The right way to set up a EB?

[coastal bend]

www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrwmSH0xj9A


NO!   Sorry I had to add this, I didn't want a newbie to see this without reading the rest of the thread  (kathy)

[Kareneh]

  I don't get how this could work. They did not pack the wicking chambers. Also, they did not pre-moisten the potting mix. How long would it take for the mix to saturate and reach the plants? Would the fertilizer still work efficiently just laying on the surface like that?

[Sun City Linda]

WOW!  The EB Police need to pay a visit to those well meaning but ill informed folks.  Poor planting design, dry mix, not enough mix, ferts not covered up at all (calling all critters!) Plants not watered in, wicking chambers not packed.  BAD.  >:(Then when the whole thing fails to thrive they will say EB doesn't work!

[movrshakr]

I don't get how this could work. They did not pack the wicking chambers. Also, they did not pre-moisten the potting mix. How long would it take for the mix to saturate and reach the plants? Would the fertilizer still work efficiently just laying on the surface like that?

Wow. So much misinformation and errors. I tried to post the following comment; it allowed me to type it, but it would not "submit"...

Many errors in this video.  These people do not know the Earthbox system.
(1) They did not pack down the "wicking towers" in the two back corners; ESSENTIAL for it to work right.
(2) They did not place the organic fertilizer in a trench; it should be at least 4" down!
(3) Plant selection combination not recommended--but they said they were doing a "custom" arrangement; indeed it was. 
This video should be removed as it contains errors that probably would result in growing failure.

[mjb8743]

I don't get how this could work. They did not pack the wicking chambers. Also, they did not pre-moisten the potting mix. How long would it take for the mix to saturate and reach the plants? Would the fertilizer still work efficiently just laying on the surface like that?

There are a lot of crappy videos on YouTube, made by people who really don't know what they're doing. Even some of the older videos made by the Earthbox inventor have departed from our basic instructions. The best/most accurate  videos are posted here, on the Earthbox web site:  http://www.earthbox.com/videos.asp

After many members reported what worked for them, things have been narrowed down to a couple of important rules/steps:

1- The mix must be moistened or wet before starting.

2- pack the wicking corners all the way up as mix is added

3- the dolomite should be mixed into the potting media (in the upper half of the box, or throughout... your choice), NOT just sprinkled in a layer.

4- If organic fertilizer is applied in a strip, it must be covered by at least 4" of mix. It can be mixed throughout, your choice. Synthetic fertilizers must be applied in a strip covered by 2" of mix

5- Never water from the top unless there is an emergency requiring it.

6- Always keep the shower cap on

7- Follow the Earthbox instructions and planting guide at least the first season before experimenting or bending the rules. Understand the process.
     http://www.earthbox.com/instructions.asp
     http://www.earthbox.com/what-to-grow.asp

Mickie

[ErnieHodge]

Movrshakr

I was able to post your comments so maybe people who view this video will see the comments and go elsewhere for EB information.

I really hope the people who did this video respond and if they do I will 'enlighten' them. 

[kathy]

This is a perfect example of garden-wise garden center staff, not knowing a thing about proper EarthBox methods.

[movrshakr]

Movrshakr I was able to post your comments so maybe people who view this video will see the comments and go elsewhere for EB information. I really hope the people who did this video respond and if they do I will 'enlighten' them. 

Thanks, Ernie.