I will simultaneously explain how to build 2 different TetraHydro Boxes and I recommend you build 2 of whichever you choose. I need to remind you. The smaller version is experimental!! I have been pushing the limits on the Earthbox since i got it to see how much it can grow, and know that the large TetraHydro Box can grow 6 tomato plants!! But the small TetraHydro box is experimental in that i am now wondering how small the box can be as long as it has essential nutrients and plenty of water.



If you are new to this goring system... just skip the experimental small box, build the large and be amazed!! :)



Everything is nationally available and purchasable at Wallmart and Home Depot. First is the list for each box system and below is a more detail description with important notes on items like the fertilizer and dirt.



Large TetraHydro Box:

-Large 18 gallon storage bin (Wallmart $4)

-Steralyte plastic basket w/ holes (Wallmart 2 for $3)

-2 cubic feet of potting soil (this brand at Lowe's $5, but find it at Home Depot also)

-2 cups of fertilizer (Home Depot $12 for HUGE 15lbs. bag, you can buy way smaller)

-2 cups of garden lime (Home Depot 10 cup bag $3.50)

-About 1 foot of 1 inch pvc each (Home Depot $2.5 for 10 feet)

-6 scrap of any rubber tubing for drain

-Large trash bag

-Veggies!



Small TetraHydro Box:

-Small 18 quart dish bin (Wallmart $3)

-Drawer organizer plastic basket w/ holes (Wallmart 2 for $1)

-1/2 cubic foot of potting soil (this brand at Lowe's $2.5 for 1ft, but find it at Home Depot also)

-1 cups of fertilizer (Home Depot $12 for HUGE 15lbs. bag, you can buy way smaller)

-1 cups of garden lime (Home Depot 10 cup bag $3.50)

-About 1 foot of 1 inch pvc each (Home Depot $2.5 for 10 feet)

-6 scrap of any rubber tubing for drain

-Large trash bag

-Veggies!



Details:

-Box

Nothing to specific make sure its large enough and will hold the basket with holes in it upside down. If you don't buy the suggested bin you will have a good understanding of how to pick your own by the end of the guide.

-Basket:

Make sure it fits in your box upside down. you are going to drill holes in the bottom later so it will act as a membrane between dirt and water but allow the roots to penetrate.

-Dirt:

Earthbox recommends or more requires that you only use potting MIX... i use SOIL... either is fine... mix just costs more. Earthbox says the difference is that soil contains rocks and mix does not. I have no idea where they came up with that idea. I have never seen a rock in potting soil, and so what if there was a few is it worth double the price? The difference i do know of tho is that potting MIX has already been fertilized and they add perlite. Perhaps that is worth paying double for, i don't know tho. I've used them both in separate boxes simultaneously and noticed no difference.

-Fertilizer:

Earthbox says any fertilizer will work as long as the numbers are 15 or less, as in 5-8-12 or some combination. The one i am using is 16-16-16. I guess I am just defiant... lol :)

-Garden lime

Very hard to find! Strange considering how important it is for gardening tho. Earthbox recommends you use dolomite or hydrated lime. I understand that the lime used for concrete can also be used but may burn plants. The brand I found at home depot was cheap enough and has way more benefits too. The purpose is too raise the soil ph as most vegtables need more acidic soil and also to fortify the soil with calcium. Without your plants may suffer from what is called blossom end rot and it ruins you crop. I have seen it personally years ago and would add the vitamin tablets of calcium or crushed egg shells after ward, but the garden lime i found has tons of other vitamins and minerals too.



