💪MAKE YOUR OWN EARTH BOX ✅ DIY EARTH BOX CLONE 🌱SIMPLE CONTAINER GARDENING 😎

Рет қаралды 73,207

4 жыл бұрын

As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. Let me show you how I made my own EarthBox. The Earth Box is the ultimate container garden. It's been a proven design for decades and there are few clones out there that come close to the EarthBox. I think THIS one is the closest to the Earth Box design that I've seen on KZfaq. Although these are made from fiberglass totes that I had on hand, they can be made from the simple totes that you can buy at Lowes, etc.
Watch how I make them and follow the gardening segments on this channel to see if they do as well as the EarthBox.
Check it out!
alan
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Пікірлер: 120

@theoverworkedgardener5648 4 жыл бұрын

That looks pretty cool I might have to try one of those sometime

@youdodat2 Жыл бұрын

Nice. Thanks for the info.

@franknguyen9655 2 жыл бұрын

Your video was simple and easy to follow. I like how you gave credit to Leon. There so many copy cats on you tube building same stuff and not giving Leon credit. Thanks.

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

I always try to defer to others that I have learned from Sometimes I forget, or just can't remember who's channel I saw it on... but I try :)

@paulpardee 2 жыл бұрын

I really appreciate your review of your experience with wicking containers and this earthbox clone. I would have gone through literally the same steps you have and probably come to the same conclusion you did. I have a 90-gallon stock tank out back that I was considering converting to a wicking bed. But I'm really happy I saw your other video and went with an EarthBox instead (small scale first!) Mr Leon sounds like he knows what he's talking about, but the EarthBoxes are so cheap that it doesn't make sense to "gamble" making your own. I've only had mine for a day, but I'm pretty confident I made the right choice based on your advice!

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Paul. I really like the EBs, and yes, considering how long they last, they're not that expensive.

@gvas7560 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review👏 I have two of the originals that I purchased 2 years ago from Lowes. They have casters, but one of the broke off each box 😣 But the box itself is still looking strong. 👍 Keep up the good work God bless you

@BIGALTX 4 жыл бұрын

thanks so much! alan

@MrStinson1083 Жыл бұрын

You can use aluminum wire and wire tie landscaping fabric over the ends of your corrugated pipe. I do that on my wicking planters and it works great. Still cover the pipe with fabric before adding dirt.

@BIGALTX Жыл бұрын

That's a great idea!

@christhephenomenon9400 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this I'm gonna make me one of those

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

Go for it!

@TheMzTR 2 жыл бұрын

Tks for sharing this method

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure. Thanks for watching!

@kevinsinclairsk 2 жыл бұрын

You can use cable ties to put screen material over the ends of your corrugated pipe.

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

You bet... that would WORK! Thanks

@cannafarmer Жыл бұрын

This is a game changer

@BIGALTX Жыл бұрын

Hahaha... Glad I could help!

@lleestimer2547 4 жыл бұрын

I love Leon!!!!!

@BIGALTX 4 жыл бұрын

Leon is great!

@admcc56 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your trials and honesty. I have ordered 6 earth boxes and can't wait to get started.

@BIGALTX 4 жыл бұрын

I think you'll enjoy them!

@kinglord5429 4 жыл бұрын

I have 6 total, 2 gen 1 rest gen 2. Also bought the trails for all of them and find it very handy. Forget the stand cost way to much better to buy & stack some cinder blocks to raise the box on. I also found 1 pack of their fertlizer/dolomite can be split between 2 boxes.

@BIGALTX 4 жыл бұрын

@@kinglord5429 I didn't know there were Gen1 and Gen2. What's the diff?

@kinglord5429 4 жыл бұрын

Gen 1 were the old model before 2005 think and changed a lot. Gen 1 were flimsy and bowed outward not sturdy with sloping sides. Parts for both are not interchangeably specifically casters gen 1 had none and Trellis hooked to box through metal hoop connected to box slipping into 2 holes in box rim. Gen 1 root screen is thin held up by plastic panel frame it sat on. Gen 2 shape change straight sides and more durable construction holds its shape. Root screen is stronger and is molded with supports part of the box itself and has casters. I'm sure you can find pictures these are way better than first earthboxs but they still work.

@kinglord5429 4 жыл бұрын

blog.earthbox.com/how-earthbox-found-a-home-at-novelty this has picture of gen 1

@vickilgabriel8499 4 жыл бұрын

Have you done a comparison video yet?

@holleymother9026 2 жыл бұрын

Where you place the drain is important it must be below the soil grade enough to create the air barrier to air prune the roots.

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

Yes. There needs to be a 1 inch air space for the roots to “air prune”.

@9thgatedim273 2 жыл бұрын

Buy a tub with a lid drill holes in the lid for roots cut 2 bigger holes place small plant box to wick up water place small blocks under lid to support lid Inside box place rocks them soil in box run pcv pipe to feel water

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

That sounds like a hybrid "hydroponic" system. 👍😎

@annfield9852 2 жыл бұрын

Earth box seems to be the best and long lasting.

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

I agree. Some folks have told me they've had their EBs 15 to 20 years!!

@eastcoast4233 Жыл бұрын

I didn’t see any overflow hole to prevent too much water gathering at the bottom of the box… without this the water level can go into soil and rot the roots.

@BIGALTX Жыл бұрын

Maybe I forgot to show it, but there is definitely a hole at about 2 inches above the bottom. So, any time there’s more than 2 inches of water, it will drain out. They’ve been working great for several years.

@RedBeardGreenThumb Жыл бұрын

You guys know how to make a float to tell you what the water level is that would be awesome

@BIGALTX Жыл бұрын

You could use a long skewer stick with a fishing cork on the bottom of it I have something that I check the water with. Doing a video on it next week Stay tuned 👍😎

@jeaubeau 2 жыл бұрын

I'm not a pro on these boxes but one thing I did see maybe you're missing is a overflow pipe / drain maybe 2inches up from the bottom of some sort that allows the water at the bottom of the box to escape so you don't overfill with water??

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

You didn't watch the entire video. I do show a hole at about 2" from the bottom 👍😎

@antiowarr9467 4 жыл бұрын

Was wondering what part of nature is the boxes reflecting in it's function? thx

@BIGALTX 4 жыл бұрын

I'm mainly doing it because i have a gopher and mole problem that I can't seem to conquer. Containers will solve that for me.

@justmyopinion5234 2 жыл бұрын

Anything you use to plant in you can put bedliner on them and they'll last longer

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

Is there nothing toxic in Bedliner material?

@justmyopinion5234 2 жыл бұрын

@@BIGALTX We use it to seel water tanks for livestock and there was mention of using it on a couple fish pages. Let it dry 3-5 days in the sun and it should be good to go

@michellejaggard9657 3 жыл бұрын

I was looking up Earth Boxes on KZfaq and came across a channel "John form Growing Your Greens" that said at Lowes they were having a sale on Growums, a child's version of the Earth Box to teach children how to grow a garden.. He got his for 9.99. I watched the video and it is almost the same. It is purple instead of dark green, but still the same size, but you do have to put the bottom tray together. It comes with seeds he didn't use and instead of potting soil it came with coconut core, which he added amendments to. Never could see a date on the video.

@BIGALTX 3 жыл бұрын

Haven't heard of that one 😎

@fatpacksphunter9702 2 ай бұрын

I am not sure if you should but I add a airstone in the bottom of my earth boxed and my roots go down and grab a hold of it and seem to really like it

@BIGALTX 2 ай бұрын

Hmmmmm, interesting. Thanks!

@tiffanyphillips3741 Ай бұрын

Hi ...curious what you are referring to....I googled "airstone" ... it appears to be a stone accent tile? Is that correct?

@michellecatherinestady2299 2 жыл бұрын

An Earthbox here in Canada costs $100 each, so I'm converting some old raised garden containers with these tips! Lining the boxes with pond liner to water proof them. Fingers crossed 🤞🏻🤞🏻 Thanks so much for the in-depth explanation!!

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

$100... wow!! Making your own can be a great idea!

@thepolitecanadian4764 Жыл бұрын

Wow I got mine a few years ago for $50 at Lowes. I’ve noticed they’ve increased as well though

@cheritait8116 Жыл бұрын

Could you pull an old 'tube' sock over the corrugated pipe ends, or even a lady's knee high, to keep dirt out?

@BIGALTX Жыл бұрын

Probably so Just consider the longevity of the material Make sure it will last as long as your tubs will Cotton socks might not last very long, but hosiery might

@sittingindetroit9204 2 жыл бұрын

Do you sift your media each year to get rid of old roots, leave them in or replace the potting mix each year?

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

No, never sift them out. I just add enough potting mix to replace any settling of the soil And also replace any soil I take out when I remove the fertilizer strip. Here's what I'm talking about: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oa6Jl7dluc-vpok.html

@mangofever4681 11 ай бұрын

The moisture in the air space will allow the roots to grow into the water reservoir like the Kratky air space.

@BIGALTX 11 ай бұрын

I’ve taken two of my wicking tubs apart, and the roots just barely penetrated the pipes on the bottom. It was extremely minimal.

@mangofever4681 11 ай бұрын

@@BIGALTX Have you checked the store bought earth box bottom yet? I wonder if the roots fill the bottom reservoir?

@BIGALTX 11 ай бұрын

@@mangofever4681 No, but I doubt they invade the airspace. Roots won't grow in air and the water reservoir goes dry, or somewhat dry, between waterings so the roots won't invade it

@davidward1259 11 ай бұрын

It's not the same as a Kratky air space. In Kratky, the plant starts with roots in the water, and as the water is used by the plant and the water level drops, the roots continue to grow into the water. The difference is the moist soil medium keeps the plant hydrated and the plants tend not to bridge the air gap like they do when started in the water.

@Barbara-gy9jq 2 жыл бұрын

The holes in the earth box (root air pruning bottom) look large to prevent the soil from going through to the water reservoir. How big are those holes; and what kind of soil doesn't go through them?

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

If you dump it in *_real fast_* very little goes through the holes The inventor said it's like trying to get 3 people through a doorway at the same time They tried multiple hole sizes before they decided on these. Any good potting mix will do (not pot soil)... but it needs to have about 50 to 60% PEAT

@Monkeybongoes 2 жыл бұрын

How do you think an old cooler w fine mesh screen as a barrier would work?

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

Probably work... as long as there is a 'weep hole" on the side to drain it

@c.m.chantaltoporow4584 3 жыл бұрын

Need to put end caps on the pipes to keep mosquitoes from going down in there and breeding!!!

@BIGALTX 3 жыл бұрын

I use this: amzn.to/2UtV5dx Seems to work well

@fatpacksphunter9702 Ай бұрын

No a air stone for fish tanks you need a little air pump for them also

@BIGALTX Ай бұрын

👍🏻😎

@rottenlostforgotten 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing! Can i ask you your thoughts about using just peat moss in place of the wicking soil?

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

Not sure if pure peat would be ok or not. The mix needs to be 70% or more peat I think Some compost and perlite would be good to mix in with the peat

@rottenlostforgotten 2 жыл бұрын

@@BIGALTX great advice, thanks

@stoneymontana1564 Жыл бұрын

Did you try this with just peat? How did it work out? I would be afraid that if you ever ran it somewhat dry, the peat would return to it's hydrophobic state and would choke off the water supply. Curious as to what came of it if you did.

@iCreateProduction Жыл бұрын

I would not use peat as it’s notorious for repelling water. Use coco

@rottenlostforgotten Жыл бұрын

@@stoneymontana1564 i ended up using a 50/50 mix of compost and peat moss and it seems to work well

@TheRedneckprepper 4 жыл бұрын

Did ya make a weeping hole so not to over water ?

@BIGALTX 4 жыл бұрын

Yes... at about 2". I will allow about 3/4" of airspace between the water and the soil level.

@femmegem9466 2 жыл бұрын

The sull. Feels like home. 😂

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

👍😎

@b_sorrells 2 жыл бұрын

So with the earth box you never water or feed the soil directly from the top and you would always water through the pipe can you liquid feed through through the pipe too?

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

Correct. UNLESS... you have something like blackberries in the EB Since BBs reproduce from the roots (sending up new canes) I think the cover on the EB would prohibit that. So, when I had a BB in an EB I didn't cover it and could water or fertilize from the top. The reason for the cover is to prevent weeds AND to prevent rain washing out the fertilizer through the "overflow" It's designed to be a closed system, and the initial fertilization when planting will last several months

@hackdlc 3 жыл бұрын

Okay I saw a use no liquid fertilizer on the earth box web sight. Is that BS or can you add an organic liquid fertilizer as suggested by Gardening with Leon?

@BIGALTX 3 жыл бұрын

I think they meant INSTEAD of the granular fertilizer they recommend. I fertilized like they said... thenI used water soluble fertilizer along with Micro Boost (both from Hoss Tools) every 2 weeks or so. It worked great. I don't think the initial fertilizer application (when planting) is enough to last all season, so after a month or two I start supplementing, You SHOULD fertilize like they say to with the granular fert, but don't be afraid to use liquid too. You can find the fertilizers I use HERE: bit.ly/homesteadadvisor

@mangofever4681 11 ай бұрын

Hello, I just had an idea for a cheap earth box. I think it will work......My local Lowes sell those totes with the yellow covers for $12, I could stack two and get a 3 inch air space if I screw a strip of wood on the top sides. That would be cheaper than an earth box. I just need to drill some drain holes and a hole to fit two net cups and a hole for the fill pipe. Earth box cost $53 on amazon and the smaller half size one at my local Lowes cost $40.

@BIGALTX 11 ай бұрын

Might work. Give it a try 😊

@mangofever4681 11 ай бұрын

It will work, I put a square strip of wood (1 1/2 x 1 1/2 inch) on both sides of the tote just to see and drilled a 4-inch net cup hole in both corners and poured in 4 gallons of water. The water drained fast without any air holes. I'll add them latter with a hole for a 1 inch pvc and 3/8 inch drain hole on the bottom. I can also raise the tote higher up with a thicker wood strip and I'll still be able to use the 4 inch net cup. I just need to add 1/4 inch nylon wicking rope on the bottom of the net cups.

@davidward1259 11 ай бұрын

Alan, I know this is an old video, but like everything else the price of the basic earth box has gone up and up and up. I've made a number of hybrid wicking tubs, but I'm thinking of taking a Home Depot HDX tote and making a box. The hardest part to source is a flat plastic panel with sufficient small holes already in it. Your drainage pipe with landscape cloth is a good alternative to that plastic panel. What about winterizing? Do you do anything to your earth boxes or just let them sit fallow? No issues with freezing? I have not done anything to my wicking tubs and so far no issues and we are in our 4th year of using them.

@BIGALTX 11 ай бұрын

No, I don’t do anything to prepare them for winter. So far, there’s never been a problem, and we have had some very cold winters since I started using containers.

@comfortablynumb9342 3 жыл бұрын

What did you do to copy the Earthbox covers? That's an important part if you hate pulling weeds.

@BIGALTX 3 жыл бұрын

I didn't... I did not have covers on these. If you mulch heavily, it kinda takes the place of "covers". Only difference is, when it rains, the rain can wash out some of the fertilizer. That won't happen if they have 'covers' on them

@comfortablynumb9342 3 жыл бұрын

@@BIGALTX maybe I'm mulching wrong because I have weeds growing from my mulch. I was thinking of trying some landscaping fabric in each pot.

@BIGALTX 3 жыл бұрын

@@comfortablynumb9342 I still get a few weeds coming through the mulch, but not too bad. Landscape cloth should work too :)

@shannonburke7346 Жыл бұрын

Has anyone used the corrugated piping in the earth box instead of buying another black tray from earth box??

@BIGALTX Жыл бұрын

I haven't... but if it was me... I would buy the tray from EB

@shannonburke7346 Жыл бұрын

@@BIGALTX I have been thinking of buying just the box alcart and using soda bottes to fill the bottom. Similar to what you and Mr. Leon do.

@daboyzfilms907 2 жыл бұрын

Your voice reminds me of Matthew McConaughey.

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

Hahaha.. I get that about once a week! 😎

@GardeningWithSkinnyBoyRandy 4 жыл бұрын

O wow. never even heard of this. Thanks for sharing your video with us. I appreciate you and will sub to your channel right now. I garden as well if you get a chance to take a look.

@BIGALTX 4 жыл бұрын

I did... You've got a lot of videos. You've been busy! :)

@erikahuxley Жыл бұрын

Something interesting I noticed. There aren't too many self watering container exactly like Earthbox. Apparently the company behind have a patent for it with the anticipated expiration date of April 27th 2027. The key is the term anticipated expiration, so I'm not sure this estimated anticipated date is for certain or they could extend their patent. I have seen one attempt in the past to copy exactly Earthbox design and selling for consumers, but it was gone immediately, I guess they got cease and desisted the the owner of the patent. While I like Earthbox, I'm not big into monopoly. Maybe if their patent certainly expire by 2028 we will see cheaper alternatives. I still like my Earthboxes a lot, but maybe I'll have to figure out how to make my own stand with wheels that doesn't cost the $75 they're charging. Not really for me but other senior I know who have trouble bending. I'm thinking 2x2 balusters as the rail holding the container, 2x3 pressure treated planks as legs, and galvanized brackets to keep the two secured together. Then just screw wheels under the legs, or drill holes that the Earthbox's office wheels can fit into. Now that I think about it might as well build a whole damn standing container with wheels and skip the earth box.

@BIGALTX Жыл бұрын

Yes, lids need to be loose... BUT... I have found a MUCH easier way to do this. It is so easy and even has a MUCH higher alcohol content. Here's the video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pL1mh5yK1ZzapYE.html If you DO use the Mason Jar method, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU KEEP THE LIDS LOOSE OR USE AN AIRLOCK LIKE THESE: amzn.to/2RyA8Mm THERE HAVE BEEN INSTANCES WHERE THE GLASS JARS HAVE BURST BECAUSE THE LIDS WERE TOO TIGHT. You can also use a (non-powdered) latex glove stretched over the lid to expand with the released CO2. Be Careful...! Alan Again... Try the new, easy wine method I linked to above. You'll like it a lot better!

@SuperDbessire Жыл бұрын

So at this point, you've almost made exactly what Mr. Leon makes with the wicking buckets. You don't think the buckets are a much cheaper and easier way to go?

@BIGALTX Жыл бұрын

Sure, the buckets are cheaper than real Earthboxes I just happened to have a lot of these tubs laying around and decided to make my own Earthboxes I have made a LOT of Wicking Tubs like Mr Leon, and even changed the design up a little with what I call my "Hybrid" wicking tub. You can see the Playlist here: kzfaq.info/sun/PLutBw50GI1zyPhjUaC7W54BReOBtrVjyb

@WhatDadIsUpTo 2 жыл бұрын

Now, two years later, I just looked up Earth boxes on Amazon and they're $66. Them's some pretty costly tomatoes I'd say.

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

Yikes... I paid $30 ish

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

You can get a better deal by calling the company and negotiating.

@dkleath8697 2 жыл бұрын

This made me think, "...so easy a caveman can do it"...!

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

Hahaha... That pretty much describes ME 👍😎

@sislertx Жыл бұрын

Earth boxes cost over 70 DOLLARS on amazon...

@BIGALTX Жыл бұрын

They are only $39 on their website: earthbox.com/gardening-systems/earthbox-original I don't buy all the extras... I buy JUST the Earthbox... no casters, no potting mix, no fertilizer... nuthin else

@cornerstoneproductio 4 жыл бұрын

Where is your overflow hole for your homemade earth box??

@BIGALTX 4 жыл бұрын

On the end... about 2.5" from the bottom

@TheMachiningman 4 жыл бұрын

Good Lord, just buy an earth box, unless you got access to alot of free materials.

@BIGALTX 4 жыл бұрын

Apparently you didn't watch the whole video. My assessment was, if you can catch them on sale, EarthBoxes are the best bet. I said that I would not make any more clones. I think these will do fine, but not worth the trouble and expense.

@williammartz3449 2 жыл бұрын

This looks like a lot of time and effort in an attempt to save $30. After what you spend in time and money in materials it seems like buying an earthbox is the way to go. 😅

@BIGALTX 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely! I think I said in the video that I would NOT be doing that again. Just not worth the time and trouble. I now have 21 Earth Boxes!! (REAL ones) 😀

@williammartz3449 2 жыл бұрын

@@BIGALTX yes you did... I made the comment before the video finished. I mean it's good to be able to make something like this. If you had a specific space you wanted to put one but you wanted a different size. I want to put some 2x4 raised beds outside and I'm planning to install a sub irrigation system in them...