoxes have arrived!

The Earthbox comes with a screen for the bottom, casters, a water fill tube, two covers, a bag of Dolomite, a bag of fertilizer, and directions.Be sure to use POTTING MIX not Potting Soil. Make sure the Earthbox is in a location that will receive 6-8 hours of sunlight a day. Never let the reservoir go dry. You will need to add water every few days when the plants are young and daily as the plants mature.

Seeds, seeds, seeds

I bought my seeds yesterday, but no tomato plants. I was told that I can get those August 1st at Cornelius, a local plant nursery. I am going to start some of my seeds in home made self -watering containers made from milk containers. Cheap and easy. You need a milk jug or carton, florist foam (the kind that holds water), and scissors. Cut them as shown. I cut the carton shorter or it would be too deep. Push the spouts into the foam to create a plug. This is how the water will wick to keep the soil moist. Fill the base reservoir with water, enough to reach slightly above the foam plug. Fill container with dirt, plant your seeds, and sprinkle with water to moisten. Make sure all of the soil is moist.
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Check water levels daily in reservoirs daily. Never let soil dry out or you will need to add some water from the top to restart the wicking.

The Sun

While I wait for my containers I want to share a study that was done on the effectiveness of sunscreen. It is shocking to see how ineffective and even hazardous the popular brands are. You can read the report at www.cosmeticsdatabase.com or skip straight to the list at findyoursunscreen . I am now using Keys Soap Solar Rx on my face. So far I really like it.

What to plant?

Looks like mid August is the time to plant tomatoes, it is a little late so I may not find any. I will try. Seems September is a good planting time for carrots, bush beans, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, leaf lettuce, radish, summer squash, and snap peas.

Waiting and planning

Today I am just waiting for my containers and planning my "crop".
While you wait you can check out my "Shared Items" for recipes and free things.

Getting started

Research, read, plan, and then just do it!!!
But start out small…………not easy for me but it’s what I am gonna do.

First I am going to order a self watering container because it is hot here in Texas and I have read that this is the best way to do it. I think I like the Earthbox kits.

Ok I placed my order for two Earthbox containers. I know I said start small and if you know me this is small. While I wait the two days until my containers arrive I will plan on which vegetables to plant. Keep in mind the time of year, temperatures, and what you will actually eat if it grows. For this type of information I am using these books The Bountiful Container and Incredible Vegetables from Self-Watering Containers. You will find really useful information such as which vegetables can grow together in the same container and what varieties are best. Another good source is your local county extension office.