Want to win a $25 EarthBox gift certificate? Send us your EarthBox success photos with the word "contest" in the subject line of your email, and you could be a winner!

Please make sure your image is in .JPG format and at least 640×480 pixels or 5 x 7 inches at 72 dpi. We'll pick a new winner every month, and post the entry in an upcoming issue.

While we may be just a little biased, we believe that one of the strengths of the EarthBox gardening system is that it's so versatile. It's designed for seedlings, of course, which most of our customers obtain from their local nurseries. But we've also heard from many customers who have planted seeds directly in their EarthBoxes, or who have started their own seedlings for later transplant, and have been pleased with the results. There can be some tricky timing and spacing issues when working with seeds, but if you're willing to take a little care with the process, it can be done successfully.

Let's take a look at the EarthBox seeding options.

Planting Directly from Seeds   

One benefit of planting seeds over seedlings is that you have more variety. If you have a craving for a type of squash or tomato that most nurseries don't bother to provide seedlings for, then planting seeds is a must. And good luck trying to find an heirloom variety; while more and more nurseries are carrying them, they're still difficult to acquire as seedlings.

Direct seeding is best suited for warm climates (so that you can get as early a start as possible) and for easy-to-grow veggies such as cucumbers, squash, and beans. We've also heard of customers directly seeding arugula, radishes, carrots, and more. But be aware that if you're planting seeds directly in your EarthBox, some thinning will generally be required after germination, just as if you were planting seeds in the ground.

Growing Seedlings for Transplant
For most plants, it's easier to propagate your seeds elsewhere, and then transplant them into your EarthBox as seedlings. This is also a great way to get an early start on the growing season. Of course, you'll need to keep a sharp eye on the weather, and be aware of the average last frost/freeze date for your region. You'll also need to know the amount of time it takes for the seeds to germinate, so you can better plan when to start your seedlings.

Given the proper equipment, you can get seeds started fairly easily in pots, peat cubes, even unused cups. We recommend that you plant a couple of seeds in each hole. If you end up with more than one seedling, just wait until the first true leaves emerge, then cut the weaker seedlings off at the surface of the growing medium. Don't try to pull them out, as the roots may be entwined with those of the other seedling(s).
 

Once the weather's warm enough, you can easily transplant your seedlings into your EarthBoxes in the standard way.
 

The Bottom Line

If you'd like to seed directly into your EarthBox or grow your own seedlings, just keep a few things in mind. First, make your plans and purchase your seeds early. Keep an eye on the last average frost date, and be sure to take into account the germination times for the seeds. If you're starting seeds indoors, be sure to provide the appropriate amount of light. At the very least, put the seedling pots is a sunny area (such as a windowsill), and if necessary, install some grow lights to help them along. Finally, don't hesitate to check with your local county extension agent if you have any questions.

Good luck, and have fun!

As we continue to improve our website, we're constantly adding new features. One of the newest is a link that allows our customers to add reviews for each item. At the moment, most of our review sections at EarthBox.com are empty, so we'd like to encourage you to write a review about any product you've tried. Who better than our valued customers? Thanks in advance for your help -- we look forward to reading the reviews and improving your purchasing experience!

Fellow EarthBoxer Judi recently brought this to our attention:

"As I was looking for recipe ideas for use next summer, I found this great site by accident. It's called  AmpleHarvest.org. The goal of the organization is to 'educate, encourage, and enable gardeners with extra produce to easily donate to a local food pantry.'

"The site is nationwide. If you type in your address or zip code, it gives you a list of local food pantries within so many miles of your home. You can then make arrangements to donate based on your local food bank's schedule. Often they're looking for fresh produce, and normally have to use cash to buy it. 

Each month, we at EarthBox salute one of our valued retailers. This month, we shine the spotlight on Bennett's True Value of High Springs, Florida. Owners Marilyn and Gary Bennett have been serving the community for 23 years. EarthBoxes, materials for raised bed gardening, bedding plants, fertilizers, and a large selection of landscaping materials are all available year-round at Bennett's.
 

Bennett's supports EarthBox products with a vigorous program of advertising and promotion. Among other things, they've run a series of color print ads explaining how the EarthBox growing system works. The copy invites customers to visit Bennett's to speak with a knowledgeable staff member, who will happily demonstrate the benefits of owning an EarthBox. They also play a looped video in the store promoting EarthBoxes, especially each spring, which educates potential purchasers. Large color photos of local customers who are growing in EarthBoxes are displayed in the store, showing their fantastic results.

Additionally, Marilyn and Gary work closely with the Alachua County Extension Office, which refers people in the community to the store. 
 

Bennett's True Value also sells and services BobCat, Dixie Chopper, Scags, Snapper and Echo equipment, and they offer budget-friendly new and used lawnmowers. For those who do a lot of the "heavy lifting" in the garden themselves, there are hand tools and even a power equipment showroom.  

Layaway programs are available, and Bennett's honors requests for special orders! 

Stop by and visit:

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

5 South Main Street

High Springs, Florida

386-454-1717

"It's November 8, 2010 as I write this, and I'm enjoying the Ornamental Cabbage and Kale in one of my EarthBoxes!"

"deep"

Northern Indiana

Zone 5a

To place an order, call us at 866-727-5532 (24/7) or visit our online store.