EarthBox Forum
EarthBox Chat => Questions and Answers => Topic started by: EarthBoxAdmin on June 08, 2017, 08:34:30 am
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Active Member, ksfeeman. This was originally posted on May 2, 2006.
Nearly 3 weeks ago, I ordered the staking kits for the new earthboxes. They haven't arrived yet.
The tomatoes I started are in desperate need for planting, but I have been waiting to get the staking kits. It is getting to the point where I can wait no longer. Are the kits easy to install and can I still install them on full earthboxes?
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by The EarthBox Hero Member, Steve. This user is located in Northeast PA, Zone 5. This was originally posted on May 2, 2006.
The staking systems are very easy to assemble and use. Go ahead and plant your EarthBox without it.
When the staking systems arrive, you will need to put the two "outriggers" on the bottom of your EarthBox. You wont have to lift the entire planted EarthBox off the ground to do this -- just lift one edge at a time and place the outrigger in place.
The tubular supports and connectors can all be attached with plants in place already.
Good luck with your tomatoes this year!
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, RobertaG. This was originally posted on May 14, 2006.
Received staking kits this past week. Cannot understand installation instructions. Have 8 filled EarthBoxes and my tomatoes are close to 20 inches tall so they desperately need support. How about posting a sketch?
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by The EarthBox Full Member, Frank. This was originally posted on June 2, 2006.
Here is a sketch of an assembled staking system. The kit comes with 2 sections of tubing, the sketch only shows one. I hope this helps.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, joekun. This user is located in Southern California, Zone 10. This was originally posted on June 2, 2006.
Is the idea behind the staking system that you tie your plants to the vertical bar closest to it and then use the horizontal bar for additional support, or are you supposed to just let them grow to the first horizontal support and then tie them? I realize that you could do it however you want but I'm wondering what the idea behind it is.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by The EarthBox Full Member, Frank. This was originally posted on June 9, 2006.
Typically we tie one end of the string to one of the vertical poles, run the string to the second vertical pole and loop the string around the second pole, then run the string back to the first pole and tie the other end of the string to the same vertical pole where you started. You want to do this in such a way that you capture the plant between the two lengths of string. You can start at the bottom and run lengths of string back and forth as you work your way to the top of the staking system.
This works better than tying the string to the plant. Tying directly to the plant can sometimes cause the string to cut into the stem of the plant as the plant gets heavy when its bearing fruit.
Another option is to buy nylon netting which you can find at farm supply stores, and tying that to the tubing on the vertical and horizontals. The plants will climb through the netting for support.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, joekun. This user is located in Southern California, Zone 10. This was originally posted on June 14, 2006.
Hmm, this is completely different from what I had in mind. I've been using a velcro product to tie the plants to the stake, but the way you guys are doing it sounds better. So then the horizontal bars are just for additional support for the system itself (and maybe for a few branches)?
Can you explain the netting option in a little more detail? I'm unclear about exactly what you mean. Also I don't know of any farm supply stores near me so when I go to, say, Lowes or maybe a local nursery I would like to know what exactly I'm looking for.
Thanks for the info so far, next year I will probably try one of the ways that you talked about here.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by The EarthBox Hero Member, Steve. This user is located in Northeast PA, Zone 5. This was originally posted on June 15, 2006.
The nylon netting that Frank is referring to is called trellis netting, and you probably won't find it at Home Depot, Lowes, or most regular garden centers. we get ours from a farm supply, store, and it come in 15 foot x 3 or 4 foot rolls. It looks just like a nice nylon volleyball net when you unroll it. If you put it on your staking supports early, tomatoes and cucumbers will just climb through it as they grow (tomatoes may need a little guidance).
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, joekun. This user is located in Southern California, Zone 10. This was originally posted on June 15, 2006.
Thanks Steve, very interesting. I might have to look in to finding some on the internet for next year as I don't think there are many farm supply stores in LA.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, tomgirl. This was originally posted on August 6, 2006.
Check this out.
http://www.reisingerrigging.com/trellis.html
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, Fedora. This user is located in Borderline Zone 9-10. This was originally posted on September 17, 2006.
I've used old pantyhose as trellis ties for years and they work very well. Just cut the legs out of old pantyhose or use old knee-highs. They work well --- are stretchy enough to tie easily and wont dig into the plants as they grow. You can easily untie them if need be --- or just cut them off when you no longer need them. For you guys in the group --- Im sure you can find a ready supply amongst your female friends if you tell them why you need them.
Another trick for folks in areas where deer are prevalent --- Fill old pantyhose with hair clippings from the local barber shop or hair salon and tie them along the fences or areas where deer are bothersome. Because of the human smell coming from these contraptions, the deer steer clear of them. Worked well in Michigan and in the Rockies.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, tomgirl. This was originally posted on September 17, 2006.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, Fedora. This user is located in Borderline Zone 9-10. This was originally posted on September 17, 2006.
I've used old pantyhose as trellis ties for years and they work very well. Just cut the legs out of old pantyhose or use old knee-highs. They work well --- are stretchy enough to tie easily and wont dig into the plants as they grow. You can easily untie them if need be --- or just cut them off when you no longer need them. For you guys in the group --- Im sure you can find a ready supply amongst your female friends if you tell them why you need them.
Another trick for folks in areas where deer are prevalent --- Fill old pantyhose with hair clippings from the local barber shop or hair salon and tie them along the fences or areas where deer are bothersome. Because of the human smell coming from these contraptions, the deer steer clear of them. Worked well in Michigan and in the Rockies.
Great tip! Thanks!
I've got two tomato plants (Cherokee Purple and Clint Eastwood Rowdy Red) getting really tall and needing almost daily ties.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Guest, cherylrrt. This was originally posted on June 14, 2007.
Help,
I got my staking system and can not figure the netting out, it comes up to long horizontally.
Thanks in advance!
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7, South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on June 14, 2007.
I got mine at Burpee. Its 5 x 60, with 6" sq. mesh, and cost $17.95. Since its nylon, you can cut it to fit. The 5 is perfect for 2 EBs end on end (I'm not sure about when the casters and stake system is in place).
http://www.burpee.com/product/gardening+supplies/garden+growing/garden+trellis+netting++-+5%27+x+60%27.do?search=basic&keyword=trellis&sortby=newArrivals&page=1
My setup uses EMT conduit sunk in the ground and spanning 2 EBs. The netting is woven along the sides and top bar.
Mickie
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, Woodflower8. This user is located in Herndon, VA NW of DC Zone 6b-7a. This was originally posted on June 18, 2007.
What is EMT conduit? I've used knee highs for years with the tops cut off...they're wonderful and stretch with the plants.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7, South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on June 18, 2007.
EMT conduit is used for electrical wiring. Its a galvanized metal tubing that's strong, fairly easy to cut, comes in 10 ft lengths for about $2-$3, and the 1/2" size is actually more like 5/8" diameter. I got mine at Lowes for $1.93 each.
Using straight and elbow connectors, I didn't need to worry about bending it. When I have time, I will try and post a picture.
Mickie
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, carolg. This user is located in Denver, CO Zone 5. This was originally posted on August 18, 2007.
I just finished staking all my veggies in EB and in ground using my investment in the Ultomato Staking kit. I found them for $3 on clearance and saved me asking for help but did it all by self simply. it was a big investment but I feel worth every penny too. Everything is looking so neat and pretty. Saved notes here as I may need more stakes next year so maybe consider this addition to what I have now.
carolg z5 co
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, Woodflower8. This user is located in Herndon, VA NW of DC Zone 6b-7a. This was originally posted on August 23, 2007.
I used a similar tomato cage, opened up instead of the triangular cage, and I ran string up and down to narrow the net to about 4X5". I added an extra side from a second cage and it fit behind the 2 EBs and went into the dirt behind them. BUT, when a heavy wind came, it knocked over the patio (determinate?) type tomato which had a thick stem and I had to shove in a stake and tie it to that with the stocking. I pressed some dirt around the bottom of the stem which had been bent or broken halfway, and watered that a bit to keep it tight until it healed or developed new roots. Its the one on the left, and as you can see, it has lots of tomatoes on it.
The other issue is that the boxes were too close, and the grape tomato blended in to the cukes, so next year Ill add an in-ground stake to the net and an extra side to the backdrop net/cage to separate them more.
Also, the two varieties (one Asian and one like straight of cucumber didn't work together. They were pollinated into a third variety by my local bees and I got some interesting shapes, one looked like a cobra snake coiling up- which I promptly left at my dads plate in his house for fun (he's 85 and an old gardener).
I saw in a magazine called This Old House yesterday that gardeners in the very old days used to put glass tubes over their cucumbers to make them straight for prizes. Very funny how priorities change. I don't think that'd solve the dominance of the variety though.
nan
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, Woodflower8. This user is located in Herndon, VA NW of DC Zone 6b-7a. This was originally posted on August 23, 2007.
Oops forgot to attach...
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Disclaimer: Tis post was originally posted by Newbie, box08. This was originally posted on April 14, 2008.
This is the first time I'm using a staking system with my Earthboxes. I'm still a novice gardener and simply do not understand how I'm supposed to use the system with my tomato plants. Do I weave the plants through the net as they grow? Do I tie them on as one of the other posters noted (with what?)? Please give me a play by play if you can. The more I know, the more successful I can be.
Thanks!
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Horticulturalist, over 45 years in the business. The EarthBox Hero Member, kathy. This user is located in the mountains of PA Zone 5, almost 4. This was originally posted on April 14, 2008.
I prefer tying them on, rather than weaving, too much risk of injury to the plants. Old nylons (panty hose) work great, so does strips of cloth, like old sheets or t shirts cut in to strips.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, Donald1800. This user is located in Fontana, CA Zone 8. This was originally posted on April 14, 2008.
I'm saving my old panty hose for the cantaloupes, and use Hemp twine to loosely tie up the tomato stalks.
Donald1800
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7, South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on April 14, 2008.
Even with my very solid trellises, when the tomatoes filled out and topped the trellises, I had to run twine around everything to contain them. I looped, tied and looped again...then after a few rains and blistering sun, the twine broke...so much for biodegradable twine.
So this year I'm going to use nylon twine for reinforcement.
Mickie
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, carolg. This user is located in Denver, CO Zone 5. This was originally posted on April 15, 2008.
I have successfully used last year the kits sold at Home Depot or even Lowe's? I believe: Ultomato (hope I spelt it right) Staking Kit. May search for this as we discussed it last year here. I even used it in my regular garden. Love it and left it outside in freezing winter without any problems along with my earthbox that stood the worst CO winters too.
carolg
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by grb1. This user is located in Zone 5b Southeastern Wisconsin. This was originally posted on April 15, 2008.
carolg, how did you secure the Ultomato cages using the EarthBox? I have a lot of the Ultos but I'm using the EarthBox on a concrete patio.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by grb1. This user is located in Zone 5b Southeastern Wisconsin. This was originally posted on April 15, 2008.
Joia, I don't think just shoving the Ultomato cages into the potting mix would be stable enough support for tomatoes or peppers. There isn't enough depth in the boxes to keep them secure. I think most people shove the posts in the ground around the EarthBox but I'm not sure.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Horticulturalist, over 45 years in the business. The EarthBox Hero Member, kathy. This user is located in the mountains of PA Zone 5, almost 4. This was originally posted on April 16, 2008.
I shove mine in the ground behind my boxes, I put several together and made a fence of them. I would worry about them toppling over just being in that limited soil depth. Sure starting out they would work, but with heavy fruiting, you are heading for disaster.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by grb1. This user is located in Zone 5b Southeastern Wisconsin. This was originally posted on April 16, 2008.
Thanks Kathy, that is what I thought. I am using my EBs on a concrete patio. I was thinking of building a trellis out of PVC and duct taping the Ultomatos (made like a fence like you did) to the trellis.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Jr. Member, Joia. This user is located in Las Vegas, NV - Zone 9. This was originally posted on April 16, 2008.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Horticulturalist, over 45 years in the business. The EarthBox Hero Member, kathy. This user is located in the mountains of PA Zone 5, almost 4. This was originally posted on April 16, 2008.
I shove mine in the ground behind my boxes, I put several together and made a fence of them. I would worry about them toppling over just being in that limited soil depth. Sure starting out they would work, but with heavy fruiting, you are heading for disaster.
Hrm. Well - Ill just have to take my chances, I guess. My EB is sitting on my concrete patio, and I'm planning on keeping it mobile, so that I can move it out of the direct sun once it really heats up next month.
Any suggestions for a stable staking system that can be used in my situation?
(Currently, my staking system is a single chopstick with the plant gently tied with twine - its been *crazy* windy for three days straight here in Vegas!)
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by grb1. This user is located in Zone 5b Southeastern Wisconsin. This was originally posted on April 16, 2008.
Joia, The only staking thing I can think of to keep your EBs mobile would be to get the staking system from EarthBox. It comes with casters.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Guest, alicemagooey. This was originally posted on April 29, 2008.
I hope this is not off the topic, but I used plain old square tomato cages which I purchased at a garden supply place.. They fit perfectly inside the earthbox- two square cages per EB.
With two tomato plants or two cucumber plants, they worked perfectly..
The plants grew, and branched out, and I had to ( yes, you need to keep an eye on how they grow and take the time to push their horizontal (lateral?) branches through the large holes in the tomato cages and let them rest there.. this helps support the plant as it grows.
wish I still had my photos..but I did this some five years ago.
just got two new EBs this year and going to do some EB gardening again.
cheerio
alice
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Jr. Member, Joia. This user is located in Las Vegas, NV - Zone 9. This was originally posted on April 29, 2008.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Guest, alicemagooey. This was originally posted on April 29, 2008.
I hope this is not off the topic, but I used plain old square tomato cages which I purchased at a garden supply place.. They fit perfectly inside the earthbox- two square cages per EB.
With two tomato plants or two cucumber plants, they worked perfectly..
The plants grew, and branched out, and I had to ( yes, you need to keep an eye on how they grow and take the time to push their horizontal (lateral?) branches through the large holes in the tomato cages and let them rest there.. this helps support the plant as it grows.
Actually, this is what Im doing. (http://joia.org/gallery/eb for pics of my set up) Im gonna end up running some more twine this week, as I still havent managed to get my Ultomato thingies set up. But for now, both of my plants (that are GOING CRAZY) seem to be just fine in the cage Ive set up.
That said, Im pondering moving my EB to a permanent location on the other side of the patio where it will be sitting on (hard packed) dirt so that I could drive something stake-like into the ground for support if it comes to that.
I'm just so leery of getting the EB staking kit, as I've not heard glowing reviews about it.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Guest, alicemagooey. This was originally posted on April 29, 2008.
SARAH.. I LOVED YOUR PHOTO GALLERY.
EB should use that to supplement their instructions...
Beautifully done..Kudos to you.
Yes, the cages you have look like the ones I had.. (got to get some more ).
one year , the tomatoes and cucumbers grew so tall that i had to put two cages ..one on top of the other ( four cages for each earthbox).. I had to use a ladder to harvest.
made my own soil mix and used compost and organic fertilizer amendments of my own.
did the whole thing as an experiment.
oh I still wish I had my photos still.
but YOUR photos are terrific.
thanks again..from me and i hope lots of others.
alice
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Active Member, BookWoman. This was originally posted on May 21, 2008.
Another Newbie Question......
Anyone else find it difficult to tie the new staking system netting & have it be taut? Mine seems droopy. I know I must be missing something simple.
Thanks!
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, carolg. This user is located in Denver, CO Zone 5. This was originally posted on May 26, 2008.
SARAH,
I TOO LOVED EVERY DETAIL WITH PICTURES AT THE GALLERY LINK YOU SHARED. THANKS SO MUCH. MAKES LIFE EASIER. THANKS. I LOVE MY ULTOMATO STAKING KIT SOLD AT HOME DEPOT. I GOT TONS.
CAROLG
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, sasquatch. This was originally posted on June 10, 2008.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Active Member, BookWoman. This was originally posted on May 21, 2008.
Another Newbie Question......
Anyone else find it difficult to tie the new staking system netting & have it be taut? Mine seems droopy. I know I must be missing something simple.
Thanks!
I'm having the same issue. It's pretty tough to make the provided netting taught, especially since the tie-offs only have one end of line at each junction.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, Donald1800. This user is located in Fontana, CA Zone 8. This was originally posted on June 10, 2008.
I don't use the short ties off of the netting. I use Hemp Twine for everything needing tying in the garden. I first start at the top by wrapping around the netting string Ting off of the edge string(s) and tie a half square knot, then tied around the aluminum cross pieces.
Continue to and down the sides, alternating left and right sides until finished. I have had no trouble getting a tight netting installation.
Donald1800
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Jr. Member, suzn. This user is located in Zone 9. This was originally posted on June 10, 2008.
Sarah, WOW I only WISH I had seen your AWESOME photo gallery B-4 I filled my very FIRST EB last week. How did you go about creating this gallery? I would LOVE to do it to document the growth of my concrete garden and perhaps help others as much as has your great photo gallery, I'm sure. Also, off the subject if you checked my profile I am an artist who needs a similar format for the people who ask to see my artwork on-line. However, did you DO THAT? Feel free to e-mail me. WONDERFUL! Just TERRIFIC!! Does the forum provide the tools for this or did you create it on your own?
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, sasquatch. This was originally posted on June 10, 2008.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, Donald1800. This user is located in Fontana, CA Zone 8. This was originally posted on June 10, 2008.
I don't use the short ties off of the netting. I use Hemp Twine for everything needing tying in the garden. I first start at the top by wrapping around the netting string Ting off of the edge string(s) and tie a half square knot, then tied around the aluminum cross pieces.
Continue to and down the sides, alternating left and right sides until finished. I have had no trouble getting a tight netting installation.
Donald1800
Donald,
Thanks for the suggestion. That seems a good way of tightening up the netting and is surely easier than using those short ties.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, carolg. This user is located in Denver, CO Zone 5. This was originally posted on June 14, 2008.
I love Ultomato Staking Kits. This will be my second season using them.
carolg
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Active Member, BookWoman. This was originally posted on June 17, 2008.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Active Member, BookWoman. This was originally posted on May 21, 2008.
Another Newbie Question......
Anyone else find it difficult to tie the new staking system netting & have it be taut? Mine seems droopy. I know I must be missing something simple.
Thanks!
Eureka! I figured it out. By laying the assembled poles on the ground, & stretching out the netting the long way, I found that the short way was the width of my poles. I tied the top corners first, then inserted the poles into the brackets on my EB & tied the bottom corners to the brackets. Then I tied all the single strands, except the bottom ones. It was tight as a fiddle.
Only one problem, my 5 week old San Marzano plants were already past the middle bar on June 8th. I ordered 3 poles & 2 T-connectors from EB & put them at the bottom of my staking system. Then I was able to tie all the bottom strings. Awesome! Here's hoping the weather in central MA continues to be nice, but I'm definitely pinching off any growth that goes past the "new" top so I don't need a cherry picker for harvesting.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, bdobs. This user is located in SF Bay Area 8b. This was originally posted on June 19, 2008.
The netting CAN be found at HD.
Its at the two in my area. Just inside the garden center.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Guest, Greg Draiss. This was originally posted on July 8, 2008.
The staking is not easy to use at all. While assembling goes easy the netting is a pain to tie up and the instructions poor. Also I have found the netting begins too high above the box making manual staking needed. Should be designed like a normal trellis where the cross bars are at ground level.
www.gregsgardens.blogspot.com
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, ChattiPatii. This was originally posted on July 10, 2008.
???I am totally confused. I have tomato plants that are about 2 high. My EB staking system is already assembled. PLEASE--could someone explain IN DETAIL (for dummies, like me) how to tie the plants. Thanks for any help.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mom2shaggy. This user is located Millersville, PA, Zone 6. This was originally posted on July 11, 2008.
Well, I hope I can help. You can use pieces of Velcro, pantyhose, thin plastic tape (like people use for land survey marks) or other commercial tomato bondage product found at a garden center or catalog......to name a few. You don't want to use wire, that can cut into the plant and you might risk damage using twine or fishing line. You might be able to weave some shoots in and out of the netting as they grow, don't force them if they are too stiff. You can tie the stems to any of the aluminum bars. I used knee high and thigh high pantyhose bought at the dollar store, cheaper than the Wally. I used a figure 8 fashion with the hose if possible around the plant stem and the stakes in order to cushion the stem from friction. You can not rely solely on the netting to support heavy stems. I added stakes to my boxes at planting time and that is my main support in use with the box staking system. Others have used their own external staking systems instead of the flimsy EB stake design. Others swear by the Ultimato staking system to help with support. Some have completely surrounded their boxes with a wire cage they made themselves that keeps critters out and helps provide support. If you are growing an indeterminate tomato plant, you'll have to do something more. Adding another staking system on top of a current one is unsafe unless you fasten it to a wall, fence or a low roof. An indeterminate plant will keep growing until frost, disease critters or humans kill it. A determinate plant will only grow to a certain height. And another thing, don't force a stem too hard to a position it might not be able to get to, it could all too easily snap and break. I wash my pantyhose knee highs after each season to prevent the spread of any diseases from the last season.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, carolg. This user is located in Denver, CO Zone 5. This was originally posted on July 11, 2008.
I'm the Ultimato fan, but for panty hose tip, check thrift stores.
carolg
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, John. This user is located in Zone 5. This was originally posted on July 11, 2008.
Hello and Welcome,
Gently guide the leaves through the netting as the plant grows. Plants with tendrils "grabbers" such as cucumbers will need some guidance to start but will quickly attach to the netting.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, ChattiPatii. This was originally posted on July 12, 2008.
Thanks to everyone for helping me. Duh! That was easy! All it took was a little common sense, and I didn't use mine. Looks great now!
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Full Member, jer. This user is located in Zone 9 West Central Florida. This was originally posted on July 16, 2008.
I'm going to build wood frame around my tomato when it gets big enough
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Full Member, BethNC. This user is located in Chapel Hill, NC Zone 7-8. This was originally posted on July 18, 2008.
I cant be the only person who cringes when I read the title of this thread. Its been stickied forever and it still says "easy of use." Drives me bonkers.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, greenesmith. This user is located in Zone 6B NYC. This was originally posted on July 23, 2008.
thought staking system really easy - to assemble and use. only "trick" is to tie ends of netting across open "rectangles" created when you put the poles up. then weave your growing plants in and out of it. sturdy. light-weight. caster wheels on staking system "base" pieces immeasurably more stable than wheels stuck right into EB.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Active Member, jmmcnea. This was originally posted on September 28, 2008.
Burpee sells nylon netting on-line. I bought attach it to the horizontal and vertical supports using twist ties and then cut off the excess . I'm growing one celebrity tomato that is about 3 high and a grape tomato that is over 6 high. I have three vertical staking kits on the box at the moment all holding up the plants with the nylon netting. Works great!
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, Greatgardens. This user is located Mid-Indiana, Zone 5b. This was originally posted on September 29, 2008.
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Active Member, jmmcnea. This was originally posted on September 28, 2008.
Burpee sells nylon netting on-line. I bought attach it to the horizontal and vertical supports using twist ties and then cut off the excess . I'm growing one celebrity tomato that is about 3 high and a grape tomato that is over 6 high. I have three vertical staking kits on the box at the moment all holding up the plants with the nylon netting. Works great!
How about a photo of your box/plants?
-GG
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Active Member, divenuts. This user is located in Dunedun, FL Zone 9. This was originally posted on October 15, 2008.
Thank you to everyone for providing so much information, being new to gardening and EB I find this forum invaluable. I purchased the staking kits with my EB, purchased the trellis netting from Burpee that Mickie recommended and I have a very basic question. Do I tie my plants to the trellis netting or should I try and weave them thru it? The eggplant seems too large and I don't want to damage any leaves, flowers or veggies as they grow. Ill attempt to post pictures of my tomatoes, peppers and eggplant that I planted 3 weeks ago. I may be over analyzing this but since Im so new to this I would appreciate any advice you can offer.
Thanks, Jeanne
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Active Member, divenuts. This user is located in Dunedun, FL Zone 9. This was originally posted on October 15, 2008.
Here are my tomatoes, I only added 1 photo in my last post to make sure I did it right. These were planted 3 weeks ago.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7, South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on October 15, 2008.
Hi Jeanne
You can either tie or weave your plants for support (I do both, depending on the plant). Home Depot, Lowes, and other stores carry a neat velcro tape for tying plants. Its inexpensive, goes a long way, is reusable, and really works.
That's a nice setup you have... good luck with your new garden.
Mickie
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Jr. Member, schapluk. This user is located in Orange County CA, Zone 9-10. This was originally posted on May 24, 2009.
Any news on the extension kits? Too late to help me this year - my tomatoes have overwhelmed the existing staking kits, but curious for next year.
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, Woodflower8. This user is located in Herndon, VA NW of DC Zone 6b-7a. This was originally posted on May 27, 2009.
I wish they'd be green too. I used green twine on my tomato cage staking things and they were much less obvious to passers by - useful because I'm not supposed to have vegetable gardening in the front, but its my only sun. I put marigolds in the front of the boxes, but everything has overwhelmed them. Ill do pics soon.
nan
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Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, CeaseFire. This user is located in North Central Mississippi - Zone 7b. This
Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7, South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on October 15, 2008.
Home Depot, Lowes, and other stores carry a neat velcro tape for tying plants.
I bought some of that -- works great......and its re-usable!
I cut strips much longer than I need, so than when I remove it, save it...it will
be more versatile to use in other locations later.