Step 1: See how it works....

It's cheap

You get a lot of crops :)

For instance tomatoes

Step 2: Top view of the pipes

Step 3: The egg crate panel

Snip the egg crate panel 18" x 15" (this will vary depending on the dimensions of your box). If your box has rounded corners, then snip out the corners to match. You should be able to get 3 screens per panel. Use two nylon ties to attach each tube to the egg crate screen. The egg crate panel seems flimsy, but it is very easy to snip out and saves you from drilling out the cover to make a screen. Once the supports are under it, it is plenty strong enough and provides great aeration.   

Step 4: Cut egg crate panel

Cut out holes for the pipes

Step 5: Hole for the filler tube

Snip out the egg crate material from the middle of two outside tubes, they should be on the same side of the screen. Make sure to leave some edge squares intact so the screen is still supported by the edge of the tube. These are going to be the wicking chambers. On the same side, snip a 3 square by 4 square hole above the center tube, this is where the filler tube will go.

Step 6: Fiberglass screen

Take a piece of the fiberglass screen material and wrap it over the top of the egg crate screen, this will prevent the potting mix from falling through the holes. You can just hold it in place while you drop the screen assembly into the box. The box sides will hold the screen edges. After the screen assembly is in the box, you need to cut the fiberglass screen from the wicking and filler tube holes. 

Step 7: 1 1/2" PVC pipe

Cut an 18" piece of the 1 1/2" PVC pipe , then cut an angle on one end. Insert the end with the angle cut into the middle hole. This will be the filler tube.

Step 8: The filler tube

Stick it in

Step 9: The overflow hole

Drill a 1/2" hole in the front of the box so that it is 1" below the inside screen. This is the overflow hole so the planter cannot be over filled and ensures there is a gap between the screen and the water for good aeration. You can put one of the tubes next to the box to get an idea of the hole height.

Step 10: Eartboxed ready for planting

The tomatoes are ready to be planted

Step 11: Planting time

Fill the wicking tubes with potting mix and firmly pack it in the tubes, I really soaked the mix while filling the wicking tubes to make sure the were no air pockets. When the tubes are packed, start filling the box with potting mix. Wet the potting mix as you fill the box, making sure to pack the box so it fills with no air pockets.

Step 12: Planting tips

The goal here is to turn the potting mix into a big sponge that soaks up the water. It is important to fill the box enough to make a decent crown on top so rain water will run off. For a moisture cover, I used a trash bag with either a bungy or nylon cord to hold it down and put the plants directly above the wicking tubes (when planting tomatoes). I also used the plastic bin cover as a base to help protect the bottom, the greenhouse floor is crushed stone. You can follow the instructions on the Earthbox website for filling, fertilizer and plant placement.

Step 13: Now bees come.............

........ and make a lot of tomatoes

Step 14: Isn't it nicey?

Yummy can't wait.......