EarthBox unique crops

[John]

Chuck,
Has resistance ever been improved by your efforts? 
Good luck with your garden!

[BayouBengal]

 Yes, with bell pepper and the Creole tomato. The pepper started as a KRG, over the course of about 5 years probably not that now but seems to plow through most disease problems,is prolific, and still fair sized and blocky. The Creole, is continuation from fellow 20 years my senior,and has always done well for me,even did fair with this past season's heat blast. == Chuck

[roysmom]

John,  great pics of your plants and harvest! 

 I was curious about your fertilizer.

You mentioned you used the organic fert. for garlic.   Which did you use for the carmello tomatoes  and cucumbers?     Do you experiment with both organic and synthetic or stick with one or the other  for a particular crop?    Thanks  for info. 

[John]

Sorry for the delay....It's a crazy time of year.
I usually experiment with various fertilizers at my companys request.  
The Carmello tomatoes and cucumbers were all grown using EarthBox 7-7-7 fertilizer; a well balanced fertilizer recommended for all crops.  Yes, I usually experiment using both synthetic and organic.  This year, I harvested garlic using synthetic in one box and organic in the other.  The bulbs harvested from the synthetic were slightly larger. I don't have a favorite for a particular crop.  Last year, I grew tomatoes using a 5-10-10 also with great results.

[seansmum]

John,
I would like to grow some garlic, and would like to pick your brain since we are in similar climates. Did you have the garlic outside? How many per EB? Did you have to do anything special because of the cold? Thanks!
Sue

[Perky]

John,

I too am interested in growing garlic in my EB for a fall/winter crop ... and thus would also appreciate any times you could share.  I'm a bit south of both you and Seansmum, Sue, so I'll have to adjust things a bit.

Thanks in advance,
Linda

[John]

Sue,
In our area we plant garlic cloves around November 1st.  Last year, I did an experiment.  Being it was the end of my 3rd planting season, all those good ingredients including calcium, magnesium, etc. were now well incorporated into the potting medium of my Earthboxes. I removed the used fertilizer strip and planted 3 rows of garlic for a total of 24.  The results were great!  Following Earthbox instructions, I also planted a box of garlic according to the instructions.  2 rows of 8 for a total of 16 with dolomite and new fertilizer....the results were great!  
One advantage we have in our zones is the luxury of successfully planting "hardneck" varieties of garlic which some people feel have the ultimate garlic flavors.  You will have to insulate or protect your boxes.  Wheeling in a shed or unheated garage during the harsh winter months will do the trick. Just remember to bring them outside in the early spring.  I plant my garlic cloves about 2 inches deep.  Your garlic will be ready to harvest in or about July.

Linda,
You should contact your local Cooperative Extension in your area.  I created a list by state and have them posted under "Tips & Tricks"  Here is a shortcut:
                            http://forum.earthbox.com/index.php?topic=661.0
                        
E-mail them or call. Ask to speak with a Master Gardener.  You may not have to insulate or protect  your planted garlic boxes in your specific area.   Ask about planting dates and varieties that do well in your area.

[John]

Only 10 days till Spring!  Dreaming of all my plentiful EarthBox harvests through the years!
10' sunflowers in an EarthBox! 

[seansmum]

I can hardly wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sue

[Rockdawg]

Hi John,
     Great pic of the Sun flower. Do you remember the variety? I was wondering if anyone had tried Sun flowers in EBs. I grow the smaller varieties for natural wild bird food. Usually one to a bucket SIP. I reserve my EBs for more valuable people food.
Rd

[John]

Hey Rd,
The sunflowers above are Giant Gray Stripe.....planted 2 per box.  Below is a picture of Dwarf Sunspot sunflowers...planted 6 per EarthBox.  
Our Pre-School/Grade1 curricula provides 5 garden-related activities (including transparencies) while growing a childs all time favorite flower in an EarthBox, the sunflower!

[John]

Radish anyone?  
24 monsters in 1 EarthBox!

[John]

Harvested some beautiful spinach today........thanks EarthBox!

[Rockdawg]

     Beautiful veggies John. Do you remember the variety of spinach? It looks like Bloomsdale long standing. My new variety Renegade is doing well. I hope it doesn't get too hot too quickly. My purple pok-choi is so novel. I'll try to post pics.
Peace, Rd

[bobk]

I grew renegade this past fall/winter, it did very well.