What is the alternative? What else would work? I'm afraid if I push stakes into the earthbox, I could break the plastic grid, and I'm also worried that pushing stakes into a foot of potting soil won't be enough support. If I build a support around the EB, it will make the EB immobile, and could look ugly. Something like this might work:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RUM0R4But if you buy two of them, you are almost up to the cost of the EB system. What is the alternative? What else would work? I'm afraid if I push stakes into the earthbox, I could break the plastic grid, and I'm also worried that pushing stakes into a foot of... » Read More What is the alternative? What else would work? I'm afraid if I push stakes into the earthbox, I could break the plastic grid, and I'm also worried that pushing stakes into a foot of potting soil won't be enough support. If I build a support around the EB, it will make the EB immobile, and could look ugly. Something like this might work:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RUM0R4But if you buy two of them, you are almost up to the cost of the EB system. « Show Less
266693
The first year I had my earth boxes, I tried everything to no avail. It was very hard to stake my heirloom tomatoes. The next year I bit the bullet and bought the staking systems for two of the boxes. I was very pleased. This year I bought the remaining boxes their staking systems since I have enlarged my heirloom varities. They changed their design this year. I called and complained, and they quickly send me the older components. I'm pleased with their service.
266694
Try making your own from PVC pipe or wood. There are several designs on http://forum.earthbox.com/index.php. Try these http://forum.earthbox.com/index.php?topic=5544.0 and http://forum.earthbox.com/index.php?topic=5527.msg45467#msg45467. I love my earthbox!
1089018
I am not sure what the difference is between the "old" and new earthboxes. I bought the staking system for tomato plants and was not happy with how it worked. The tomato vines were too heavy and so was not a good solution for staking them! Maybe that's why they are discontinuing that item??
1773259
You could try an umbrella stand on the brick pavers, if staking it doesn't work.
1925252
It is relentless. I used mine to break up rock-hard packed sand in my paddock last summer, and it was a beast until the worm drive gave out. I could not get a replacement part on line; just an advisory to contact a service center. I don't know whether it can be replaced, but I hope so. It sounds like you would probably do better to buy or rent a beefier unit to break up your soil initially.
2280667
I drilled to install ours. I do not remember if it came with any other alternatives.
5327
Just my opinion, I think maybe getting some garden edging would be better to collect the leaves, or there is flex border material, like the recycled decking, that you could wrap around ground stakes, that may be better suited. This is a great raised bed, I bought two of them, but I am going to use them for vegetable gardening and make mini-greenhouses out of them, maybe do both projects !! :)take care
769809
Hope it's OK but this isn't an answer, just a thank you for asking the same question I had. I was going to go with the ground based model specifically because I was concerned about the weight of this on the brick as well as the stress that reeling in a heavy 5/8" hose across the lawn would place on my masonry. I'm still a little nervous about it but I'm going to give it a shot based on the reassurances below. Thanks for the question and the answers folks. Wish me luck. I'll update if my house falls down and I live to tell the tale.
1414385
I think they make special stakes for that....it definitely will need something different as the stakes are critical to its support structure....maybe use sandbags to anchor to?
979269
I don't think it really matters which way. The lips are there to help the edging stay in the ground once you install it. I used some of the plastic stakes and some extra store bought topsoil but there's still a small amount of winter heaving that will occur if you live in an area where the ground freezes, defrosts, refreezes, etc. Use lots of stakes. I will be buying more edging and stakes so that I can do another area this year.
1670181
I believe you can get them from the source of your purchase. Best thing to remember when securing a pole/stake that long, is to grasp it down low at the base where you are inserting in the ground. If you hit something solid it will keep you from bending the pole/stake. My dealings with the source I purchased the product has always been very positive and they work with you. I sure they could assist you with getting additional stakes for purchase. Hope all goes well.
498964
The stakes are metal and are sturdy enough to shove into the ground. If the ground is very hard you may have to use something to get it started like a large nail or a round screwdriver. They are somewhat delicate depending on the terrain.
1974617
Probably not the best option because the surface of this is not flat. I would suggest you get a dolly that has flat legs. For planters these work great.
1454335
We found that the 10 green poles were not enough...and flimsy... and had to have something to reinforce them to stay straight. We used rebar driven into the ground and slipped the pole over it (careful not to let the cotter pin holding wire touch the rebar...must be lower...to avoid grounding) as additional support and had to buy plastic conduit to make additional poles. Unit has a 27 inch cord...so you will need an appropriate extension cord if not located directly at a plug. A translation of their 1 page instructions/safety info for the power unit would help as well.....very poorly written, very hard to understand (I have a Master's degree in science and found it very confusing). We found that the 10 green poles were not enough...and flimsy... and had to have something to reinforce them to stay straight. We used rebar driven into the ground and slipped the pole over it (careful not to let the cotter pin holding wire touch the rebar...must be lower...to avoid grounding) as additional support and had to buy plastic conduit to make additional poles. Unit has a 27 inch cord...so you will need an appropriate extension cord if not located directly at a plug. A translation of their 1 page instructions/safety info for the power unit would help as well.....very poorly... » Read More We found that the 10 green poles were not enough...and flimsy... and had to have something to reinforce them to stay straight. We used rebar driven into the ground and slipped the pole over it (careful not to let the cotter pin holding wire touch the rebar...must be lower...to avoid grounding) as additional support and had to buy plastic conduit to make additional poles. Unit has a 27 inch cord...so you will need an appropriate extension cord if not located directly at a plug. A translation of their 1 page instructions/safety info for the power unit would help as well.....very poorly written, very hard to understand (I have a Master's degree in science and found it very confusing). « Show Less
178091
You have to install a tube for the pole to be inserted into (below ground or floor level). It comes with what they call a "ground spear" which is hammered into the soil. I put a block of wood on top of mine and really worked to drive it into the soil. Pretty tough chore. I think if you wanted to use it on your deck you would need get a tube made up and mount the tube assembly below the deck surface so no one would trip.Sean
1374192
The hollow steel pole bottom is cut on a bias so you push it into the ground, maybe dig a little lead hole for it with a big screwdriver first. Once it is in ground, remember it will be 6 inches or so shorter than spec height. They look and work pretty well for me.
1055115
earthbox is good stuff. however, it does not come with the needed soil, fertilizers, etc. I strongly recommend that you look at their products carefully and then review what you want to accomplish and where. do you need a staking kit? if you are growing tomatoes, you might - or provide your own. I have found the small bag (1.0 cu ft) of miraclegro fills one earthbox. you also need an eartthbox replanying kit - fertilizer, lime, all pre measured. is earthbox expensive. you bet. doers it produce worthwhile results. you bet. they tend to be out of staking kits, etc. it is better to order all of what you need for one growing season before you begin. it is an good use of space and can provide excellent grower-control of your plants. If you are truly serious about growing this is a good option - short of a raised bed system. growums' is another option. I have never used growums, but I would if I could find them...Lowe's has them sometimes, some locations.
1837150
it is a plastic stake, make you a starter hole before you put it in the ground and you will have no trouble