Recent Posts

1

Questions and Answers / Fertilizer question

« Last post by CathyM on January 30, 2023, 06:53:33 pm »

I set up an Earthbox in the fall and never got to plant in it.  The mix was damp on setup, no water in the reservoir.  Mix is probably still damp-ish, since it's been cold and has rained some.   Is the fertilizer still viable, or should I start over before I plant anything?

2

Questions and Answers / When to start seeds indoors

« Last post by Bluebird on January 29, 2023, 01:43:44 pm »

Happy January all!

Just curious, when do you all prefer to start your seeds indoors for eventual transplanting into the earth box? I’ve always bought plants, but this year I’d like to try starting with seeds. Thanks!
(I’m in Tallahassee, Fl.)

3

Questions and Answers / Re: PRO-MIX® Compressed Premium Moisture Potting Mix

« Last post by michelle on January 28, 2023, 10:46:25 am »

A few years ago I compared Pro-mix's compressed premium moisture potting mix to Miracle-Gro potting mix and the cheapest potting mix I could find. I also did a box mixing all 3.

All performed well, but not as well as when I used Earthbox's growing media. (which I foolishly dumped into a raised bed, not realizing how impossible it would be to find one of the recommended replacements in my area)

Pro-mix and miracle-gro were very close in performance. I liked that pro-mix didn't have a strong odor and didn't have as many big chunks (wood/bark?) once I broke it up. The downside was that being so well compressed, it was hard to break apart and make fluffy with my arthritis.

The cheapest potting mix had a very strong odor, more big chunks, and didn't perform quite as well as the others. (It performed WAY better than my raised beds, just not quite as good as the other two.)

I got a couple of new Earthboxes this year and will probably need new growing media in 2 of my old boxes. A family member gifted me their unused garden stuff, so I think this year I will compare Miracle Gro Performance Organics to mixing my own.

4

Questions and Answers / Re: Cover crops in Earthboxes

« Last post by gardendoc on January 23, 2023, 08:46:28 am »

That's a really good question, considering the differences in an in-ground soil system versus the container mix EarthBox system. The use of cover crops is fantastic for traditional in-ground garden as this will help to return and building organic matter back to the soil system. We're primarily using (or should be using) a peat-based or coir-based container media in out EarthBoxes and the great benefits of cover crops may not be as important.

That said, I don't see any particular downside to growing a cover crop in an EarthBox, except it would require the cover crop to be grown without using a "shower cap" cover.

5

Questions and Answers / Cover crops in Earthboxes

« Last post by Baileyj on January 22, 2023, 11:42:07 am »

Has anyone planted cover crops to refresh their Earthboxes between seasons?  Would there be downside if I did?  What would you use plant?
Thoughts ??

6

Recipes / Italian Zucchini Casserole (using dried zucchini)

« Last post by CathyM on December 05, 2022, 09:45:52 pm »

When I dry zucchini, I slice them about 1/8" thick, peeling and de-seeding the larger ones, and I usually cut the rounds into quarters, which makes them easier to eat.  When dry, I store them vacuum sealed in Mason jars in the freezer.  You can do it however works for you.  It's the only recipe I've ever found for dried zucchini, and fortunately we really like it.  Recipe for the casserole below:

Italian Zucchini Casserole

Ingredients:
2 c. boiling water
2 c. dried zucchini
1 med. onion, thinly sliced (I coarsely chop them for ease of eating)
2 T. butter
1 c. fresh or canned tomato (or fresh or roasted sweet peppers) (I've only tried this with tomato)
Salt and pepper
1/2 c. cheese for the top (I also add some to the filling)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Pour boiling water over dried zucchini slices.  Let soak 1-2 hours; drain. 

Cook onion slices in butter until transparent; add drained zucchini slices.  Cook and stir 5 minutes.  Add tomatoes or sweet peppers and season to taste with salt and pepper.  Pour into greased casserole and top with grated cheese.

Bake 25-30 minutes until lightly browned.

Yield:
4 servings

7

My EarthBox / Re: BrittneyT2's first Earthbox Garden - 2016

« Last post by CathyM on November 30, 2022, 04:52:31 pm »

I know this is a very old post, but I just wanted to say, "Great job, Brittney!"

8

My EarthBox / Re: All Organic EarthBox?

« Last post by Chrisv on November 25, 2022, 01:50:15 pm »

I've used EB Stone 5-5-5 (organic) with good success.  However, I tried synthetic with 5-10-10 or 10-10-10 and found for some plants, like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, corn, eggplant and some others, I get healthier looking, bigger plants and bigger harvest.  Seems like lettuce, and other smaller plants do better with the organic.  For tomatoes, I haven't seen much difference.

9

My EarthBox / End of season tomatoes

« Last post by CathyM on November 13, 2022, 05:20:48 pm »

I stretched the season out as much as I could, but we have a week-long stretch of overnight lows near or below freezing coming, so I had to harvest everything I could last Friday and say farewell for now.

This is a clone of a clone of a Sun Sugar plant I bought last year.  It was originally planted in a 5-gallon bucket and didn't produce very much.  But they were so sweet I wanted to see if I could keep them going over the winter and plant them again this spring, so I rooted cuttings last fall.  It worked, and this is the result--about 12-13 feet long.  I already have three rooting cuttings for next year and took one final one when I was harvesting.  Fingers crossed for next spring!

I can't see the picture in the preview, so I don't know if it posted.  If not, sorry!

10

Recipes / Re: Okra Leaves

« Last post by CathyM on November 04, 2022, 12:45:31 pm »

That's very interesting. Thanks

You're very welcome, gardendoc.  BTW, on more than one occasion, you've referred to sharing your killer okra recipes.  I haven't been able to locate those if you have posted them somewhere.  I would be interested in seeing them.  Thanks!