A great way to grow anything in especially in smaller spaces is to use an earth box . This diy homemade self watering earthbox is not only easy to make, it also makes gardening super easy. It waters itself using the water stored in the second compartment that is located below the soil level which is the upper compartment. I have never used one but, I am going to give it a try.
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Here’s What You’ll Need:
- 18 gallon tote
- 14 gallon tote
- soil
- 1″ PVC pipe
- Chinese soup container
- wire mesh or screen
- hand drill
- box cutter or cutting tool
- black trash bags (optional)
You probably want to build just one of these, but if you are ambitious you can go ahead and build the 3 box version as seen in the video below.
Step By Step Instructions
1. Drill small holes in the bottom of the 14 gallon tote for drainage, and then cut a wider hole in one of the corners, in which you will stick the PVC feeder pipe.
2. Cut a hole the same size in diameter as the Chinese soup container, in the center of the 14 gallon tote.
3. Drill holes in your soup container too, and place it in the 14 gallon center hole.
4. Sit the smaller 14 gallon tote on top of the larger 18 gallon tote. You will also need to drill a small overflow hole on one side of the tote.
5. Cut the bottom end of the PVC pipe at an angle,this will allow the water to flow easier through it.
All that is left for you to do, is fill the larger tote with soil, plant your seeds and water via the PVC feeder pipe. These earthboxes have been used to grow everything from 20 lbs of tomatoes, peas, potatoes, zucchinis and more.
It is recommended that you cover the top with a black plastic trash bag to slow down the evaporation rate. Make a few slashes on the top of the trash bag, to allow the plants to grow through.
Watch the video below on how to build your own earth box…
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