Food-Gardening Lessons From A Wartime Victory Garden

My EarthBoxes Stay Too Wet. What Should I Do?

 

“I have a problem with my EarthBoxes (self-watering containers) staying too wet. I need better drainage. Which of your products would you suggest I try?  Thanks!” Question from Larry of Mooresville, Indiana

Answer: There are several things that you can do to fix this problem. First, remove all of the old potting mix from the boxes, and make sure that the self-watering system and holes are free and clear. It is not uncommon for them to get plugged up with soil and roots over time. Next, choose a very fast-draining potting mix. I suggest using Black Gold Natural & Organic Potting Mix and boosting its drainage with added Black Gold Perlite. Consider four parts potting mix to one part perlite. Finally, be sure not to overwater the boxes. Allow them to dry somewhat between watering. I hope that these tips help!

Happy Gardening!

Jessie Keith

Black Gold Horticulturist

About JESSIE KEITH

Plants are the lens Jessie views the world through because they’re all-sustaining. (“They feed, clothe, house and heal us. They produce the air we breathe and even make us smell pretty.”) She’s a garden writer and photographer with degrees in both horticulture and plant biology from Purdue and Michigan State Universities. Her degrees were bolstered by internships at Longwood Gardens and the American Horticultural Society. She has since worked for many horticultural institutions and companies and now manages communications for Sun Gro Horticulture, the parent company of Black Gold. Her joy is sharing all things green and lovely with her two daughters.

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