- If you have limited space to grow your own vegetables, consider making an earth box planter. Support sustainable gardening and the growing movement toward locally grown food, which reduces the environmental impact associated with transporting food. With an earth box you can grow organic produce on your balcony or deck.
- Once you set up your homemade earth box planter, you are ready to reap the benefits it offers. Earth boxes have a water reservoir under the planting section which provides a regular supply of water to the closed garden, meaning that you will use less water. Fill the reservoir about once a week. With an earth box you can grow vegetables in limited sunlight and enjoy year-round high-yield crops without the trouble of weeds.
- Making an earth box requires basic materials and good soil. The gardening website Josho.com, describes the process of assembling your DIY earth box. Earth box supplies include two 18-gallon plastic storage bins, a pond basket, and either copper pipe, bamboo or a drinking-safe garden hose. Purchase bins at local discount stores and pond baskets at home and garden discount centers. Necessary tools include a pencil, drill and a handsaw or jigsaw.
- Once your planter is assembled, plant seeds or small plants in nutrient-rich soil. Josho recommends reading EarthBox.com gardening instructions before planting your garden. Review tips about planting seedlings for optimal results. For instance, plant two each artichoke and eggplant seedlings or eight leek seedlings. A word of caution: Fill your earth box where you want to keep it. It will be extremely heavy when filled.
