Earthboxes are one of our favourite container gardens. Not only do they produce a ton of produce, they are also easy to maintain and prep for the winter. As the temperatures get colder, you may be wondering what to do with your box. While this article is geared towards EarthBoxes specifically, many of these tips can be applied to container gardens in general.
1. Cut Back Dead Foliage
Remove the foliage of any annuals plants like tomato stems and leaves. Don’t worry about putting out all the roots. Those can be removed in the spring and are generally easier to remove then too as they have spent the winter and early spring starting the decomposition process. Excess plant material can be put in the compost
For perennial plants such as strawberries, chives and mint, you can leave the plants as they are with the mulch cover intact for the winter. Once a hard frost comes, as an additional option but not a necessity, you can also choose to cover up the plants and boxes with leaves, straw, or snow.
2. Drain Excess Water
Tip the boxes to the side to drain out as much excess water from the reservoir as possible. This will make them lighter and easier to move (if needed).
3. Store the Boxes Indoors or Outdoors
EarthBoxes are frost proof and can freeze solid during the winter and thaw out in the spring with no adverse effects. For many of our gardens, we simply leave the boxes where they are and replant them in the spring.
If you do have a covered or more protected spot to keep the boxes throughout the winter, you can move it there to help to improve the overall lifespan of the box. A place such as under the deck, in the garage or shed works well.
4. Relax!
That’s really all there is to it. The boxes will be fine under a blanket of snow/ice and ready for you in the spring.
