What is the best way to stake your tomatoes in an Earthbox? Will a regular tomato cage work?
1049927
yes, thats what I used and it worked great. Just make sure it is sturdy because the earthbox really produces an abundance of fruits. Good Luck !!
1049928
you can probably use a tomato cage but they do also sell a separate accessory for the Earthbox a trellis staking system that runs down the middle of the Earthbox
1049929
We used a 14" open ring type support, very similar to what a florist uses but much more sturdy. They are available at lawn and garden centers.The majority of our tomatoes were of the cherry or pear varities.
613043
I use a rock. If you aren't interested in saving weight, I would suggest a cheaper, tougher, heavy, plastic tent stake that doesn't cost $2.50 each. They are bullet proof, while these need to be cared for.
2274026
What I did was to put a bunch of lava rocks (like you would use for a gas grill) and put them in first, to basically fill in the trough at the bottom of the box, so that not as much potting soil was needed and the box was not so heavy. Then I put one 1 cubic foot bag of potting soil in each box. They work great. Flinched at the original expense, but can definitely recommend these.
1338847
Yes. I used the wire tomato frames to hold them up. But I also stacked 2 frames on top of each other for deeper soil mix. Both ways work
659395
3-5 gallon size for small patio tomates, or dwarf plants. Due to nature of how tomatoes grow, I wouldn't recommend for large tomato plants without some overhead support, and then only the larger 30 gallon+ for stability. Soil in these pots will not have enough density to support any type of trellis. I would plant tomatoes in a suitable 10" or deeper above ground garden box. 4'x8' box built with 2"x12" untreated wood with open bottom and weed block fabric as a barrier between box soil and the ground. Add an overhead frame for support of climbing tomato vines. Mine were 8 feet tall and they still grew over the top! 3-5 gallon size for small patio tomates, or dwarf plants. Due to nature of how tomatoes grow, I wouldn't recommend for large tomato plants without some overhead support, and then only the larger 30 gallon+ for stability. Soil in these pots will not have enough density to support any type of trellis. I would plant tomatoes in a suitable 10" or deeper above ground garden box. 4'x8' box built with 2"x12" untreated wood with open bottom and weed block fabric as a barrier between box soil and the ground. Add an overhead frame for support of climbing tomato vines. Mine were 8 feet... » Read More 3-5 gallon size for small patio tomates, or dwarf plants. Due to nature of how tomatoes grow, I wouldn't recommend for large tomato plants without some overhead support, and then only the larger 30 gallon+ for stability. Soil in these pots will not have enough density to support any type of trellis. I would plant tomatoes in a suitable 10" or deeper above ground garden box. 4'x8' box built with 2"x12" untreated wood with open bottom and weed block fabric as a barrier between box soil and the ground. Add an overhead frame for support of climbing tomato vines. Mine were 8 feet tall and they still grew over the top! « Show Less
1137048
Tomato planter that hangs the same way has only one hole at the bottom, this one has many holes on the sides, and if you comparing with Tomato Tree they only have 3 holes and it's much larger in diameter. I had all of them, had planted strawberries in this one and they did great. Based on the reviews I didn't plant in the last row, but if I would they would do fine. Hope it helped :)
803152
I put the ceramic stake all the way down in the potting soil with just the lip of the stake at the level of the soil. The neck of the globe fits into the stake and the round part of the globe rests on the lip. It works great!
1586028
I am pretty sure that the weight of soil and water would cause the sides of this box to bow outward and probably lead to it breaking. You would have to put a Hughes amount of soil in this. You would not be able to move it once itis in place. I am sure you are far better off coming up with a different solution.
2024373
You need potting mix or coco coir. Not potting soil. With that being said, I would not recommend this for any heavy plants;Tomatoes or such. Too cheaply made to handle heavy fruits or vegetables. Hope this helps
1173349
I recommend Miracle Grow potting soil. I fill the wick columns with Miracle Grow, then I place about 1" to 1 1/2" of Miracle Grow over the rest of the Grow Box. I add a 1 1/2" layer of Black Gold (worm dung) and then finish filling the Grow Box with Miracle Grow. DO NOT USE THE FERTILIZER that came with the grow box. In the two grow boxes I tried this in I lost more plants and replaced more plants. In the grow box where I did what I told you, I've not lost a single plant. My plants are going great. I would also mix in some Marigolds around your tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. to help keep the bugs away. Good Luck!
111634
Aren't smart pots fabric? This is a metal pole frame with a heavy plastic liner with drains. I got one 2 years ago and was totally impressed. Holds about 4 bags of dirt, fits against the fence if you need to tie up anything. Not portable unless you empty it and 'rebuild' it somewhere else. I did not use it for tomatoes, but I've been growing those in pots no deeper than this for years. Have fun!
801244
I did not use for tomatoes but I have no reason to believe you would plant any different from ground plant. I read on www to plant on side covering roots and fuzzy texture up to the first leaves covering with 2-3 inches soil and I did this in ground and was amazed leaves were directed back toward the sky almost overnight. Not sure if this would work in pots due to space but again I would plant as normal depth in ground.
1101124
Dear Joe, I don't know about watermelons, but for sure this will be a great setup for tomatoes. The best for you is to concentrate your plants on a 4x4ft space in the center of the tent, in the case of tomatoes you can grow from six to nine of them. Then place your 1000w hps on the center, surrownded by your leds with a space of about 15cm between them and at least 50cm from the plant canopy. I hope this may help you. By the way, I'm loving my leds!!!
323656
I used small tomato cages with the legs bent or cut in half & a small bunge cord to secure. That worked just fine. The plastic side bracket looked weak, so went with the cage. Go with the corner poles.
1979486
Suzy, I did a little research and found the answer on the EarthBox Forum. Follow this link.http://forum.earthbox.com/index.php?topic=2838.0
613046
If you hammer on them like you're the incredible Hulk smashing a building they will eventually bend. Even the hardest of ground I was able to use any type of solid item, strike the top, give the stake a slight wiggle as its going into the ground and it will bite right in. Never had a problem with them myself. THe point and angle of the sides usually allows you to not even need anything to hammer them in. If the ground is super hard, toss a cup of water down on the spot you want to drive them in. Done & Done
1170889
I just received my vertical garden, so I have done any planting yet. I bought mine for strawberries. I would say some veggies would be fine, smaller compact, lightweight veggies. The tomatoes would be too heavy for it. It should be supported in some way with either the base that is made for it or mounted to something stable.