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-   -   The New EarthTainer III "Convertible" Guide Now Available (http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=16694)

dice March 20, 2011 08:25 AM

I always stuff the landscape fabric down inside the wicking
chamber in my SWCs, whether I have a net pot there or a
piece of abs or pvc pipe under the wicking hole with holes
drilled in it (I have both kinds, with net pots and without).
Seems to work.

BSue54 March 20, 2011 09:47 AM

I finally got a picture of my BobbiTainer - but not really a good one of the wicking basket I used for most. I took 1 quart Dannon Lite N Fit yogurt containers, cut about 1" off the top, and drilled a bunch of holes in them...ziptied into place, just like the net pots. They may not be as durable as the netpots but I had a bunch of them, and the price was right ;)
[IMG]http://bsue.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/tainerwfilltube1.jpg[/IMG]

rnewste March 20, 2011 01:45 PM

Looking good!!:yes:

When you install the Landscape Fabric, run it up the sidewalls about 4 inches. That will both prevent the Grow Media from going down the sides and into the water reservoir; as well as prevent the roots from getting into the water reservoir.

Also, when posting your photos, if you save them first as a 600 by 800 photo, they better fit the screen here on Tomatoville.;)

Raybo

BSue54 March 20, 2011 05:57 PM

[quote=rnewste;205690]Looking good!!:yes:

When you install the Landscape Fabric, run it up the sidewalls about 4 inches. That will both prevent the Grow Media from going down the sides and into the water reservoir; as well as prevent the roots from getting into the water reservoir.

Also, when posting your photos, if you save them first as a 600 by 800 photo, they better fit the screen here on Tomatoville.;)

Raybo[/quote]

I thought that one was 500x whatever... and freaked when it showed up so huge. Speaking of posting photos, do you upload them to this site or do they have to be online somewhere? That may have been the problem. I put them on my blog so I'd have someplace to link to - and it's been so long since I blogged, I forgot how that size thing works there.:?!?:

I cut my fabric 26" like your directions said, then cut the 36" width in half, so they are 18" wide... I dunno how many inches they go up the walls, but seems to be working OK, at least on the filling part. Speaking of which, I still have several to fill, so better end my coffee break and get back to it!:?:

rnewste March 20, 2011 06:39 PM

Bobbie,

I use two (free) programs. I edit / crop / straighten photos with Picasa. Then click on the "Export" tab and resize the picture to 800 pixels.

Next, I use Photobucket to upload the photo from the Export file I've saved on my Desktop, to my Library. Then, for Tomatoville postings, copy the "IMG" file option and paste it into your Post. It's that simple.:yes:

Raybo

dokutaaguriin March 20, 2011 08:49 PM

For the wicking basket, you can also use 4" drain pipe with tulle fabric on the bottom held on with a zip tie to prevent the soil mix from going into the water chamber.
Jeff

BSue54 March 20, 2011 08:58 PM

[quote=dokutaaguriin;205761]For the wicking basket, you can also use 4" drain pipe with tulle fabric on the bottom held on with a zip tie to prevent the soil mix from going into the water chamber.
Jeff[/quote]

Oh yes - you can... well, I used landscape fabric stuffed in the drain pipe on 2 because I hadn't finished enough yogurt to have 10 of those... :lol:

newatthiskat March 20, 2011 11:10 PM

Reply
 
I am wondering how many pepper plants are put in the Earthtainer. I am looking at sweet bells and then hot peppers like jalapeno type and size. Thanks

rnewste March 20, 2011 11:39 PM

[quote=newatthiskat;205782]I am wondering how many pepper plants are put in the Earthtainer. I am looking at sweet bells and then hot peppers like jalapeno type and size. Thanks[/quote]

Kat,

Last year, I planted 6 Pepper plants per 31 gallon EarthTainer. That turned out to be too many:

[IMG]http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af179/rnews/IMG_0674.jpg[/IMG]

This Season, I am cutting back to 4 Pepper plants per 'Tainer as my thinking is that the Peppers will be larger.

Raybo;)

kpatrick925 March 21, 2011 06:24 PM

I am trying the Earthtainer for the first time this year and am having trouble finding the 31 gallon rugged totes. I have tried all of the Lowes in my area and by my work and everyone is out. I'm excited to get started and disapointed that I haven't been able to find them. I have everything else. Any suggestions anyone?

rnewste March 21, 2011 06:50 PM

The Lowes in Fremont show 17 in stock. This is what you are looking for:

[url]http://www.lowes.com/pd_314141-61896-314131_0__?newSearch=true&catalogId=10051&productId=3098763&UserSearch=31+gallon+tote&Ntt=31+gallon+tote&N=0&langId=-1&storeId=10151[/url]

Click on the "Check other stores" tab for stores closer to you.

Raybo:D

duckfan March 21, 2011 07:09 PM

Don't get hung up on one brand. The size requirements are approximate. I don't think it's going to make a great difference if the container is 30 or 32 or even 35 gallons instead of 31. The beauty of Ray's system is that it can be adapted to many different sizes. There is plenty of fudge room. If you've ever seen the commercially available Earthbox, you know it's a heckuva lot smaller than the Earthtainer. It works fine and will support 4 pepper plants easily. I've done as many as 6 with respectable results. For your Earthtainer just make sure you get a good quality container and try to make it a light color, especially in the Sunbelt. Even then, poor quality containers will work, they just won't last as long. Dark colored containers can be covered with a light colored shield of some type, even an old bed sheet. They just won't look as cool.

rnewste March 21, 2011 07:30 PM

I think it was Geeboss who came up with the idea of wrapping an old cut-down bamboo curtain around his EarthTainers to shield them from the Sun. You can also take 2 ft. wide redwood lattice panels and make a 3-sided hinged panel to surround the 3 sides most exposed to the Sun.

The dual-wall EarthTainer III design will minimize heating of the Grow Media much better than the prior design, so having to use a darker color container now will not be as much of a problem as it was with the old design.

Some "visual" ideas done by others:

[IMG]http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af179/rnews/EarthTainerhousing.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af179/rnews/earthtainerlattice.jpg[/IMG]

Raybo:yes:

BSue54 March 21, 2011 09:46 PM

When I got my totes, I was more concerned with size than brand, and the Lowes my DH chose, had one 31 gallon Rugged Tote and it was navy blue. I decided that I wanted them to all be alike, and chose the "eco-friendly" ecotote - 90% recycled plastic, and they'll probably get recycled again, when they fall apart - as long as they make it through this season, I'll be happy, and will be ecstatic if they live through more seasons. And they're a decorative sky blue LOL

Just got through planting 12 of my babies. Decided to put a brandywine with the black krim, because it simplified my note taking - they are obviously NOT the same mater, and both started with a B LOLOLOL

Ray, I finally noticed that you said to top-water the tainers for the first 4 weeks or so. How heavily? I suppose that it doesn't matter too much, since the excess will drain out???

Thanx for inspiring me, gang.

rnewste March 21, 2011 09:51 PM

Bobbie,

Top water sparingly when the Grow Media shows evidence of drying out. About a pint every few days ought to do it, until the plant's root system takes hold. The moisture barrier will help contain much of the water to begin with.

Of course, if you are in a rainy area, this step will usually not be necessary.

Raybo;)

BSue54 March 21, 2011 10:20 PM

[quote=rnewste;205939]Bobbie,

Top water sparingly when the Grow Media shows evidence of drying out. About a pint every few days ought to do it, until the plant's root system takes hold. The moisture barrier will help contain much of the water to begin with.

Of course, if you are in a rainy area, this step will usually not be necessary.

Raybo;)[/quote]

Rain???? What's that????:twisted:

kpatrick925 March 21, 2011 11:13 PM

Thanks So Much!!
 
Perfect, I will be in Fremont tomorrow!! Yay, very excited to get started. This is my second year growing tomatoes but first year making the Earthtainer. Love all of your pictures, looks like you can grow anything in it. [quote=rnewste;205906]The Lowes in Fremont show 17 in stock. This is what you are looking for:

[URL]http://www.lowes.com/pd_314141-61896-314131_0__?newSearch=true&catalogId=10051&productId=3098763&UserSearch=31+gallon+tote&Ntt=31+gallon+tote&N=0&langId=-1&storeId=10151[/URL]

Click on the "Check other stores" tab for stores closer to you.

Raybo:D[/quote]

kpatrick925 March 21, 2011 11:29 PM

I just wanted to say what an awesome site this is. I first saw the Earthtainer last year at the end of the season when I was buying my seeds for this year and decided to try it as I had trouble keeping my watering even. Then I lucked onto this site where everyone seems to be so passionate about growing. I love it. My goal is to be able to can enough tomatoes to last thru the year from my own garden without having to buy any. I'm hoping the earthtainer will give me a higher yield then what I got last year. Thanks everyone for your advice and welcoming nature!!

newatthiskat March 21, 2011 11:43 PM

reply
 
oh my goodness ray that is alot of peppers!!!!

rnewste March 22, 2011 12:18 AM

kpatrick,

I would call the Fremont store first before making the trip to verify they have 17 on hand. BTW, the San Jose East store (880 at Brocaw) showed 40 in stock.

Kat,

Yep, lots of Peppers, but just too crowded with 6 plants. I am thinking with only 4 plants, the Peppers will have more elbow-room to fill out.

Raybo

kpatrick925 March 30, 2011 12:06 AM

Ok, I feel like I am making progress. I went to the Fremont Lowe's (thanks Raybo) and got almost all of the totes I needed. They were short 2 of what I needed but I can now get started. I also got notice that my pea fence has shipped. And on Sunday all except my Early Annie's had sprouted. Couple of questions. Does anyone know the best place to get the 2 inch mesh? I saw some fence that might work but I wasn't sure if it needed to be more pliable? Also, how many cages will one carton of pea fence make? Any suggestions on where to get the dolomite lime and does it need to be the crushed? I did find some that looks like pebbles, will that work?

rnewste March 30, 2011 12:14 AM

kpatrick,

You can get the Dolomite Lime at all Home Depot stores. It comes in 5 pound bags, made by Espoma (sitting next to the Citrus-tone fertilizer). $3.97 per bag.

Question: What are you planning for the 2 inch mesh? For tomatoes, you would want to use the 7 inch mesh as shown in the Guide.

Each package of Gurneys pea fence makes the base cage as well as the second extension cage for one EarthTainer.

Raybo

kpatrick925 March 30, 2011 10:40 AM

[QUOTE=rnewste;207496]kpatrick,

You can get the Dolomite Lime at all Home Depot stores. It comes in 5 pound bags, made by Espoma (sitting next to the Citrus-tone fertilizer). $3.97 per bag.

Question: What are you planning for the 2 inch mesh? For tomatoes, you would want to use the 7 inch mesh as shown in the Guide.

Each package of Gurneys pea fence makes the base cage as well as the second extension cage for one EarthTainer.

Raybo[/QUOTE]
Thanks Raybo, I am planning on using the mesh for cucumbers and tomatoes. I guess I stopped at the first reference for the cucumbers where it indicates 2 inch. Didn't see the 7 inch for tomatoes, thanks for the clarification. :) So I guess I need both. Would they have it at Lowes or Home Depot? And can you direct me to the correct department? :) I asked when I was in over the weekend and those I spoke to looked at me like I was odd. :) Ok, that happens anyway but..... :) I did find some lime that is in pebble form at HD but wasn't sure if that was ok. I thought I heard reference to crushed? Not sure. I have read so much on this site I might be confusing it. Thanks so much for your help. I am really excited to see how the earthtainers do. Just having a hard time deciding how much of what to plant and already wanting to increase the number of earthtainers I make but trying to get the ones I have the material for built before I expand. :)

rnewste March 30, 2011 11:06 PM

The Espoma "Garden Lime" is pulverized Dolomitic Lime. This is exactly what you want.

I would skip the 2 inch mesh, and go only with the 7 inch trellis mesh for this Season. you can get the 7 inch trellis mesh at any Hydroponics Shop (South Bay Hydro carries it). Also, Gurneys, Johnnys, etc carry it mail order.

Raybo

kpatrick925 March 31, 2011 10:34 AM

[QUOTE=rnewste;207668]The Espoma "Garden Lime" is pulverized Dolomitic Lime. This is exactly what you want.

I would skip the 2 inch mesh, and go only with the 7 inch trellis mesh for this Season. you can get the 7 inch trellis mesh at any Hydroponics Shop (South Bay Hydro carries it). Also, Gurneys, Johnnys, etc carry it mail order.

Raybo[/QUOTE]
Thanks Raybo!! These are the last items on the list. Now I just need the sun to continue shining and last of my seeds to germinate. :)

rnewste April 3, 2011 12:01 AM

Here is the 7 inch mesh Trellis Netting I use:

[IMG]http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af179/rnews/IMG_2631.jpg[/IMG]

You will need to cut "panels" that end up with 3 "good" strings at 0 inches, 7 inches, and 14 inches. Then for the long dimension, you will need 5 "good" strings at 0 inches, 7, 14, 21, and 28 inches.

[IMG]http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af179/rnews/IMG_2632.jpg[/IMG]

Then, you slightly stretch the ends of the panel over the double-wrap ends to seat within the grove:

[IMG]http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af179/rnews/IMG_2633.jpg[/IMG]

After you cut (and test) your first panel, you can use that as a template to cut out more of the panels.

Raybo;)

kpatrick925 April 4, 2011 10:25 AM

[QUOTE=rnewste;208104]Here is the 7 inch mesh Trellis Netting I use:

[IMG]http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af179/rnews/IMG_2631.jpg[/IMG]

You will need to cut "panels" that end up with 3 "good" strings at 0 inches, 7 inches, and 14 inches. Then for the long dimension, you will need 5 "good" strings at 0 inches, 7, 14, 21, and 28 inches.

[IMG]http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af179/rnews/IMG_2632.jpg[/IMG]

Then, you slightly stretch the ends of the panel over the double-wrap ends to seat within the grove:

[IMG]http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af179/rnews/IMG_2633.jpg[/IMG]

After you cut (and test) your first panel, you can use that as a template to cut out more of the panels.

Raybo;)[/QUOTE]
Perfect!! Thanks Raybo, the pictures really help. I got started this weekend and quickly realized I am not as proficient with power tools as I thought. :) I can handle a drill just fine but the hand saw wobbled too much so I am going to use the kitchen shears. Little slower but I think will give me a straighter line. :) Also realized my clamps are too small. Learning as I go. :)

rtsouth April 4, 2011 11:47 PM

Raybo, I have a question about the EB AWS system that you recommend for the ET III. Since my shutoff valve is not going to fit down into the top of the fill pipe (due to screen for mosquitos), what is the correct distance from the second set of holes in the bottom of the fill pipe to the bell of the AWS tube?

rnewste April 5, 2011 12:47 AM

Measure for the length of the clear tube to place the bottom edge of the bell sensor approx. 3 inches from the bottom of the container. This will maintain a constant 3-1/4 inches in the water reservoir.

Raybo;)

rtsouth April 5, 2011 03:08 AM

Thanks Raybo, I'll try to let you know how these do in Zone 7b.


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