I'd choose Promix, and I wouldn't add anything to it but fertilizer. The other mixes could cause problems with moisture retention in an Earth Box because of the organic additions. And they are unreliable nutrient sources in any container, so you'd still need to fertilize.

I personally prefer to trellis my cucumbers, keeps them off the ground where there are (theorectically) more bugs, dirt,etc...plus when they are up, it's harder to miss one when picking. Another plus is they use considerably less space!!! I had cantolopes sprawled everywhere from only 3 plants, they began to take over my garden and then some!!! i am doing midget melons this year and will trellis them. I am also zone 8, but i'm in central Texas where its 100+ summer temps and very dry.

Hi GTN, How much money would you like to spend. Drip tape is the way to go. Soaker hoses clog and are more expensive over time because of replacement. Place PVC mainline with drip tape through the actual garden beds. Drip gives more even and controlled flow, handles pressure better and has cheaper fittings than emitter systems. The cheapest method is just 1/2" pvc sch 40 pipe through the beds with small hole drilled in it. Drill holes small, then larger and larger as you check the flow at various spots in the lateral until you are satisfied the plants are getting the amount and rate you want. Life is trial an error. GL Aloha

I agree with Texanjana - pine needles are wonderful for veggies. They're easy to pull back to check things out, and they tend not to mix into the soil like wood chips do. For me it's easier when I'm doing my fall beds to move the pine needles aside. Now, if I didn't have access to pine needles, I'd probably use my shredded leaves since I have those in abundance. Again, will be easier to remove what hasn't composted for the next round of planting. In my flower beds I use wood chips and leaf mold that I get from the city or the electric co-op..free mulch. It's easy enough there to move them aside to plant something new.