Hello all

If any of you have been intrigued by what an Earthbox is but have been put off by the price (approx £35-50)i've found some instructions to make your own.

(Details on what an earthbox is can be found here...EarthBox - How the EarthBox Works)

The instructions:- http://earthtainer.tomatofest.com/pd...tion-Guide.pdf construction videos can be found at the bottom of this page. The EarthTainer™

the costing should work out to be £18 or less per box.

2x Storage Box and Lid Clear at Wilkinson Plus = £10

1x Crystal Storage Utility Baskets Large Pack of 2 at Wilkinson Plus = £2

1x downpipe. Wickes *–*Roofing & Guttering*–*Guttering*–*Mini-Fit*–*Mini Downpipe Length = £5.67 for 2m - this would be enough for 4 boxes.

cable ties - Wilko Garden Ties 25cm x 100/approx at Wilkinson Plus £1

A bin liner or approx 1m of weed control fabric.

Since the advert for these boxes has been falling out of most of the garderning mags i thought i might have a go at building one and thought that some of you mights be interested.

Cheerio

D

Top post! I have had no interest in these at all, but now you have a cheap version, I like the idea a bit more.

Never heard of them before

if you can womble the downpipe from a local skip or happen to have one of the boxes in the loft then the cost plumits like a stone!

It all looks a bit elaborate to me just to grow a couple of tomato plants

We got about 6 self-watering planters free from a mate who worked for a landscape gardening company. They didn't have drainage holes in, which proved problematic last year with all the rain, but I've had hubby drilling holes in them for this year. In 2006 when we had a really good summer they were absolutely fantastic for the toms. They're definitely worth a go at making, especially if you can be a bit haphazard with watering or you're often away for a couple of days at a time.

Mrs J

I saw some large Stewart self watering tubs this year in the garden centre at £6.99 each. That is cheaper than the 2 boxes without all the extras.

They are possibly a little smaller - square rather than longer but would easily take 2 toms and some lettuce in front [I did this in something similar but slightly smaller last year and it worked]. The watering base/pipe looks almost identical to the one on the demo sheet. All that is missing ins the top liner - which is easily fixed.

I thought this was a bargain so I bought a couple for the patio [they looked good as well and seem to have the potential to go on for a few years.].

It might be worth comparing these - seeing that the DIY stores have bargains on all weekend.

Ann