WHAT TO GROW...
Plant Selection Chart
Use this list to purchase
the correct number of seedlings for the type of plants you wish to grow.
| • Artichokes (2 seedlings)
| • Tomatoes (2 seedlings)
|
| • Bell Peppers (6 seedlings) | •
Squash (4 seedlings)
|
| • Brussels Sprouts (6 seedlings) | • Salad Greens (8 seedlings)
|
| • Cauliflower (6 seedlings) | • Onions (10 seedlings)
|
| • Chard (6 seedlings) | • Melons (4 seedlings)
|
| •
Cucumbers (4 seedlings) | • Leeks (8 seedlings)
|
| • Flowers (8 seedlings) | •
Hot Peppers (6 seedlings)
|
| • Herbs (6 seedlings) | • Greens (6 seedlings)
|
| •
Kohlrabi (8 seedlings) | • Eggplants (2 seedlings)
|
| • Lettuce (8 seedlings) | • Corn (16 seedlings)
|
| •
Okra (8 seedlings) | • Celery (6 seedlings)
|
| • Peas (16 seedlings) | • Cabbage (6 seedlings)
|
| •
Spinach (10 seedlings) | • Broccoli
(6 seedlings)
|
| • Strawberries (6 seedlings) | • Beans (16 seedlings)
|
Plant & Fertilizer
Placement Chart
Use this guide to purchase the correct number of seedlings for the type of plants
you wish to grow.
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.
Single Row
 | Tomatoes, Artichokes, Eggplants, Zucchini | Cucumbers, Melons, Squash (Vining) |
|---|
| |
Double Row
 | Bell Peppers, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Greens, Herbs, Hot Peppers, Strawberries | Beans (bush), Flowers, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Okra, Salad Greens |
|---|
| |
| |
 | |
| Beets, Onions,
Spinach, Turnips | Beans (pole), Carrots, Corn,
Garlic, Peas, Radishes |
|---|
| |
Visit EarthBox Forum http://www.anbg.gov.au/hort.research/zones.html
This link contains lots of things you should know to help you get started. The
Earthbox is unique and must be set up properly. Please read. http://forum.earthbox.com/index.php?topic=2067.msg15362#msg15362
GARDENING TIPS
Plant Selection
Try
everything, vegetables, herbs and flowers! Whatever is available at your local nursery will grow in your EarthBox®. Use
the smaller 12-16 tall seedlings available in small pots, or start with seeds. Find out the best varieties for your area and
season.
Potting Mix
Almost any brand of potting mix for containers
or hanging plants will work. You’ll need the big bag 56 litter per box. The potting mix can be used
5-6 seasons before replacing.
Fertiliser
The EarthBox® is designed to be used with
a strip of common dry granular fertiliser or plant food for vegetables. Almost any brand of fertiliser will work as long as
it is not designed to be mixed with water and all 3 numbers on the label are between 5 and 15. You’ll need two cups
of fertiliser for each planting. Organic fertilisers can also be used. Simply use 3 cups of organic fertiliser to replace
the 2 cups of chemical fertiliser. Do not add any additional fertiliser during the growing season.
Planting
Refer
to our plant Selection chart (comes with every box) to learn about plant selection and placement. Resist the temptation to
overplant your EarthBox. Select a sunny spot, as most warm season crops, such as tomatoes, need 6-8 hours of daily sunlight.
Cool season leafy vegetables such as spinach and lettuce require partial shade. The plants should always be planted through
the plastic cover into the potting mix. Always leave the cover on. Gently loosen the plant’s root ball
and set your plants into the soil as far away from the fertilizer strip as possible.
Watering
Allowing
the reservoir to go dry will shut down the system, so don’t try to regulate the water level. Always use the fill tube
to keep the water reservoir filled. You’ll know the reservoir is full when water flows from the overflow hole. Add water
every few days when the plants are young, and every day when your plants are mature. You can purchase the EarthBox Automated
Watering System and your boxes will take care of themselves.
Stakes
Tomatoes,
eggplants, cucumbers, beans and other vines or tall plants need support. The EarthBox® Staking Kit (not included) is the
perfect solution for your plant staking problem. Install the staking system and string the netting between the vertical stakes
to provide the support your plants need.
Replanting and Winterizing
At
the end of the growing season remove the old plants, the cover, and dig out and discard the fertiliser strip. Drain the reservoir
by tipping the EarthBox to avoid frozen water in the system. Cover the box with a new cover until you are ready to plant again.
To replant add additional potting mix if necessary, creating a mound, and then continue with Steps 5-8 of
the instructions.
For Tomatoes and Vegetables
Most vegetables require a higher pH level than
most potting mixes provide, and they love Calcium! To prevent blossom end rot, simply add 2 cups of dolomite
or hydrated lime to the potting mix before each planting. Remember to keep the reservoir filled. Letting
the system go dry stops the intake of Calcium and fertilizer to the plants. If Blossom End Rot develops during the season,
mix 1/4 cup of hydrated lime to a gallon of water. Spray the mix directly on the plants or add it to the water reservoir the
next time you water your EarthBox®.
Three Simple Rules
- Always keep the cover over the potting mix and fertiliser.
- Always
keep the reservoir full.
- Place the fertiliser on top of the potting mix and don’t
use water-soluble fertilisers.
