Alternatives for EarthBox mulch covers?
 

I need to get a new batch of covers, having depleted the last 100 or so that I bought on sale some years ago. I still might check and see if there are any sale prices near the holidays, but the regular price is now $1.49 each in lots of 50 and $1.99 in lots of less than 50.

I'm reluctant to pay that price, and I'm looking for alternatives. Trash bags -- tucked in along the sides and ends? "Top Down" (that's no cover at all!). Cedar bark mini chips? Pine straw? Straw? Or maybe something else?

Unless you are very diligent and keep the "bread loaf" raised, then there is not much benefit so far as keeping rain out. Yes, it still helps keep "dirt" from splashing on the lower leaves and stems. Some of the DIY boxes and covers that I've seen on the 'net would have no effect on keeping the rain from coming right through. (Besides, any excess water will go right out the overflow hole.)

So what do you other container gardeners doing about covers in your earthtainers -- whether EB or not. Can't believe I'm the only cheapskate here! ;)
-GG

I use pine bark mulch, the small 1/2 inch nuggets (or chips).8-)

I saved the bags from peat or mixes to use as covers instead of using earthbox covers.

Last year I used Compactor bags (can get 2 covers from one bag). It really kept the rain out. Compactor bags were from HD and $10 for 30 (or 60 covers). I used clips to attach it and finally did the tuck in method. I had so many weeds growing in the EB especially with the tuck method.

This year I'm back to the covers from EB. I decided it is just part of the cost.

I use this for the porch,pool plants.They give off a nice aroma of coffeethey disperse top ground water evenly.I imagine a fabric cover,then half to one inch inside those boxes.Only downside is the mold ,overnite forming(they do advise you)and a spritz of vinegar will knock it down if it bugs you.They sun will do the trick.Second year for me.This year side by sides as a mix.Hey coffee grounds have their merit.It breaks down,it does dry shiny,nice touch for ornamentals.

[url]https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=cocoa+shell+mulch&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=178535476728&hvpos=1t1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=480935998784089227&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011911&hvtargid=kwd-492860975&ref=pd_sl_5zpb8sazhh_b[/url]

Ps there is a discussion about,here somewhere last year.

Actually in lots of 50 or more they are $1.69 each. Not exactly a bargain. Barb-they are just easier, right? I keep searching for an alternative too. For years now.

Yes, I remember that discussion. I tried a bag, and unfortunately it was not too successful. The shells started molding in pretty short order, and formed a big moldy mat. But I can't say that it didn't work ok as a mulch cover. I would need to be careful with it since I have a curious dog. I'll keep that one on the list!

-GG

@ginger2778
Yes, I just checked and it was $1.69, now. Yesterday, I put 50 in the cart, and it was $74.50. I think a lot of these web sites change prices regularly based on how many hits they get. That can be easy to do automatically with no human intervention. You can have a "demand curve" lookup table with all kinds of different prices so that it dynamically adjusts. BTW, I've always liked your avatar.
-GG

I had to look up what you were speaking of...though had a good
idea. Wonder what makes them pricy? The elastic, perfect size,
and probably a uv resistant plastic I suppose.
But my search comes up 75 cents sale just now...or maybe
these are a smaller size.
[URL="https://earthbox.com/earthbox-accessories/mulch-covers?gardening_system=85%2C84"]https://earthbox.com/earthbox-accessories/mulch-covers?gardening_system=85%2C84[/URL]

[QUOTE=oakley;670093]I had to look up what you were speaking of...though had a good
idea. Wonder what makes them pricy? The elastic, perfect size,
and probably a uv resistant plastic I suppose.
But my search comes up 75 cents sale just now...or maybe
these are a smaller size.
[URL="https://earthbox.com/earthbox-accessories/mulch-covers?gardening_system=85%2C84"]https://earthbox.com/earthbox-accessories/mulch-covers?gardening_system=85%2C84[/URL][/QUOTE]

Those are for the Earthbox juniors, so you are right, smaller than what we can use.I wish I could get them for $.75, I would buy several hundred.They don't go bad sitting in storage.

Why now buy roles of agrecultural film?
Worth

Ag film would be quite usable -- might be easier than trash bags. A three foot size would be about right since the EB is 29 X 13 (apx). Thinking about this, you could actually make a fixture out of boards with a "slot" so that the film would be easier to cut straight.
-GG

[QUOTE=Worth1;670095]Why now buy roles of agrecultural film?
Worth[/QUOTE]

I think quantity comes into play. The cutting, fitting, securing on
so many boxes...at the end of the day, so to speak, the designed
product is just practical and easier.

One or five, ag fabric makes sense using a bungie or clips.

My rain barrels just have window screen, a bungie, and a chunk
of mosquito dunk. Rather than a purchased 15$ cover...
3 10 dollar pickle barrels over the $100+ for one from an on-line
garden supplier.

Most 'hacks' make sense while others end up a pain-in-the-butt.

Never did come up with the perfect mulch for my deck pots so I'm
still looking for next season.

The bags I get peat and mixes in work great. They are heavy and can be reused over and over again. I secure with re-useable zip ties around the outside of the container.

[QUOTE=Rockporter;670168]The bags I get peat and mixes in work great. They are heavy and can be reused over and over again. I secure with re-useable zip ties around the outside of the container.[/QUOTE]

Do you have a picture with the zip ties?

The compactor bags are thick as well, but I spent $ on the clips too.

This year I partially filled some of the EB waiting for my plants to get bigger but put the real EB covers on them. The was no loaf; not even flat. It rained a lot and the EB covers kept all the rain out even with the rain pooling on top.

----
OTOH - I want to give a huge plug for the HUSKY CLEAR bags for solarizing the mix in the off season. This year, I dumped all but 4 of my EBs. We were out of town when the hurricane came through and even though the EB tipped over in the storm, the bags stayed intact. I still have 2 of the EB waiting to be reused. The hurricane/possible tornado ripped our complete solar panel system off the roof, but the $1 per bag held up just fine.

[QUOTE=Barb_FL;670190]Do you have a picture with the zip ties?

The compactor bags are thick as well, but I spent $ on the clips too.

This year I partially filled some of the EB waiting for my plants to get bigger but put the real EB covers on them. The was no loaf; not even flat. It rained a lot and the EB covers kept all the rain out even with the rain pooling on top.

----
OTOH - I want to give a huge plug for the HUSKY CLEAR bags for solarizing the mix in the off season. This year, I dumped all but 4 of my EBs. We were out of town when the hurricane came through and even though the EB tipped over in the storm, the bags stayed intact. I still have 2 of the EB waiting to be reused. The hurricane/possible tornado ripped our complete solar panel system off the roof, but the $1 per bag held up just fine.[/QUOTE]

No pics, just make the bag big enough to hang over the edge almost all the way to the ground. Then zip tie the re-useable zip ties together so it will fit around the EB, then cinch it tight with the bag against the bottom edge of the EB.

[QUOTE=Rockporter;670195]No pics, just make the bag big enough to hang over the edge almost all the way to the ground. Then zip tie the re-useable zip ties together so it will fit around the EB, then cinch it tight with the bag against the bottom edge of the EB.[/QUOTE]

I've tried clipping the bags to the EB, but as Barb said, $ for the clips, and they didn't hold up very well. Do the zip-ties seem to hold up OK through the winter? They are some type of nylon, so I would think they might be pretty durable.

-GG

Confession here - I use the zip ties but NEVER knew they were reusable. I just always clipped them. Now I feel stupid.

I use them for storing my square tomato cages - mine are never as flat as when I bought them.

I used them for attaching bamboo poles to the cages to make the cages much taller. My neighbor still has her 'big cage' intact from Sept '16 even through the 2 hurricanes.

I use them to close and keep the clear bags tight when solarizing. Solarizing takes place during the hottest, most humid part of the year.

GreatGardens - Larry - I can say that I have never had one deteriorate.

Rockporter - Thanks for the idea. I still have a few EB I need to get set up. I will try it this weekend and post a picture. Now I wish I had longer Zip Ties. Will make do with what I have.

They are not all reusable.
Did you know the Ty Rap is 59 years old this year?
They are made by Thomas & Betts and the best brand on the market.
I have used many thousands in my career.


Worth

[QUOTE=Greatgardens;670366]I've tried clipping the bags to the EB, but as Barb said, $ for the clips, and they didn't hold up very well. Do the zip-ties seem to hold up OK through the winter? They are some type of nylon, so I would think they might be pretty durable.

-GG[/QUOTE]

The zip ties are UV protected and I buy them from here, just make sure you get the UV releasable cable ties.

[URL]https://buycableties.com/collections/releasable[/URL]

I can't find Raybo's thread on DIY Earthtainers, but I had a bunch of pictures on how I setup my EB's based on his cage design and using zip ties. Now, I did drill holes in the sides of my containers just under the lip of them to secure the cages with zip ties. Check it out there.

[QUOTE=Barb_FL;670398]Confession here - I use the zip ties but NEVER knew they were reusable. I just always clipped them. Now I feel stupid.

I use them for storing my square tomato cages - mine are never as flat as when I bought them.

I used them for attaching bamboo poles to the cages to make the cages much taller. My neighbor still has her 'big cage' intact from Sept '16 even through the 2 hurricanes.

I use them to close and keep the clear bags tight when solarizing. Solarizing takes place during the hottest, most humid part of the year.

GreatGardens - Larry - I can say that I have never had one deteriorate.

Rockporter - Thanks for the idea. I still have a few EB I need to get set up. I will try it this weekend and post a picture. Now I wish I had longer Zip Ties. Will make do with what I have.[/QUOTE]

I meant to say zip tie it just under the top edge, not around the bottom edge.

Hey, I never knew that there were any that were reusable! Definitely good to know. The first thought that I have is that I would attach them on the sides (top edge) more-or-less permanently. Then use a 12" resealable one to join the two edges and hold down the plastic. Maybe about 6" from each end. Three spots down the length of the sides at the worst. That should also take care of the "short" cable issues.

-GG

Did it today; I found enough long zip ties around the house. Picture coming as soon as DH will take it.

I had no luck getting the zip ties under the EB lip, but once I gave up trying, it went well. The zip ties are about 3" down from the top.

My bag (thick compactor bag) is shorter than what you recommend.


Definitely has promise; Besides this EB, I still have 6 other empty EBs.

You might have a problem with the zip tie coming off at the bottom because the box is gradually smaller. You could use a couple zip ties across the top of the box and connected to the zip ties wrapped around the box to hold it there better. I say this because you mentioned not being able to tighten it around the lip and I remember now I had the same problem so I used zip ties across the the top of the box. When I used my cages then I just used small zip ties attached to the cage and then attached to the zip ties around the box. Hope I haven't now thoroughly confused you.

Once the plant is in it, and if it starts sliding down, I will just use the clips like I had in the past.

Do you get the zip ties under the lip? Could have been my bag; they are very glossy and shiny making it slippery. It is really on tight though. I couldn't tighten it where the zips finally connected; went with one on the side.

[QUOTE=Barb_FL;670588]Once the plant is in it, and if it starts sliding down, I will just use the clips like I had in the past.

Do you get the zip ties under the lip? Could have been my bag; they are very glossy and shiny making it slippery. It is really on tight though. I couldn't tighten it where the zips finally connected; went with one on the side.[/QUOTE]

I don't do it that way anymore. If you can find Raybo Earthtainer thread you will see my setup using the same cages he uses on his Earthtainers. It's a whole different setup now.

Finally getting around to posting that picture. Since then, EB has been planted and I did another one that went way easier. Weird b/c the tie tabs were much shorter but I got done quickly.

Looks good barb.

How many ties did it require to do it with the perimeter attachment? Just from memory, the perimeter is about 6-7 feet? Looks nice and secure.

[QUOTE=Greatgardens;671572]How many ties did it require to do it with the perimeter attachment? Just from memory, the perimeter is about 6-7 feet? Looks nice and secure.[/QUOTE]

Yes, I want to know this too.