Please Critique My HomeMade EarthBox (pics)

hydropetunia

17 years ago

Please help critique my home made box. My goal was to use the cut out lid as the bottom.

cut out lid:

I had to cut portions out to fit snugly:

Supports (scrap pine 1x4) should leave about 3 1/2 inches of space:

Secured with staples:

Flower pot:

Assembled:

I have not filled it yet, as I need to get a longer length of pipe. I would like to know if there are any glaring errors. I suspect the wood will swell, and the staples will rust, but figure they will last for the season.

I wonder if the gaps between the lid and the sides is too great. It is noticeable now, and will probably increase as the media is added due to bulging.

Should I drill holes in the 'lid' for drainage?

Should I drill holes in the portion of the pot above the lid?

I will build others this year with other construction methods, but want to get one working ASAP.

Thanks all,

-hydropetunia

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Comments (5)

atascosa_tx
17 years ago
Hydropetunia...from I can tell you have no holes drilled into the bottom (the lid) of the support that holds the soil. You need holes there 1/4" in diameter several of them to allow aeration for the roots. Second you didn't mention if you have drilled an overflow hole in the side of the container, which needs to be about 3/8" below the level of where the soil will sit. this prevents the potting mix from getting over watered. Lastly being in Z8b (I'm in S. Texas) the dark colored container in mid-late summer will really get heated up to the point of cooking the roots. Might want to try a lighter colored one or try shading the sides and as far as a tight fit, I used fiberglass window screen and lined the bottom with it( cutting out the hole for the wick)
heres a pic taken 4 weeks ago of my BrandyBoys..they are bigger now. :)
{{gwi:22620}}

Here is a link that might be useful: This is where I got the idea of my HM EB
hydropetunia
Original Author
17 years ago
Trying again with different photo server:

cut out lid:
{{gwi:22621}}

I had to cut portions out to fit snugly:
{{gwi:22622}}

Supports (scrap pine 1x4) should leave about 3 1/2 inches of space:
{{gwi:22623}}

Secured with staples:
{{gwi:22624}}

Flower pot:
{{gwi:22625}}

Assembled:
{{gwi:22627}}

Thanks all,
-hydropetunia
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atascosa_tx
17 years ago
there was nothing wrong with ya first post pics..
dangsr2
17 years ago
atascosa, All that was wrong with the first pictures is I dont know how to make them show, Do you think you could tell an old old man how. Oh yes and then could he do it.
hydropetunia
Original Author
17 years ago
The first pics were posted on Yahoo Photos, which is a site recommended in the 'how-to post pics' faq. Shortly after I posted, they slightly changed the URL and now the pics don't link correctly. The second set were posted at PhotoBucket, which is not recommended in the faq, but used by many gardenwebbers. Hopefully the links will stay valid.

As for the box, I have drilled one hole in the side, for drainage. I then drilled several holes in the lid, as suggested. I will be filling with a mix similar to tapla's. I will build at least three of these. I have tomatoes and peppers that will definitely go in. I am also considering sunflowers and hop vines.

-hydropetunia

Please Critique My HomeMade EarthBox (pics)

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atascosa_tx

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Please Critique My HomeMade EarthBox (pics)

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atascosa_tx

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