Gardening box saves space, water

Q. I recently moved to a condo from a house where I had a garden for tomato and pepper plants. I read an ad for the EarthBox , a gardening box I could put on my patio. Do you recommend this box? Can it be used again next year?A. The EarthBox is a self-watering gardening box that can be placed on a patio or balcony. Jennifer Schultz Nelson, University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator, recently experimented with several EarthBoxes and found they work well if directions are followed carefully. Do not try to squeeze in more plants than indicated in the instructions because too many plants do not produce well and may not survive. And don't try to grow sweet corn!Nelson mentioned the following unique features:bull;The water reservoir does not allow you to over/underwater the plants.bull;It uses an average of 80 percent less water than in-ground planting. bull;A plastic cover conserves water.bull;It can accommodate many types and sizes of plants.bull;You can use a trellis to utilize vertical space.It is recommended to buy the entire kit (choice of organic or conventional for about $60.) rather than trying to assemble all the components yourself. It comes ready to set up and includes casters for easy movability. The only things you have to add are the plants. Use 5- to 7-inch tall seedlings bought in 2- to 4-inch pots rather than sowing seeds directly.Instructions for using the EarthBox are available at the website earthbox.com. Reading the website directions and box description might help you decide whether or not to invest in the kit.The system can be reused with the same soil for five or six seasons before replacing it with 2 cubic feet of container potting mix. Annual replant kits (conventional or organic) are available for less than $15. Replant kits and any replacement parts are available at the website.You can also find the EarthBox available at many major nurseries in the Chicago area.bull; Provided by Mary Boldan and Donna Siemro, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. Send questions to Ask a Master Gardener, c/o Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016, (847) 298-3502 or via e-mail to cookcountymg@sbcglobal.net.