Butterfly Girl Earthbox Garden

[butterflygirl67]

I am a newbie to earthboxes.  I started out with 4 and quickly added 4 more.  I think I might even have room for another 4 but that will be in the Fall if this arrangement gives the plants enough sun.  I am having lots of fun so far.  Thanks for letting me share.

The trellis is netting which is stapled into the fence and is staked at the bottom. 

1 EB - 2 cantelope, 2 watermelon (planted 3-28-10)
1 EB - 4 cucumbers (planted 3-28-10)
1 EB - 1 bush cucumber, 3 zucchini (planted 4-17-10)
1 EB - 14 Kentucky Wonder pole beans (planted 4-17-10)
1 EB - 2 Jet Star tomatoes (determinate) (planted 3-28-10)
1 EB - 1 Yellow Pear tomato (indeterminate), 1 Cherry Patio (Determinate) (planted 4-17-10)
2 EB - Strawberries (Berries Galore - Everbearing) (1/2 planted 4-1-10, 1/2 planted 4-17-10)

Earthboxes:


Cantelope and watermelon:


Cucumbers:




Beans:


Tomatoes:


Strawberries:

[butterflygirl67]

Eek...will have to fix pics later   

[Jules]

You need to read through the forums a bit about trellising tomatoes. Those little round cages in the potting mix will not hold up to the wind. I would hate to see you lose your crop!

[butterflygirl67]

You need to read through the forums a bit about trellising tomatoes. Those little round cages in the potting mix will not hold up to the wind. I would hate to see you lose your crop!

Thanks, I have read through a lot of the information and will probably re-stake.  The two Jet Star's are determinate, so I don't think they will get a lot taller.  I am considering getting some large stakes and using some twine between.  I haven't decided yet.

[mjb8743]

You need to read through the forums a bit about trellising tomatoes. Those little round cages in the potting mix will not hold up to the wind. I would hate to see you lose your crop!

Thanks, I have read through a lot of the information and will probably re-stake.  The two Jet Star's are determinate, so I don't think they will get a lot taller.  I am considering getting some large stakes and using some twine between.  I haven't decided yet.

Don't underestimate the power of the EB to produce tomatoes on steroids... you may find the plants will be top heavy especially when laden with fruit. I wouldn't temp fate... I would construct a sturdy trellis NOW.

Mickie

[butterflygirl67]

I bow to the knowledge of the forum.  I will start looking for alternative staking for my tomatoes ASAP.  Thanks

[butterflygirl67]

Can't seem to get the pictures to show up in the post, even with the url between the image insert.  I guess the links will have to work for now.

[cushman350]

butterflygirl67,





All the extra print will go away.

Your picture, my method.

[butterflygirl67]

Thanks cushman!   

[bobk]

One more suggestion is a taller trellis for the pole beans.  I have a 10ft trellis for the pole beans and they have exceeded that and flopped over the other side.

[PaulB]

This gives new meaning to Jack and the Bean Stalk.   

[butterflygirl67]

One more suggestion is a taller trellis for the pole beans.  I have a 10ft trellis for the pole beans and they have exceeded that and flopped over the other side.

Wow!!  I have already ordered some higher stakes for pole beans that should be here in a few days.  Man, they really do climb!!

[butterflygirl67]

I got some sturdy stakes today and put them in the ground on either side of my earthboxes with tomatoes.  I will use garden twine to prop up my tomatoes as they grow.  The stakes are through the cages as well.  I hope that this will work.

[butterflygirl67]

Added another Earthbox with peppers.   That makes 9 and I am officially insane.



Did a Florida Weave with my tomatoes:



Let some ladybugs loose:

[butterflygirl67]

Garden update, I'm getting really excited:

Cucumbers:




Cantelope and watermelon.  Had some extra seedlings so made some "global buckets" for them.



Beans - added some spiral stakes today:



Tomatoes growing over the top of the cages.  Glad I added some stakes thanks to the advice of the forum members



First strawberry: