WICKING TUB vs GROW BAG vs EARTHBOX - WHICH WORKS BEST - PROS AND CONS - WHAT WILL WORK FOR YOU?

[@joedurkin8953]

I use the blue kiddie pools for my grow bags and put wood chips in the bottom of each bag to soak up and hold water

[@BIGALTX]

I haven't heard about using chips in the bottom... sounds like a great idea.

[@lesverslues6699]

⁹⁹⁹⁹⁹9⁹⁹⁹⁹9⁹9⁹⁹⁹999⁹9⁹⁹⁹⁹⁹⁹⁹⁹9⁹⁹​@@BIGALTX

[@sherritodd7533]

I grow in all 3; wicking tub; grow bags; and earth boxes. I Like the simplicity of the earthbox. It grows well and doesn't dry out. I've found that certain vegetables grow better in certain systems. grow bags;potatoes. wicking tubs; tomato & squash. earthboxes; peppers & smaller tomatoes.

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks, that's what I've found too. But this year I''m not doing any grow bags... just EBs and Wicking Tubs

[@maryschultze624]

Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. I’m using 10 gallon grow bags this year for the first time. I have 4-6 squash in each using Wood on the very bottom. It’s a German method. (Can’t pronounce or spell it). Everything is thriving and producing. I also added chicken manure, compost, perlite, coco coir, Pro Mix and fertilizer. God bless

[@BIGALTX]

Sounds good. Let me know how it goes! I've heard it pronounced *HU'-Gul-Cul-Ture*

[@gerhardbraatz6305]

I grow 5 tomatoes in grow bags every year, water deep each morning and fertilize every 2 was. I don't have anything under them. I get all the tomatoes my wife and I can eat. Works for me.

[@BIGALTX]

How big are the Grow Bags?

[@sheriwise2315]

I grew 3 ten gallon grow bags of potatoes and 3 of tomatillos last year without anything under them. They all did wonderful! Big beautiful productive plants.

[@gerhardbraatz6305]

@@BIGALTX 10 gal.

[@BIGALTX]

@@sheriwise2315Good to know, thanks!

[@ale347baker]

I think putting something underneath just helps save water and money. Yes, its possible not to use a tray, but you are probably using more water by not having one.

[@sandreawhite7534]

Excellent video. I’m all for Earth Boxes hands-down. We’ve been growing for about eight years now and have accumulated 45 boxes. My husband built stands for all but eight of them so I don’t have to bend down to harvest and they’re just beautiful. Four of them we added trellises so that my climbing tomatoes and beans can climb. We plant just about anything in these and I did not pay full price for all of them. Some I did but new, some at garage sales, off craigslist, and friends and family gave them to me until I accumulated 45. We’re very happy and we’re very popular in the neighborhood lol

[@BIGALTX]

HAHAHA I bet you ARE popular. I made my own covers this year for my EBs and they worked out great I didn't do a video on them, but will do one in the spring Keep watching 👍😎

[@The_Dougie]

Have you grown corn in them?

[@teresaday-fickel5876]

I have Earth Boxes that are 20 years old and still going strong.

[@BIGALTX]

WOW... great to hear from you. Now I can say I know someone that HAS used them for TWENTY YEARS!!! Yay... Thanks!

[@darrelldunman3627]

Mine are over 7

[@shawncarrell9101]

Awesome!

[@777lorenzo]

Po

[@lydiaahubbell8545]

me, too!

[@NolimitErik1466]

I grow in 18-20 gallon feed tubs and they produced good. But after watching you I have been under fertilizing my tomatoes and peppers .I have truly found a new way to grow and in the spring I will have success as you have thank you very much. You are a great influencer. Thank you for your time and consideration.

[@BIGALTX]

So nice of you. Glad to help.

[@oleman490]

oh me;;;guess what;;;I was typing the below comment for your take on tomato cages for earthboxes and thanks to you I found they work great;;;so hope you understand the first message;;;;lol;;;;now the way I did my grow bags was take 2x4's and make a rectangle;;;cover it with a trashbag large enough to cover to hold 1 1/2''' of water at bottom of growbag ;;;works good for me;;;also the earthboxes I have were purchased by my neighbor in2001 and now I be the proud owner and tickled with what they are doing for me ;;;

[@BIGALTX]

Sounds like a great set up for the grow bags. Also, a great score on those Earthboxes.

[@oleman490]

@@BIGALTX oh think I forgot to ask where you got the earthboxes for 20 somethinng bucks;;;;ok if you can't disclose;

[@BIGALTX]

@@oleman490 They have raised the prices :( My first ones were $26 on sale in December Others, I have bought at $35 or so. They are around $50 now at the EB site

[@comfortablynumb9342]

You can use kiddy pools for fabric pot trays. I got mine for $8 and it holds 5 or 6 pots. A huge advantage to the earth boxes is the lack of weeds to pull because of the covers. I'm sure you'll find weeds in the tubes and bags. I know I have a bunch..

[@BIGALTX]

Sure, I get weeds, but really not too many. I just (try) to pull them when they're small. That way it's not too big of a chore

[@lindanelson8969]

What a great idea 💡 thank you

[@paulazuniga9991]

Open water needs mosquito dunk

[@dewaynegarrett8382]

You can add a float at 1” after putting in bags, put some rock up about 2”with a hole for drain.no mosquito issues and automatic.

[@alicecowan3499]

That’s what I do also

[@christinat9029]

Love my Earthboxes...Sarasota FL. Oldest is close to 20 years. I have around 20 of them now. I just went to their store for the first time and they were awesome! (Ellenton, FL) I grow everything in them. Great for my tree starts, aloe, peppers, pineapple...foolproof!

[@BIGALTX]

That is the best word I could use to describe them… “Foolproof”. Thanks for the comment!

[@7munkee]

I paid $38 June 2022 for an Earthbox. I absolutely LOVE it.

[@BIGALTX]

Good for you!! 😎

[@Terri_Stauffer]

I have some generation 1 earthboxes that my parents bought in 1994 still going strong. Only dragging them on concrete caused holes in bottom so new earthboxes with castors option great choice for decks and concrete. I have about 30 earthboxes which I love. Tried using storage containers I had sitting around they get brittle and break after a few years so would rather invest in earthboxes even at $42 a piece now, well worth it. Never liked grow bags as they dry out or get too soggy sitting in container with all the rain, brilliant idea putting hole in container for drainage.

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks for your expertise in the EBs. Good to know they last so long.

[@idahohoosier8989]

Thank y'all. Love Texas! I have a brother and 2 sister there. My daddy was in Lockhart for many years, he passed 12/2020. Love Mr and Mrs Leon Blessings

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks, Hoosier! Glad to have you.

[@hackdlc]

My family was originally from Lockhart. Can’t beat the BBQ capital of Texas.

[@margiemurray2147]

​@@hackdlcwe lived in Lockhart in the early 70's. My dad bought and ran a photography studio in town. They always talk about "Black's BBQ" being the best they've ever had. I hope I have the name right. Happy gardening

[@bobwolf1811]

Thank you for posting this great video. Because of the soil quality in my yard (and unhelpful bugs) I have not had success in planting in the dirt. This gives me the incentive to try container gardening, and this video has been a good place for me to start the learning process.

[@BIGALTX]

Glad it was helpful! I love container gardening! I have Playlists on Wicking Tubs and Earthboxes: Wicking Tub Gardening Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLutBw50GI1zwJe4AJnYbZIMzCHjSuWnbq EarthBox Gardening: kzbin.info/aero/PLutBw50GI1zw2Oir_yEyz8x4yVckWH7Gg Growing Blackberries In Containers: kzbin.info/aero/PLutBw50GI1zw9M4UxWAN3n9yeJ_WYS8TD

[@hfranklin77]

I made a little frame out of 2x2 treated lumber and lined it with plastic sheeting to put under my grow bags.

[@BIGALTX]

Great idea… thanks for sharing!

[@janamiles597]

With grow bags you use peat mixture which wicks the water up plants get all they want

[@knittingwithfish]

The 55 gallon blue or green drums that food was shipped in are $15 - $20 each, cut them in and you get 2 wicking tubs They have the UV in the plastic and I am told that will last longer than 20 years.

[@BIGALTX]

Yes. I’ve heard those will last a LOT longer.

[@1TsuNami]

That’s what I did this year. Our yard is low and with the price of lumber, well we found the 55 gallon drums for free and cut them in half. I thought Mr. Leon said to plant 4 tomatoes. I planted 5. 😳. Might have to pull some up. Can I replant tomatoes again?

[@BIGALTX]

@@1TsuNami Sure. A friend of mine said "if you get enough soil with the plant when you transplant, they'll never know they were moved" :)

[@1TsuNami]

@@BIGALTX That’s great news! Thank you. I knew I was crowding them, but didn’t have a choice at the time. Oh. That’s great news! 😃

[@fortunemoon7356]

@Knittingwithfish I am glad to learn these 55gallons drums from you, I did not know I already have the good tubs in hands.

[@eddievannewkirk4458]

Just a quick tip for the grow bags, putting a big contractor bag over the bottom half of the grow bags and then poking a hole in the contractor bag 2-3" off the bottom does the same job as the bins but at a much lower cost and they can be replaced easily after a season or two.

[@BIGALTX]

Great tip, thanks! 😊

[@libbysmithstudio]

What's a contractor bag?

[@BIGALTX]

@@libbysmithstudio I think he means a heavy duty trash bag called a "contractor bag"... It would act as a water catchment tray

[@rlbgardener6465]

Hi Alan, I’ve been growing in those mineral tubs for about 12 years and their still going strong. I don’t have them set up as wicking tubs I have to water every day but that’s ok that let me get a good look at my plants every day.

[@BIGALTX]

Wow... 12 years. That’s great!

[@teresaday-fickel5876]

Right, I think the time frame that Leon is talking about is how long before you need to take out the old soil and put in fresh soil. Refresh the soil every year for 5-7 years then remove it all and add all new. The tub and the guts will last forever.

[@BIGALTX]

@@teresaday-fickel5876 Not sure. I know I heard Leon say 5 to 7 years lifespan on the mineral tubs, because he was comparing them to the blue 55 gallon barrels. He said the blue barrels (cut in half) would last around 15 years. It all depends on weather, sun exposure, ect. Most of his are in greenhouses. The excessive heat in them may shorten the lifespan. I guess I won't know for several years :)

[@patticriss2238]

@@BIGALTX I own livestock and I live in Oklahoma. I have green buckets because I raise horses but my grandson raises large scale cattle so there are stack of these at the farm. I have plenty. Some will last 5 years but some won’t. Just like anything else. I’m anxious to try the earth box.

[@BIGALTX]

Great info... thanks! (i wish mine were green instead of "hillbilly blue") Hahaha

[@michaelglenning5107]

Larry's Rain Gutter Grow System used kiddy pools to hold the grow bags.

[@BIGALTX]

Yep, Larry was Da Man. Miss him on YT

[@vincecastillo6554]

I use the grow bags without the trays underneath with great success. I had nothing but mold issues with trays. I grew the best taters ever with a grow bag over soil.

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks for sharing

[@alancarter4270]

Thank u sir About 15 years ago I built earth buckets and grew a nice garden (Cabbage, Squash, Peppers and Tomatos) I did note the slicers turned a bit on the small side say tennis ball average. I grew sweet 100, Yellow pearls, Early Girl and Cherokee Purple and a Brandy Wine. My girls loved the Brandywine and Cherokee's.

[@BIGALTX]

Last year I grew 1.9 LB tomatoes in Grow Bags (Brandywine) I grew a HUGE quantity of a smaller (variety) tomatoes in EBs.

[@tambrasmith9707]

Your wicking tub design is the best that I’ve found so far...

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks, Tambra! ❤

[@effieinglish]

Excellent video! Subscribed. Someone may have already mentioned this, but you can surround your Mineral tubs with burlap (a roll is cheap) to keep the sun off them so they last longer. Looks nice too.

[@BIGALTX]

Great tip! 303 Protectant should work too: amzn.to/3vmF8cg

[@chrissyf1295]

Dollar tree oil pan for under the grow bags. I'm going to try that.

[@BIGALTX]

I love it!

[@considerthebirds]

This is so helpful as I’m learning more about container gardening and just gardening in general, thank you!

[@BIGALTX]

So glad to help! 😎

[@antoniosanford4675]

All of this is compatible with Larry Hall's gutter grow system that allows for easier watering. The grow bags and wicking tubs are also compatible with Mel Bartholomew's square foot gardening methods. I love stacking techniques to create better growing systems.

[@BIGALTX]

I'm familiar with both of those guys. Followed Mel many years ago and followed Larry more recently. Very innovative folks.

[@Angie-ci1lp]

Thank you I just purchased my grow bags I didn’t think about that trays to retain water! Thanks again!

[@BIGALTX]

In my experience, having a tray underneath is necessary. Otherwise, the grow bags get very dry, very quick.

[@paularizzo5217]

Try kiddie pool to set grow bags into. Drill drainage holes in pools.

[@adryawebb2556]

Can also line the insides of the grow bags with plastic with a few holes poked in the plastic for drainage.

[@BIGALTX]

👍😎

[@jasonhuey8524]

Love watching gardening with Leon. I have learned a lot from watching him.

[@BIGALTX]

Me too. I'm looking forward to more vids this gardening season 👍😎

[@robinlawson3574]

I made some self watering air pruning 5 gallon buckets. They worked very well. The roots looked excellent after harvest.

[@BIGALTX]

Good to know, thanks!

[@missingpunctuation]

Like an Alaska grow bucket?

[@juliekraft4102]

The cost alone makes me glad that I have the land,rototiller,and water well.😉

[@BIGALTX]

Gardening in the soil is definitely cheaper. Containers are more expensive initially, but less work (weeds, gophers, moles, flooding, etc) in the long run. I have plenty of land and have gardened on it for 40 years but lately I'm loving my containers. I still raise corn, potatoes, peas, beans, onions, etc in the soil.

[@cherrieragan4377]

Great video, got me thinking. Love you mentioning Mr. Leon, learned a lot of lessons from my Granny!

[@BIGALTX]

Sure, I try to always give credit to those I learn from... if possible. Leon is great.

[@HealthyLivingWithWendy]

Mr. Alan, thank you for letting me know the difference and the pros and the cons and different containers. I don't have a growbag. I've always wondered what the growbag is like,

[@BIGALTX]

Glad to help!

[@RonThompson]

Grow bags you can use kiddy pools for a water container and put drain hole up a inch or two (the Larry hall kiddy pool system)

[@BIGALTX]

That will absolutely work. I was a big fan of Larry Hall’s system. He was a great guy.

[@vincecastillo6554]

Check the type of plastic. You will end up eating whatever chemicals are in the pool plastic if it’s not food grade safe.

[@Rick-the-Swift]

Hey bud, I'm digging your garden videos and they are helping me to decide what methods I'm going to try in my garden. One idea, since you are worried about the longevity of your wicking tubs, I suggest wrapping the outside with something like burlap, or even cardboard if you're not too worried about the looks. From my experience UV sunlight is the biggest killer of anything plastic and any plastic that is guarded from the sun will last for many years. Bury the stuff and it may last a lifetime. Hope that helps and keep up the good work! Rick

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks for the kind words. Just seems that wrapping, spraying, painting, etc just doesn't justify the cost since they are so easy to replace Replacement video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGeoYoSHe6adoq8 BUT... if I didn't have access to a lot of tubs, then yes, it might be worth it to protect them I don't think you could bury them because the "weep hole" would be covered up/plugged up

[@antonianovoa6416]

Great video. I agree that the earth box is the best, and the peppers love to be crowded in so they will be successful! I am glad to have found your channel!

[@BIGALTX]

I'm glad you found us too, Antonia!

[@rubyewiggins4926]

I bought crawfish eating trays for my grow bags drainage tray,works pretty good

[@BIGALTX]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing

[@greenflingboys3941]

I love my earthboxes. I have some that i have been using for 20 years. I dont have to replace the soil every year. Sometimes i just dig it up and add extra potting soil or amendments. I also dont always use the mulch covers but they aren't expensive...i have used no cover or garbage bags. I also replaced the watering pipe with some pvc pipe when it wore out. Otherwise, i just bought some dolomite and fertilizer from the garden center. So in the long run, I think they are very inexpensive because they last so long and I have done veggies and flowers in them. I even had a kumquat tree in one. I did eventually have to move it but that box is still in use...lol.

[@BIGALTX]

So great to hear of your experiences with EBs Mine aren't that old yet, but nice to know that they will last as long as advertised... and LONGER! :)

[@jk_johnkaiser]

I have about 100 self wicking buckets going in my backyard. I got them all free from grocery store bakeries, various sizes from 2 gallons to 5 gallons. For the reservoir I use empty soda cans. I make my own compost and fertilizer. The only things I buy are perlite and PVC fill pipes.

[@BIGALTX]

Love it...!! 😎👍🏼

[@jjudijo]

My first year in containers was 99cent Walmart bags. One season then toss the whole thing.

[@BIGALTX]

Yep, they work fine but don't last.

[@adaptableamy4744]

My 14 earthboxes are over 20 years old and have been out in the elements that long as well in Ga and Sc heat. They are much cheaper today than they were in the 90s. $50 a pop. Worth every penny. Use your potting mix bags to create your covers to save on ordering from Earthbox.

[@BIGALTX]

Potting mix bags for EarthBox covers... GENIUS!! I've been looking for a substitute. Even went and got some white garbage bags But, wow... can't believe they were $50 when they started...

[@adaptableamy4744]

@@BIGALTX yes! I just fold them inside out and cut down the sides. You should get 2 covers per bag. (This is a 2cu ft bag of course.) Attach it like a boat cover or even drill a tiny hole in the lip of the Earthbox in a few random places-loop with a string. Sturdy and last a long time. I should post a video of how I do this. 😃

[@judyingram-kh1vm]

5 gallon buckets are what i use and half feed barrels. No wicking or watering system in them. Good soil and fertilizer when needed, mulch. Put it in sun and a little shade. Grow tomatoes, green peppers, cucumbers and squash also onions and grow my pototoes in cardboard boxes. And also a few green beans. Water them and that is some good eating.

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks for the info!

[@MichaelSmith-jr3vy]

I’m a fan of global buckets . Haven’t seen tomato grown any better . I have multiple bucket and the plants are 8 feet tall and just packed with tomatoes. And they last forever!!

[@BIGALTX]

Another fan... great. I really like them too!

[@larindamoore4547]

I grow in wicking pots in mollasses tubs since I am in cattle country, and I use milk jugs instead of sewer pipe and it works wonderful, this is my third year pea, tomatoes and squash grow wonderful in them. . Go back to Gardening with Leon and he shows how to make the wicking pots with milk jugs then the sewer pipes. Your garden looks great but here in northern California we are just now starting to plant. .

[@BIGALTX]

Shoot... I've watched ALL of Leon's gardening videos 😎 The milk jug idea IS great, and for sure it's a lot cheaper. I need to start gathering some and try it myself. Hope you can plant soon. Mine is off to a great start. Thanks for the comment!

[@terryli340]

My Earthbox is 5 years old and still going strong.

[@BIGALTX]

Good to know. Someone wrote to me and said their EBs are TWENTY FIVE years old Woo Hoo!

[@gardenlady58]

I have root Pouch grow bags doing well in their 4th year. I use the medium grade ones (gray).

[@BIGALTX]

Good to know they've lasted that long... thanks for sharing!

[@stevedavis7519]

Thanks for making this video! I’m on my first go around on my own garden, I have the grow bags and wicking tubs. Tried creating my own earth boxes. Doing pepper, tomatoes, kale, broccoli, potatoes, onions, carrots, garlic, so far.... even if half fail it’s not that much costs considering how much the store is. Again, thank you for making this and god bless. I will add up costs and sizes etc. let you know what we harvest. Take care.

[@BIGALTX]

Glad it was helpful... and absolutely let me know how it goes! 👍😎 EVERYTHING is about to get higher. You'll be glad you started a garden. I would recommend 10-20-10 for vegetables that flower, like tomatoes, peppers, squash I use that at the initial transplant. THEN a month or so later, I start using 20-20-20 from HOSS: hosstools.com/product/20-20-20-garden-fertilizer/ Here's a video where I discuss my fertilizing program: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZDGq2trp6aejas

[@savannahsmiles1797]

there is a book, our library had it, growing in containers and he showed how to duplicate the earth box in it on the cheap. I think his name is Smith.

[@brownjackie8]

I do 5 gal wicking buckets and strawbales (1/4 inch hardware cloth around ea h bale, on 3rd year for the bales - had to add lots of potting soil this year.. Hop to have my 3ft x 6 ft raised bed up next year.

[@JackiBigger]

I use tubs for all my gardening.

[@BIGALTX]

That's great I use them a LOT!

[@FinznFowl82]

I have some 100 gallon grow bags and 4x4' square bags(about the same volume). I filled them with homemade compost about half way, then quality compost and potting mix to the top. Since they're such a large volume I've yet to have a moisture problem. I water them about the same amount as I do my inground garden which is rare, but then again I live in an area that usually gets a lot of rain.

[@BIGALTX]

That is awesome, thanks for sharing!

[@MrSymbolic7]

I agree with your analysis , but in the winter ( if you call 83 degrees most of December a winter ) I am using the grow bags because they are easier to move in the insulated garage during a freeze event , which is usually hours on the Texas Coast , then bring them back out , I have wicking tubs but they will require a dolly and at my age being alone I am a one man show ! Just a side note my over winter onions are doing very well in the grow bags .

[@BIGALTX]

Good to know. I think I'm fixin to put some onions in tubs or grow bags too :)

[@dmo848]

U need an old school kids wagon to move small stuff. They work great. Remember them radio flyers

[@JDHood]

Instead of a tray for the grow-bags, maybe try one of those plastic kid's wading pools? I saw one filled with grow bags and then backfilled with gravel/rocks up to the water line (supposed to help keep skeeters from growing in it).

[@BIGALTX]

Several folks have suggested kiddie pools. They work great... but I still suggest a weep hole to prevent overfilling.

[@catw5294]

Good idea and cheap at end of season

[@janamiles597]

Grow bags are portable. When my squash grow and need space I can move them to a different kiddy pool. My pools have drain holes 1 1/2 inch from ground to prevent flooding the plants. Also with high wind or bad weather I can easily move my entire garden to a protected area.

[@BIGALTX]

Portability is one of the best things about containers!! Thanks!

[@handrewsmom1260]

I watched a video from Mr. Leon that had a modified wicking tub. He used empty gallon milk jugs, soda bottles, laundry detergent, just about anything plastic. I’m going to give that a try this year. I get protein tubs free and I’d be recycling plastic I have, so cost would be very low. I’ll see how it goes!

[@BIGALTX]

Free tubs are GREAT. And yes, the milk tub/soda/bleach bottles are another great Leon idea!! I've seen ALL his gardening vids 👍😎 Thanks for commenting. Let me know how yours turns out.

[@sandy-rr1by]

using Leon's method, i built my tubs using plastic coffee cans and other food grade plastics in blue syrup drums from the cola company. bought them for water during y2k scare, used skil saw to cut them in half 3 years ago for gardening. they are still in excellent condition.

[@BIGALTX]

@@sandy-rr1by Good to know. I have a couple of those barrels too. (Y2K purchases too) hahaha

[@richjageman3976]

Never heard of Earthbox until this video. Easy to make yourself. I currently use a mix of grow bags, Kratky and raised beds. I will check out the wicking tubs.

[@BIGALTX]

I think you’ll like them! 👍🏼

[@alicecowan3499]

I use a small swimming ( plastic) under my grow bags ❤

[@BIGALTX]

Great idea!

[@philcarey1301]

I use kiddie pools to put my grow bags in. I put two tomato or pepper plants in each 5 gal bag and 3 bags per pool/wicking tub. A con: after one year the pools will deteriorate if left in the sun. Sanitize and put away at the end of each growing season. Pro: able to reuse the grow bags for many years. I take them to a laundromat at the end of the season, it kills the mold, mildew and any bacteria.

[@BIGALTX]

Wow, I never thought of taking them to a laundromat. Excellent idea. I feel sorry for whoever washes their clothes after you do though ha ha ha.

[@timpage5021]

Thank you. You’re absolutely right about the Opulent brand fabric bags. They’re consistent in their thickness and sizes. I love Using a variety or containers and methods simply because some plants do better in different containers. And it makes it a lil more interesting. Thank you for the content. Appreciate it.

[@BIGALTX]

So glad to help!

[@dmo848]

Try ac infinity. I sware by them

[@terrywereb7639]

The grow bags are basically the cheap "cloth" reusable grocery bags that most big chain stores sell with their advertising on them. People started using them instead of nursery pots as a way to keep plant roots "air pruned."

[@BIGALTX]

I tried the Walmart bags several years ago. They worked ok for one year but didn't hold up well enough to reuse :(

[@savannahsmiles1797]

@@BIGALTX pillowcases from the thrift store...

[@terrywereb7639]

@@BIGALTX but the idea is to try! Shoot...a bag of potting soil thrown on the ground, holes stabbed into it, and plants planted on top srface.... people are going crazy for...simplest container or raised bed you can find!

[@Chocoholiclady66]

@@savannahsmiles1797 We made a few grow bags out of some left over burlap we had on hand really quick by just sewing on the machine into "pillow cases" although made them larger than would for a bed pillow and doubled the cloth so thicker. Used three years in a row then they got accidentally tossed out when the boys were cleaning out and straightening up the sheds and garage.

[@staceyadams2272]

Thank you for all your information. Trying bags this year....groundhogs.

[@BIGALTX]

Glad to help

[@Patty-qd1lz]

I get 15-20 deer in my yard every night. I can only grow in my 3 season room. I will try the Grow Bags this time. Great video, thank you.

[@BIGALTX]

Wow... my freezer would be FULL!! Grow bags do a great job. I have a link below the video to the ones I like

[@Patty-qd1lz]

@@BIGALTX hahaha

[@meb4142]

Can u do a video showing how you made your earthbox trellis ?

[@BIGALTX]

You bet. Look for it next week... or the week after

[@partyofseven8680]

My wicking tub cost Cow farmer gave me tubs Use gallon jugs instead of corrugated pipe I grow two tomatoes in each one ....checking out Earthboxes Great info!

[@BIGALTX]

Glad you got tubs for free!

[@johnlee7085]

In the central CA sunshine, most any plastic can be turned to pulp in one season. The good news is that a quick coat of paint prevents that UV degradation. The better news is that it’s not difficult to frame some wood around the outside. This also reduces the thermal effect on heating the water and soil which should be advantageous. That’s also the solution for the blue pots in the distance if it’s still out there.

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks for the tips!

[@nerdymichelle]

I have 8 Earthboxes with casters that let me protect plants from severe weather by wheeling them to the carport. I want to add a few more, but my patio is getting crowded. Maybe I’ll copy your setup with metal panels around each box :-) I could save on staking systems and cover plants as needed. I’m in East Texas. 2 tomatoes or 6 peppers get crowded and need multiple waterings in the hottest days. I prefer to do 3-4 peppers and I’ll put like a marigold and a basil with 1 tomato plant.

[@BIGALTX]

Good idea adding companions to the EB Where in ETX are you?

[@wi-bama-sols]

I’ve got grow bags that are going on 8 years old, so they do last, just testing out a wicking tub this years.

[@BIGALTX]

8 years!?!? Wow, that's great!

[@jjudijo]

SocaliUSA zone 9b 100% containers. So far... Growbags: 6th year. I use the lids for a catch tray for water Paint buckets: 10th year I put away the garden boxes this year: Mosquitos ate me alive last year so this year I am controlling the water (also in mega-drought conditions). New: 18 gallon Walmart totes. I use Leon's coke can watering system. And I add food scraps and mulch and a couple worms to the bottom of all

[@BIGALTX]

You're getting some longevity out of your containers... NICE!

[@bigwavefla161]

I really like the earth box. I believe I told you that a couple of years ago. I have also found you get more Peppers if you grow three. Tomatoes only two. They really do well in my area.

[@BIGALTX]

Good to know... This is the first year I'm doing 6 peppers per EB We'll see how well they do as opposed to planting 4.

[@susannewilliams5809]

I use 5 Gal Buckets with holes in the bottom , i add about 2 inches of Potting Mix then Kitchen Scrap and then fill my Buckets up with Potting Mix all my Plants grow like crazy and lots of blooms ...

[@BIGALTX]

Good to know Susanne. Thanks for sharing!

[@deborahstokes4598]

Are the kitchen caps fresh from your kitchen or have they been composed for a few months 🤔 😊

[@frugalmrsolson1]

I have wick tubs that I’ve had for at least ten years. I get the tubs free from ranchers. So it depends on how many years they sat out on the range. I’m like you and love to experiment.

[@BIGALTX]

Amen, Debbie. Those wicking tubs really do a great job!

[@gazsto9510]

Great videos and I have learned so much from them (and narration by Matthew McConaughey as you sound so much like him) that'll be the Texan in you both!

[@BIGALTX]

Glad you like them! Actually, MMc was raised about 40 miles from where I was And, I get the MMc comment at least once a week!! 👍😎

[@gazsto9510]

@@BIGALTX Really, it's not just the Texan in you it's also the vocal tone is very similar, not a bad thing mate, he's well liked and admired by the ladies. Yeah videos been a big help, thanks for that! 👍😎

[@jtharp9265]

All your plants looked great last year .👍 I use a dollie to get my dirt , fertilizer up on our back deck, and our Golf Cart my husband & I use to get everything out of the truck , We had to drive to magnolia, Texas back beginning of January 2022 as Our Home depot didn't have any Black Kow , so we stocked up ... Trying to find farmers that will let me come pick up cow patties for my compost , I'd do the work ...as long as they know about that grazon fertilizer that was destroying gardens , I heard from Mr Danny & Wanda .... God bless you & your beautiful wife 🙏🏻 Josette Tharp Montgomery County, Texas 🙏🏻

[@BIGALTX]

YOU CAN COME PICK UP SOME OF MINE!!!! Hahaha

[@walnutear6686]

I live in very humid Florida and I can tell you my grow bags stay moist 🤣

[@BIGALTX]

Wow, good to know, thanks!

[@ShakiraYah]

Awesome video I grow out of Walmart totes in a kiddie pool as my water reserve. Been doing it this way for 6yrs. Lately I've been looking at the earthboxes Home depot has a version that's called City Pickers. I'm no longer on the fence I'm def going grab a few and see how I feel about them. Thanks for sharing I look forward to your vids, greetings from Houston ❤❤❤

[@BIGALTX]

Great tip! I checked the CPs out from Walmart. My observations: Look nice. Smaller size (only 1.5 CF of soil) And they are just a few bucks less than EBs. But.. you might get free shipping from Walmart or just pick them up at the store. (EB puts on a special with free shipping every now and then) Let me know how they do.

[@ShakiraYah]

@@BIGALTX will do!

[@ShakiraYah]

@@BIGALTX ok I ordered directly from EB and used coupon code ORGMEPHEAD (25٪ off) we shall see!! I snatched 2 I have a feeling I'm going to like them. 👍🏽

[@BIGALTX]

@@ShakiraYah I just tried that code and it didn't work for me. Where did you get the code?

[@ShakiraYah]

@@BIGALTX I Googled EB coupon codes and I tried 7 others that did not work before this one I was legit shook 😳 myself . Keep trying the codes!! The boxes were $35 before the code andc$28.00 after. These coupon sites change codes daily keep trying.

[@elizabethhall1716]

Didn't know I could put 6 pepper plants in my earthbox. I inherited then. Don't know how old they are, I've been using them 10 years. So I'd say they are 20+ years. I slightly remember when my dad in law bought them. And I hadn't considered the cost vs. using other things.

[@BIGALTX]

Initial investment is a little pricey, but considering how long they last, and considering that you can plant SIX peppers, in one of these… To me, it’s a no-brainer.

[@randydeshane9991]

I use grow bags to grow tomatoes, peppers, squash etc. they give lots of fruit and we are on year 4. I use drip irrigation on a timer for watering so they don’t sit in water all of the time.

[@BIGALTX]

If you are getting four years out of them, you are doing great. Good to know that they are working well for you. Thanks for the confirmation.

[@heatherj3030]

I've been using the same grow bags for about 10 years (20 and 25 gallon grow bags from Amazon) and they aren't pretty anymore, but they still work fine. In fact they are full of peas marigolds and strawberries plants right now. I put mine in the large sized cement mixing tubs from homedepot.

[@BIGALTX]

Those tubs would be perfect!! Thanks!

[@Chocoholiclady66]

Now there's an idea! Wish we'd thought of that or had seen this back when everybody was out of everything else under the sun to use! We couldn't even get storage totes to cut bottoms out of! Ended up making frames out of cardboard and Duct taping closed inside of lawn-and-leaf bags and just replacing those when necessary.

[@disabledvet5127]

I've been using fabric pots made by vivosun and I'm really surprised by them. They hold their shape and hold the water . Like I can water on Monday and by Wednesday you only have to dig down 6 inches to find wet soil. I do 15 gallon for must of my vegetables.

[@BIGALTX]

Vivosun is a pretty good bag. Most of mine are Opulent: amzn.to/3NvTLRz

[@jimm874]

I just use 5 gal buckets with 3 1/4in drain holes 1 in up from the bottom. Works just fine but have automatic watering system. I did however replace 7 this year due to buckets detierating but they were 20 years old. Have the best tomatoes every year.

[@BIGALTX]

Wow... that is great to know! So they are never "over watered".. the drain holes work even in the hardest rain?

[@jimm874]

@TexasPrepper2 yes, it let's excess water drain out while holding in 1 inch. After a lot of rain you will need to feed again.

[@MikeParentLeap]

We use Hempy buckets. Basically, a 5 gallon bucket with a hole drilled 2-3 inches from the bottom. Fill to the hole with perlite and fill the rest with Coco/Perlite. Feed with Jacks 321 until it comes out the hole. Works great.

[@pagevpetty]

Yeah, I've had my EarthBoxs for almost 20 years

[@BIGALTX]

Wow… That’s great to know!

[@kimberlytravis6827]

I used the cheap Blue Walmart grocery bags and filled up a kiddie pool with them. Drilled holes in the kiddie pool about 2 inches high and it was amazing! At that time the bags were .50 cent each and they lasted 2 years. We planted tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, cantaloupe, and peppers. Also did the 5 gallon bucket on rain gutter. All this taught buy the Rain gutter grow system. If we have another garden we will do the same. Very difficult to maintain a ground garden at our age.

[@BIGALTX]

Larry Hall has some great videos using the kiddie pools He's passed... and missed... but you can still find his videos

[@JeffEarnest]

I have one earth box I got for my dad that I 1998 and I am using it now.He passed in 2010 .And it still has plenty more left in it

[@BIGALTX]

Wow, that might be the oldest I’ve heard of.

[@barbaradumler6503]

I only plant 3 pepper plants in my Earthboxes. I love my Earthboxes. I found there wasn't enough air circulation. You have a beautiful garden.

[@BIGALTX]

I usually do 4, but last year I did 6 and didn't see any difference

[@barbaradumler6503]

@@BIGALTX My favorite episode from you is on the squash bugs. I laugh outloud everytime I watch it. :)

[@BIGALTX]

@@barbaradumler6503 Actually, I do too!! :)

[@debiegordon3787]

The grow bags are wonderful...i love them & their portability👍. I've seen ppl use plastic baby pools,very cheap, under them👍. ThanQ 4 the link to a GREAT DEAL on Amazon for the fabric bags💚💚💚👍👍👍

[@BIGALTX]

Glad to help!

[@angusmacduff3471]

I take a 2 or 4 gallon frosting pail from the supermarket bakery and cut the bottom out - save the cut out. I put the bucket on a big dust pan with the cut out bottom in place and fill it with my own potting mix (Larry Hall's) - then I plant a tomato in it and keep it in the screen/green house until it is ready to go outside. When the weather is good I take them outside - loosen the soil about 8" deep where you are going to place the tomato or pepper - slide the tomato onto the dustpan or shovel and move it it out to the loosened garden spot - remove the cut out bottom carefully ( not careful and the whole pot could empty). No shock to the plant - I open the sliding doors and move the buckets up front to harden them off.

[@BIGALTX]

Wow. Sounds like you have developed a good system!

[@annafontenot8914]

I just use crawfish trays under my grow bags, works great! You can buy them for $3 each

[@BIGALTX]

Great tip... never thought of that!

[@annafontenot8914]

@@BIGALTX thank you! They're the perfect size!

[@annafontenot8914]

You're welcome! The bags fit perfectly in the trays!

[@trikkeingferret]

Just checked Amazon for those earthboxs and they were minimum $40 ea. Most were $50 and up. I use the 55 gal food grade barrels. I planted 2 tomato plants in each drum last year and I got more tomatoes that we could eat. Shared them with the neighborhood. I also planted green peppers the same way. Again more that we could eat. I just gotta figure out a better way to support them.

[@BIGALTX]

I'll try to make a video on my tomato cages in the wicking tubs. You might can tell what I'm doing here at about 7:15 kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5zPmJeEnJuKerc Here's how I made the cages: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pp-6gnlmitxla68 I modify those same cages for EarthBoxes. A lady just commented that she googled Earthbox "coupons" and found some at (i think) 25% off. She got hers for $26. Amazon is higher on EB than the EB website is.

[@BIGALTX]

Here is her comment: "I Googled EB coupon codes and I tried 7 others that did not work before this one I was legit shook 😳 myself . Keep trying the codes!! The boxes were $35 before the code andc$28.00 after. These coupon sites change codes daily keep trying."

[@jaymartinson3236]

You gotta buy them off their actual website, not Amazon. They are expensive on Amazon for some reason.

[@davidward1259]

I wonder about wiping some 303 Aerospace protectant on those tubs? It protects plastic and rubber from UV and extends the life, so it may work on the plastic wicking tubs (feed tubs) as well. I have some black ones I bought for $37 for a set of 8 (17 gallon rope handled "Mainstays" brand tubs made by Homz from Walmart). I'm on my 2nd year using them as hybrid wicking tubs. So far only one has cracked at the rim, but that was our fault in moving it this year (full of damp soil). The "look" of the plastic is same as new even though this is their 2nd year in the Georgia heat and sun.

[@BIGALTX]

Someone else suggested the 303 last year. I think that’s a great idea. I probably will not use it because I think I may paint mine down the road. I don’t think they would paint well if they are sprayed with that 303.… Not sure

[@cathycrowder2226]

I'm here in CA - Zone 10 B so I grow year round. I have a few earth boxes which I use for my herbs but my main container garden is 5 gallon buckets from Home Depot(online - free delivery) for about $3.00 a piece. I use a modified Larry Hall rain gutter growing system and its great. The only problem I have is mosquitos( chinese variety) so working on eliminating them this year. I will probably be covering the buckets like the earth boxes to see if that helps - I use mosquito dunks for the water basins in the pots. I use grow bags for the potatoes but I am going to try 1-2 varieties of tomato in some 10 G grow bags this year. My biggest challenge is sun! I live in the suburbs and there are mature trees all around me so have to be creative to find those sunny spots!

[@BIGALTX]

Yep... gotta have lots of sun, Here's what I use for mosquitoes: amzn.to/3hkiSbf Thanks for watching!

[@cathycrowder2226]

@@BIGALTX Yep - I have those too!

[@pamelaham1038]

@@BIGALTX just ordered. Thank you

[@glendaalamilla2897]

I'm new to container gardening. I bought from Amazon vessels similar to what you call earth box. They came with lattice (plastic) and have holes to water in the bottom. I wish you had this video up before this past weekend. I think I made an error and put 4 tomato plants in each . I guess I will have to see what happens. Anyway, this year is an experiment all around for me.

[@BIGALTX]

Hopefully it will work... probably will... depending on the variety. You may just have to water and fertilize more often

[@glendaalamilla2897]

@@BIGALTX I'll keep you posted.

[@BIGALTX]

@@glendaalamilla2897 Do that :)

[@janetaleman8592]

My Earth Boxes are 23 Years old and still being used and the water doesn't run out unless you have over filled.

[@BIGALTX]

Wow, wow, wow. Good to know Thanks for sharing that!

[@nancystaley9101]

I cut 55 gallon barrels in half. Great containers.

[@BIGALTX]

You bet. Plastic barrels make a great container. They will last a lot longer than these mineral tubs.

[@grannysweet]

I so enjoyed your video. I use a $1.25+ tx. Clear plastic table Cloth . With walls, rocks and bricks to hold up the sides. Makes a huge trough water catch basin. Indoors. Has anyone tried outdoors? I've done black garbage bags but it's only marginally better than starving. Is this site always this good?🤔😎🐕🤣🌈😸🐿️🦆🦕🦖🦎🦮

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks GS. Your catch basin idea sounds pretty smart. Thanks for sharing!

[@thereadinesschannel7610]

I wonder if spray painting the tubs would provide some long term protection against sun making them brittle. It works with PVC pipe to some extent

[@chepindichepindi3328]

Earth pots are great.thanks

[@BIGALTX]

Yes they are!

[@Chocoholiclady66]

Use/Make (and mature) own compost, worm castings, etc. to fill containers and feed/fertilize so only out the cost of the containers and trays ... if able. Straw, lawn clippings, leaf mold is free to compost and also to mix in fresh to prevent compacting and help keep diy potting mix loose and well draining (as well as can use to mulch on top with more straw, etc. to slow loss/evaporation of moisture) or can buy vermiculite, coconut "hair" if no access/not able for mixing with dirt/soil and compost to make own potting mix. More labor intensive than buying "ready-made" but easier on the budget. Especially with the current rising inflation rates. Definitely just a temporary stop gap, but if unable to buy drip trays right away (or storage totes to make longer lasting ones) or not able to buy enough drip trays all at once (too expensive, supply shortages, etc.), for a cheap DIY temporary drip tray: cut and assemble cardboard to make a frame to the size and depth of drip tray needed needed and slide into large heavy duty lawn and leaf bag and seal up open end with Duct tape and fold it underneath to help keep weather out and away from the cardboard. We did this one year and tried it with two types of bags ... got a deal on commercial grade lawn and leaf bags (350 bags for half the cost of 1 drip tray) and surprisingly they lasted the whole season whereas the typical heavy duty lawn and leaf bags for standard home use only lasted half a season or less. It got us by, however, that year ... until could actually get enough longer lasting drip trays the following year (or buy enough storage totes, etc. ... anything to cut the bottoms out of to use for longer lasting drip trays).

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks for all the good tips and yes... the price of potting mix is ridiculous now

[@howtogetoutofbabylon8978]

you can make 50 five gallon grow bags from one role of 12-year fabric. Roll costs 47.00+/- One dollar a bag. Use an impulse sealer or see them. very easy to make:

[@BIGALTX]

Great info... thanks!

[@kaykay730]

just found this video.. can you talk about how you created the area you have under the growing containers... mulch? no weeds? taking out grass? etc

[@BIGALTX]

Landscape cloth, mulch, and after a few years may be a little herbicide. Keeps the grass out.

[@CH-iy4go]

Thanks for your videos. More than cost I am curious about which you think does best in Texas heat. By that I mean which system do you get the most vegetables. I live in West Texas, hot, dry, and windy. I need to conserve water while also growing my vegetables. Thanks and I really enjoy your videos.

[@BIGALTX]

The wicking tubs might be best in the hot west. I think the grow bags do dry out a little faster than the containers that have water reservoirs (like wicking tubs and earthboxes)

[@MrBumbles2]

i use pickle barrels $12 makes 2 tubs just cut in half, with grow bag been working great 7 yrs . using plastic coffee cans .. great success , every 3 yrs empty soil and clean out and treat soil . haven't replaced anything .. haven't tried earth box been looking at getting a few .

[@BIGALTX]

Those barrels will last longer than these protein tubs Need to get me some :)

[@MrBumbles2]

@@BIGALTX yes they work out great, ive had epic success, im in eastern NC soil is just sand, with 6 in corrogated pipe its at 7 gallons of water in bottom, i combined some of your fertilizer methods and old school leon not changing a thing, i actually brought a ameila tomato plant in my shop for the winter under lights still rocking.. every 3 yrs pull out soil into big bed lined with tarps and add alfalfa pellets, garden fertilizer wood ash etc stir it over our big 3 month winter and add compost. Then reset them, the grow bags work great and adding probably 10 more this year just picked up 5 more pickle barrels Friday at $10 ea.

[@BIGALTX]

@@MrBumbles2 Are they blue? I'm trying to find some that aren't blue hahaha

[@MrBumbles2]

@@BIGALTX these are black , from Mt Olive pickle.. gets 95 to 100 here all summer and i have had no isssue. when fruiting there filled every other day. also the top is screw on ring with rubber seal lid. i just hack them in half. wash out good smells like vinegar ,, maybe a pickle or two lol. if shipping wasn't so bad guy down the road has maybe 30 sitting there.

[@elizabethblane201]

One more hint: the EarthBox recommends putting only six chards in a box, but I've found that eight will fit well, as long as you keep them picked. You'll get about 30% more chard this way.

[@BIGALTX]

I put 6 in mine this year. I may try 8 next year. However, I planted several seeds in each hole. I thinned a little, but I'm sure there are more than one plant in each hole. Think that will be a problem?

[@elizabethblane201]

@@BIGALTX It may get really crowded with more than one plant in a hole.

[@jennbasil]

@@BIGALTX I put two basil starts in each hole last year (8 holes) in my eb and had some fungus issues I think because of not having enough ventilation. Solution: pick a lot at a time.

[@BIGALTX]

@@jennbasil You bet! :)