GardenDoc Tips

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, gardendoc. This user was located in Ocean Springs, MS Zone 9A. This was originally posted on April 10, 2013.

From time to time I seem to be a renegade in the proper care and feeding of Earthbox crops (FBP use and "the snack" come to mind). There been a lot of interest since I started posting videos of the "mad scientist" in action. With that in mind Im starting this topic that will focus with methods that I have found successful here at the UNF. Ill be moving some of the more memorable tidbits here.

I spoke at the Greenhouse Tomato Short course last month in Raymond, MS and found these neat little clips that greenhouse tomato growers use. I think will make trellising much easier in our home gardens. I bought these from Growers Supply, www.growerssupply.com, item 110007 tomato clips.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, gardendoc. This user was located in Ocean Springs, MS Zone 9A. This was originally posted on April 10, 2013.

Here's the video showing how I prep EB covers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86ZdcdIozGg

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Sr. Member, Kareneh. This user is located in Phoenix, Arizona - Zone 9a. This was originally posted on April 10, 2013.

Yoy always have the best advice and tips. I'm hoping you continue to produce more videos.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, linear249. This user is located in Zone 8b. This was originally posted on April 13, 2013.

Gardendoc, we bought these clips about 4 years ago and tried to use them for 2 seasons. They worked well the 1st year but became very brittle and broke during use the 2nd year. This year were using Velcro brand Self-Gripping Ties. Worked well during the bad weather we had last week.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, gardendoc. This user was located in Ocean Springs, MS Zone 9A. This was originally posted on April 13, 2013.

The clips only cost 2 cents each, one year is good in my book.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Global Moderator Hero Member, movrshakr. This user is located in Zone 10a- near Cape Canaveral. This was originally posted on April 14, 2013.

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, linear249. This user is located in Zone 8b. This was originally posted on April 13, 2013.

Gardendoc, we bought these clips about 4 years ago and tried to use them for 2 seasons. They worked well the 1st year but became very brittle and broke during use the 2nd year. This year were using Velcro brand Self-Gripping Ties. Worked well during the bad weather we had last week.

ummmm, WHAT clips?

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, tag. This user is located in Fleming Island, Fl, Zone 8. This was originally posted on April 14, 2013.

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, gardendoc. This user was located in Ocean Springs, MS Zone 9A. This was originally posted on April 10, 2013.

Here's the video showing how I prep EB covers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86ZdcdIozGg

But....but....but it only took you less than 8 minutes to prep and replant your box. I thought it couldn't be done in less than 30 minutes.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Sr. Member, jccarter. This user is located in
Zone 6/Zone 7B depending on the website resource.. This was originally posted on April 15, 2013.

Super videos. They've given me some ideas. I have to watch them again at home so I can hear the audio. I would LOVE to get to less than 10min to prep/replant. I typically take about 20-30min at the mo. I think. It feels like a lot of time. I should really time myself next time...hmm...

Any who, again, love the vids!

Cheers,
J.C.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Full Member, Rondini. This user is located in Zone 5 more like 4 mid Michigan. This was originally posted on April 17, 2013.

OK so you don't take out the top 2" to get rid of the salts from old planting left over?  How long have you been doing it this way?  Have you seen any detriment from the salts getting mixed into the planting medium?

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Guest, cushman350. This was originally posted on April 17, 2013.

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Full Member, Rondini. This user is located in Zone 5 more like 4 mid Michigan.

OK so you don't take out the top 2" to get rid of the salts from old planting left over?  How long have you been doing it this way?  Have you seen any detriment from the salts getting mixed into the planting medium?

If you use organic fert you don't get salt build up like synthetic fret.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, gardendoc. This user is located in Ocean Springs, MS Zone 9a. This was originally posted on April 17, 2013.

Right now I'm transitioning from lettuce. For the winter leafy crops I use a locally available certified organic fertilizer. With the heavier feeding tomatoes, peppers, etc. I use the ag grade granular. When prepping after using the granular fertilizers I only remove the mix immediately surrounding the fertilizer strip, not the entire top 2" which I consider extreme overkill when considering salt buildup.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Global Moderator Hero Member, movrshakr. This user is located in Zone 10a- near Cape Canaveral. This was originally posted on April 17, 2013.

I have asked a couple of times precisely what is it about the salts that is detrimental to subsequent plantings.  Never got an answer--or missed it if it was posted.

Anybody really know?

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Horticulturalist The EarthBox Hero Member, Kathy. This user is located in The mountains of PA Zone 5, almost 4. This was originally posted on April 17, 2013.

Salts are toxic in higher doses/concentrates. Salt was used as a weed killer back in the day.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, gardendoc. This user is located in Ocean Springs, MS Zone 9a. This was originally posted on April 17, 2013.

The salt buildup may inhibit or cause damage to the root system. I grow two crops of tomatoes and two crops of lettuce/greens in the same EBs in a 12-month period. I think it needs to be in the back of the gardeners mind when prepping.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, gardendoc. This user is located in Ocean Springs, MS Zone 9a. This was originally posted on April 17, 2013.

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Horticulturalist The EarthBox Hero Member, Kathy. This user is located in The mountains of PA Zone 5, almost 4. This was originally posted on April 17, 2013.

Salts are toxic in higher doses/concentrates. Salt was used as a weed killer back in the day.

Do you know what level of EC would be a problem.