Les,

May I save you a season of disappointment.

I too thought that a big wicking basket was needed for a 31 gallon EarthTainer. I was WRONG!! My potting mix stayed in the "Wet" range all season long. Read the original thread "EarthTainer - Mistakes Made - Lessons Learned".

Below is the link to the EarthTainer II improved design that uses a 5" diameter, 4" high wicking basket. This design was proven far superior when used for my Fall crop last year.

The other benefit is this new design holds 3.3 cubic feet of potting mix, which is what you want to provide the plants as much room to grow in. A 12.5 gallon water reservoir just takes space away that could be used for more potting mix above a 4" aeration bench.

Sorry to sound critical, but learn from my mistakes of last year that I documented in the above referenced Thread.

Raybo

Here is a link that might be useful: EarthTainer II WaterMizer Edition Guide

Raybo, would you email me via garden web? I have a question I want to run by you, but would prefer to discuss it offline. I was going to email you, but it appears you don't have your profile set up to allow emails.

Les,

Here is the link to the Mistakes Made thread. It was in the Tomatoes Forum on GW.

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/tomato/msg0321401028869.html

Raybo

Here is a link that might be useful: EarthTainer Mistakes Made