What Should I Do?

[vj2075]

I had a great time last spring/summer growing my tomatoes and can't wait to get started once more.  I just not sure if I could use the same soil in my EB because my lovely husband didn't bring it in the garage for me...I guest his not getting any tomatoes this year.    Both boxes have been outside on the deck over the winter.  If I could get some advise on whether to change out soil or use it again..i appreciate it. 

Thanks for your help!

Vanessa

[cushman350]

When you say soil do you mean soil-less potting mix? Were they covered while sitting or exposed to rain? There is some discussion in the Tips and Tricks section under the Topic: soil wicking question for second year EB's  thread.

If they were covered, it would be a case of scooping out the fert strip and top inch of old mix, removing large stalks if present and rejuvenating the box per EB instrustions. If left uncovered the old fert strip and leftover salts were washed down into the mix and complicated things.

[vj2075]

When you say soil do you mean soil-less potting mix? Were they covered while sitting or exposed to rain? There is some discussion in the Tips and Tricks section under the Topic: soil wicking question for second year EB's  thread.

If they were covered, it would be a case of scooping out the fert strip and top inch of old mix, removing large stalks if present and rejuvenating the box per EB instrustions. If left uncovered the old fert strip and leftover salts were washed down into the mix and complicated things.

Yes, I forgot its potting mix not soil.  It was covered and I removed the top layer with fert strip. We just didn't bring it indoors afterwards.  I had such beautiful delicious tomatoes last year I did want to make any mistakes.
Thanks

[vj2075]

Yes, I forgot its potting mix not soil.  It was covered and I removed the top layer with fert strip. We just didn't bring it indoors afterwards.  I had such beautiful delicious tomatoes last year I did want to make any mistakes.
Thanks

[cushman350]

I leave mine outdoors but covered. I also tipped mine over on its side towards the drain to let the reservoir empty. Water left in can freeze, expand and maybe damage the box.

Just remove the large roots that haven't composted, scratch around to loosen the top 3 or 4 inches, wet it down, add premoistened fresh mix up to level with the box, work dolomite into top 3-4", make your mound (also with premoistened mix) according to planting scheme and add fert strip according to type of fert.

[vj2075]

Thanks!
I did drain but I didn't tap hole so I'm sure water got in.  It should be fine..I will follow your advise but check to see if the EB is damaged beforehand.

Happy Growing!