Garden Patch GP01GR-06 Grow Box

I should start out by saying that my Grow Box plants are *almost* all doing very nicely, and that I own 10 green Grow Boxes that line my front porch.That said, they're a bit of a pain in the backside to set up. The canvas cover tends to curl up and reveal the soil underneath, and the four plastic pins that hold it down at each corner do nothing to keep the long sides flat. They also curl up around the edges of the numbered points where you must cut it to insert the plants. This is a purely aesthetic issue, and aside from an occasional bit of grass or weed taking up residence in the exposed soil, it doesn't seem to create a problem with water retention.Also, the performance of the plants is certainly good, but not better than a standard reservoir planter or a very similar product called the Earth Box (which I find that I prefer, in part because of the optional wheels).I use 1/4 of a Mosquito Dunk in each reservoir every month to control mosquito larvae, and it works beautifully--no wrigglers in sight. I did not purchase the $25 tomato cage/plant support set--I thought the price was ridiculously high. We used a much less expensive modular tomato support set purchased at the local garden center, and it's working very well for the peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes.To be fair, these are doing a great job, but so are my non-Grow Box planters. I would only purchase more of these so that all the planters on my porch will match. If I do another set on the patio, I will use generic reservoir planters in the size and style of my choosing.Update: I've had my Grow Boxes for four years now, and they're in pretty darn good shape. They're a bit sunbleached/chalky looking here and there, but not badly. They're also perfectly intact--no cracking or leaking. We store them outside on the covered porch rather than in the shed or basement, and they've held up to the extra exposure remarkably well. I still don't use the covers and fertilizer that the Grow Box company sells, but I have had no problems with weeds, or water retention as long as I keep the reservoirs full and occasionally moisten the soil from above to ensure that the reservoir continues to function.One of the best things ever: the resident blacksnake discovered the Grow Boxes and likes to use the reservoirs as a soaking spot. (Blacksnakes are harmless, and we're used to them here on the farm.) One of the highlights of our summers is catching the snake's head peeking out of the spot where you fill the reservoirs. (Don't click the pic if you're afraid of snakes, but do click if you want to see the surface of a Grow Box after three years of full, South side sun exposure.)At any rate, I still have all ten Grow Boxes and they're all in great shape for their ages--cosmetic issues only. We're considering spraypainting the outsides at the end of the season so they'll be ready to go again next year, but it's not necessary at this point--just a matter of aesthetics. They're still structurally sound and doing a great job.

I am growing tomatoes in these but I am also growing mosquitoes. Unlike the true earth box where you water down a tube, here you have the one watering point which is totally exposed so it becomes a haven for mosquitoes to grow. Not good! I will also see how these clean up at the end of the season, the way you have to put them together, I am having my doubts.

I finally "broke down" and purchased a "self-watering" planter. I wanted it specifically for tomatoes. So far so good. It will only accomodate three tomato plants but that is enough for me. The plants seem to be doing quite well so I am happy. It remains to be seen how they do in the more intense weather of July and August but I expect all will be good. Saves me from worrying about watering every day.

If one was to plant as many plants as directions for use goes, nothing would be able to grow.I place 3 tomato plants as directions states and the plants are so tight together it will be difficult to harvest the tomatoes; and with the size of the plants, the wind constantly blows it over.

OK, I give up. I'm just not a gardner. The boxes didn't work for me, partly my fault, but partly because I got scared of the mosquitoes that would fly out of the opening when I watered in the evening.

I have reviewed these several times but neglected to mention that you must place them far enough apart so when your 'jungle' appears, you can still get to the water spouts. Also, too close together and they will shade each other. If you have vining plants like squash and watermelon, give them plenty spreading room. These are hard to move after they are established, so initial placement is important. I do love my grow boxes since they are so easy to take care of. I have RA and this has allowed me to garden again. I am so pleased.

I thought I was getting three grow boxes not one grow box for the price. I later ordered 10 grow boxes for $299.00 else where and they were the same except for color. I did plant a few pepper and tomato plants this year even though I thought it was a little late. The plants are growing but not sure if I will get anything.

I bought this as a gift for my daughter, who ahs no time for a big garden this year. She was thrilled to receive it, and plans to plant herbs in it.

This was my second purchase of this product. My tomato harvest was at least five times what it has ever been, with just one plant! You will never go back!