How to grow in a cardboard box, is it worth it. Grew Squash, onions, tomatoes, radishes, peppers, watermelon. zucchini, kale and more. Some plants grow longer then the boxes live, not much to say here on that.
When I first set this up:
Best Price, This is TULLE that Great Fabric SO CHEAP and last years outside here, here is an aff. link to check out, many colors, I usually get one of the greens, but any color will work great: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575376117&toolid=10001&campid=5338267736&customid=&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FTulle-Fabric-Bolt-54-X40yds-Wedding-Bridal-Party-Favor-Decoration-Tutu-Craft%2F381670793265%3Fvar%3D650737116165
Here are the SAME Solar Fountain Kits I buy for our Yard and this is an affiliated/aff. link to the company: https://www.ebay.com/itm/113751245970?epid=9033154044&hash=item1a7c1a4492%3Ag%3Atj8AAOSw08Bg~~xb&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAkJwwN5dLHCgYRNVOt3di3gQOwDwduEp9SwCcDv%2BSiiXDkotIDWIC3uDSOvWOefRD3Tdg%2FBYnE9lP3k06Qb2%2ByA%2FKMOhlih5Dj4jc%2FaT1qWZqPdJ%2ByBSuhT9%2BfttBLqPFLuOE3%2FzA%2BZovDY%2FQoKvlmEvR528zjoFyIM5X3aT6INCItgEqK0uZeZ9Pt0tjwRhK0g%3D%3D&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5338267736&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1
and another aff. link for the Solar Fountains we use here, as they run out fast:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/200973326243?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110010%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.DISCCARDS%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20200818141627%26meid%3D8e46baa6392b423789d9800c50c87f9f%26pid%3D101110%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D2%26sd%3D125402074075%26itm%3D200973326243%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2563228%26algv%3Ddefault&_trksid=p2563228.c101110.m1982&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAkDoec1v%2B9kN8s%2BnuMfVEiuDyeEdYyWXBYScCjOVlwYMF32Pn0bOj0PeZjGhejPiFxJI1DB9XVIk%2B4ydxWPB5STI3JHqUsvtQzOlY2Ammr%2B9wWYN%2FqUJW7vgnXNXhl3iB%2F1vRqGP7dYnOmb94V5K3tZtmTyxE3BVxN04Sl6oc70AefKmf07rfaSGF0xv5dYzJIg%3D%3D&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5338267736&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1
Here is a Company that I buy from for tubing for the SOLAR FOUNTAIN Kits, this is an aff. link to their site, the size I get is (5/16″ ID x 7/16″ OD) which this aff. link will take you right to:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/ULTRA-CLEAR-PURE-SILICONE-TUBING-BY-THE-FOOT-ALL-SIZES/383617931792?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=652018086071&ff3=4&pub=5575376117&toolid=10001&campid=5338267736&customid=&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&ufes_redirect=true&siteid=0
Best Price, This is TULLE that Great Fabric SO CHEAP and last years outside here, here is an aff. link to check out, many colors, I usually get one of the greens, but any color will work great: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575376117&toolid=10001&campid=5338267736&customid=&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FTulle-Fabric-Bolt-54-X40yds-Wedding-Bridal-Party-Favor-Decoration-Tutu-Craft%2F381670793265%3Fvar%3D650737116165
Soldering Iron works for making holes in buckets and totes, this is an aff. link to someone I have purchased a soldering iron from:https://www.ebay.com/itm/281417012369?hash=item4185c2d491:g:UTsAAOSwxH1T8nkS&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5338267736&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1
Video of Fountain with No Solar Pump used: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb-NDhQbmtg&t=0s
This is a pump that works off a Power Bank unit, (like a phone Charger) no solar needed:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/124265346756?_trkparms=aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20200818142055%26meid%3D8fb16443a1d9474a8c4c81e850d0ac18%26pid%3D101113%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dpf%26sd%3D143706630734%26itm%3D124265346756%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2563228%26algv%3DSimplAMLv5PairwiseWebWithBBEV2bAndUBSourceDemotionWithUltimatelyBoughtOfCoviewV2&_trksid=p2563228.c101113.m2108&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5338267736&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1&amdata=enc%3AAQAGAAAAkG5Z52UDUgdDVuYWNsCOQz1WM2a5ohpNGc%2BbiNf1ftBgpvsnWBG%2Ba4cCmfvcDcy2D2BSrHnzFJ42ApphOTy9HIavaRVCoswxSW2KILUPWf2OYOMjNMIAk72faxxhHOQ7zsS95xJ9z1O%2F1IqSV%2BAkipHcEVcs10AHeUtUcfTieZakhlYffUNiGqOVelPjuSOvZQ%3D%3D
45 Comments
I’ll stay with my totes!
Even I, with NO money to loose, I wouldn't grow anything in a cartboard box, to spend money, time and energy or the place ( which is so precious to me). I started with some totes that had some toys of my son ( 4 totes) and I ended having so many that I haven't the space to place them. We git so much rain the last three days, I even removed some of them in my bathtub cause I didn't have anything to cover those to protect them from the heavy rain…. So for me, definitely totes are the best! ❤️🐝
Hi Robbie, my name is Sharon, I tried grow bags and I won’t use them next year. I have to water 💦 them twice a day because it’s so hot 🥵
The goodwill bins in Oregon always have totes for $1. In the goodwill store the totes with no lid are $3-5. So cheap to go to the bins!
I LOVE your system Robbie! I have told so many people about it. Including a program that works with children with medical issues. It is an inexpensive activity they can do with kids. Also, I happen to run across that your amazing compost in place (which rocks🤩) is also called Africa key gardening. I stumbled across that looking at raised beds for the garden at Costco.
Did it go under the ground and the trees Roots got into 😬 oh that would be a lot of work for you. I have mine sitting on the cement and it has sweet potatoes so I will have sweet potatoes in 3-4 months. I like this system and yes I have control of what I can and can’t plant in there. Thanks Robbie and Gary it’s so good to have some advice from both of you, it’s so exciting and encouraging 👍👩🌾🙏🏻♥️
Great garden Robbie 😊👍
I was so excited today!! I found some sugar baby watermelon seed. I can't wait to plant them next spring! Every time I see your watermelons, I start craving them. Thank you for sharing this video. I was thinking about using boxes next spring, but I may not now because I want something more durable.
Thanks for the update Robbie and Gary I use the cardboard boxes 📦 in the bottom of my containers worked out pretty good for me and saved me on buying soil ✨👌🏾
You inspired me several years ago to container garden. I love my totes. It has been an amazing growing season. Thank you for all your tips
im very happy to have found this channel! i have failed over and over because id try to use 5 gallons and i feel it just wont work with plants as well as these totes will
I watched this video just in time! I was going to plant potatoes in boxes, but have now decided to just use totes! Thank you!
I also watched a video on filling up totes with at least half leaves, small branches, and organic matter, before adding expensive planting mix..
I had my first summer garden in the desert land of Central California, and it was a complete disaster! I had planted in pots! I won't trust them for anything more than seed starters next time.
I read about fall/ winter planting of root veggies, even garlic. I'm ready to try it, but I'm wondering how often they will need watering throughout the winter.. I'm going to plant inverted coffee creamer containers with a few tiny holes, in my totes, then fill them with water as needed.
God bless you, Robbie! 🌾🪴
I didn’t get to watch the whole thing cuz my son almost got into an accident 😔 he was going to the gym and good thing he was on the right lane and was able to turn right as the light changed to red 😬🤦🏻♀️ he was able to turn right and park in a safe parking lot. We towed his car in the house he lost his brakes 😔 I’m glad his ok and nobody got hurt. I am watching the whole video now ☺️👍♥️
Your tote method is the way to go. It's fun and manageable. Love your videos.
Boxes have been sprayed with chemicals to keep bugs away. They also use glue that leach.
LOVE the purple totes!!! I've been using grow bags with organic potting mix. This year I set up two totes with Robbie mix. Guess which system is FAR out-pacing the other?? Yep, Totes & Robbie mix. Plants grew faster, leaves are darker green, and they started producing fruit way sooner. So glad I found you!!!
Help! Been in our new place 2 years. I can't keep up with the cardboard boxes. My outdoor space is about 150 sq ft concrete back patio. White concrete. I got one 18 gal tote going sand put a large cardboard box and layered containers of different sizes on top. Getting a 2nd tote ready. I face due East. No trees no leaves no birds yet. Previous houses had lots of trees and birds but virtually no sun. I grew leaf lettuce in plastic window boxes I zip tied to the porch rail. I have 190 day season so I'm going to sow some spinach and more lettuce. So far lettuce and a few herbs were all that's grown . I'll layer some small c.b boxes and shredded paper ; then kitchen scraps and a top. Layer of decent potting soil I bought on top. And try to make some good soil. I can probably buy a little container of red wrigglers at the gas station on the corner. Next year I hope to do better with growing but I can't get the boxes into small enough pieces.
Robbie this season I’m battling something digging in my totes, including getting into those on chairs ! I suspect the vermin or rat or whatever has learned that I burried compost or compost in place….any recommendations on how to remedy ? I’ve found tulle to be only partly effective
Do you harvest any of your sunshine beyond your solar fountains? I figure a couple of portable panels plus an inverter and battery like campers set up would make for a useful " garden "
How are Gary's chickens? I've taken care of small flocks as a petsitter and loved it.
Love your rainbow garden,what an excellent idea.Ty,so enjoy yourr videos.
Love your garden! Your tote idea inspired me to keep it simple. Overwintering and protecting from frost was pretty easy compared to raised beds.
Just starting using totes this year after watching your videos there is no other way to grow vegetables and fruits. Thank you for all the help and info I get from your channel.
Good day
Oh Robbie, you've definitely taken over for Ray. You've become a God send for a lot of people. Thank you!
I did the same experiment a couple of years ago, and had the same concerns. They attracted snails, rolly pollies, and other pests. Instead, I now use cardboard to line the ground under pots and totes in grassy areas. They smother grass/weeds, and prevent ants from moving into the containers.
Tote gardening is the best!! Tote gardening on chairs is the bomb!! No more worn out backs and making your own special gardening tea to feed your plants with takes no effort. It's also a wonderful way to conserve water. My tote garden is enclosed in tulle netting which keeps the critters out. No more losses to squirrels, birds & rabbits! I cut a couple small circles in the tulle for bees to get through so pollination hasn't been an issue. I'm in a wheelchair & had thought my gardening days were behind me until I started using Robbie's container garden trick. Now I have a big garden I can tend easily & still stay under my rationed water usage! Thrift stores & Habitat for humanity re-stores are the best places to pick up totes & chairs. If you can't find enough chairs stack cinderblocks & run 2×4's through the holes to make benches. I used construction adhesive to adhere my cinderblocks to each other. Super inexpensive benches that work the same as the chairs.
Hello Robbie, I am finally writing to you, been meaning to for a long while now. Let me just say that your videos have been life to me. My dad died about 2 years ago and I have been so sad. Watching your videos and learning how to grow in totes has given me so much life, peace, and joy. I'm a beginner gardener and am so surprised that I can grow so many things successfully. I can't wait till next year. Thank you so much for what you do.
I just cannot get used to the look of all the totes, myself. I would likely only use them if I buried them in the garden. But, I am all about "composting in place" and creating the best soil that is already in the ground. I had raised beds before at a different place, but I have not seen much of a need for them since I started burying all my food waste.
Like your pitcher composting idea doing great. The watermelon is growing great. Plan to plant more pitchers and using our food scraps. Love your garden ideas!!!
Thanks for addressing the pros and cons of box planting. I prefer to use pots, totes and 5 gallon containers.
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Zoo kawg ospy
Yes. We do not want Kitty getting into those cardboard boxes or our Pets or wildlife. Yuck !! Totes are my Pride and Joy also Robbie. I Love what we grew in them , They provided Abundance of Tomatoes, Zucchini and numerous other delicious Veggies. Totes on chairs on our Balconies. Tulle protected everything in the Totes, from Squirrels and Birds so they would not be munching away at them. Have a great day. have fun setting up your 6 new totes. i cant wait to see what you have put in them? See ya !!🙋♀
During the mild to cooler temperatures, I may try a plastic bag in a crate.
I have adapted some of Robbie's techniques to my gardening. I buried a layer of kitchen scraps and shredded paper in a container (not storage tote) lower to the ground and discovered some earthworms living in there. Rain also helps.
Can I collect soil from the woods and use it in the totes instead of using potting soil??
I'll have to check out the cost of the local composted soil that you can buy. Hmmm?
Sometimes they go on sale at Target so you can get them for $5.
I like to buy my 18 gallon totes in the winter so that I can buy green ones! That are used for decorations..
আরেকটি মারাত্বক ভিডিও এবং ফাটাফাটি বর্ণনার সাথে পুরো দৃশ্যটি ক্যাপচার করেছো। আমি অবশ্যই বলব তোমার কাছে বিভিন্ন ধরণের আকর্ষণীয় ভিডিও সহ একটি দুর্দান্ত চ্যানেল রয়েছে যা সত্যিই সেরা।
I'm glad that you suggested the boxes because they have worked out for me. I put kitchen scraps and weed straw and some potting mix in them in the back yard. I'm growing Zypher zucchini and butternut squash. The butternut hasn't made yet, only vining leaves, but I have zucchini growing. When I water it goes down into the plant and beyond to roots into the dirt below the box. 📦
Definitely totes are the way to go!
Hi !
On one of the gardening sites I read about composting, a lady mentioned she had worked at a paper mill factory for years. She said if we only knew all the chemicals they used to make the pulp for paper, boxes, etc. is enough to not want to use it as compost. She said there are too many nasty chemicals to even mention. I have stopped using it in my compost. No need to when I have plenty of dried plant material. I do still throw coffee filters filled with coffee but that's it and minimal. I think totes are your best bet!
I’m assuming you poke holes in the totes? Great video 😇😍
Hi Robbie, I love all of your videos! I have just started a large container with all of the plants that have finished producing vegetables, it is very wet here today we have thunderstorms and lots of rain, we are going into Autumn now, so the days are getting shorter and the temperatures are dropping! I was wondering if I could just keep filling the containers and stacking them over winter for next year to grow my pumpkins and squash plants? Or do I have to start next year? I love the different coloured chairs and containers, unfortunately I only have green ones and they sit on the ground, I’m a 76 going on 77 year old woman and like the idea of the container garden. I do hope I’m not boring you too much lol 😂 I still have a lot of your videos to go through, and they will keep me going through the winter months. Take care and keep your videos coming!
Because of illness, I started too late but your information gave me the energy to even start. I finally got my garlic separated and in dirt. That's a lot of garlic even after I gave 8 away in 4 bottom of gal water jugs. Racoons pulled up a few garlics but must not have liked taste and threw them down. I replanted them. Fall fell on Alabama. My back porch was in the sun, now in the shade. Next week nights in the 50's. Thankyou for suggesting soaking turmeric bulbs in water- (growth inhibitor) Put them to sleep in $Tree wastebaskets for next year. Sprouting in each wastebasket. Will bring them in when it gets cold. Found a safe place for peppermints and planted them outside. Have to re-pot a few other plants but learned so much I am eager for next years gardening. All thanks to you and Gary.