Lamberts potting mix is peat based, so it wicks up well.

Yes, I like Lamberts, too.

If you haven't seen it, here's the earthbox recommended list:

Here is a link that might be useful: approved for use in earthbox

Thinking any 'soilless' mix will do - I've used a couple of different potting mixes - as long as they don't contain soil, I think they're fine.

I do top off w/ compost, tho.

I'm not sure how you would define "making your own"... if you don't want to do ANY mixing at all, I'm not sure what I'd recommend. Container mixes that you buy in stores just aren't going to be optimally designed for self-watering containers.

I would recommend Ray Newstead's mix, as described in his EarthTainer guide (an EarthTainer is basically a build-it-yourself EarthBox - same basic design and principles). He uses a 3:2:1 ratio of high-quality potting mix, micro bark (sometimes called "bark fines" or even just bark mulch) and perlite.

For the high-quality potting mix, the best in my opinion is Pro-Mix BX. If you can't find it, I've found the Fafard potting mixes in this part of the country to be quite good (and much cheaper). The bark fines can be found at most garden stores, but I've never found them at Lowe's or Home Depot. The perlite can be purchased anywhere, usually in 8 quart bags.

This of course need to be supplemented with fertilizers (again, see Ray's guide - just Google it). It is not too difficult to mix everything (do it on a tarp with a shovel, or in a big trash can), and the results are phenomenal. It's worth spending the extra money to get the quality components... you will be more than re-paid with the amount and quality of tomatoes that you harvest. I made the mistake of cheaping out my first year (using Miracle-Gro potting soil) and paid dearly... I learned my lesson!

Good luck!

Agree on Lambert!

Last season, I tried the HD's house brands (Vigoro) for my Earthbox and raised garden (organic potting mix and garden soil), and they both completely failed. It left me devastated considering I had spent a lot of time and money setting them all up. I had A LOT of set up.

The sad thing is, when I was at HD buyng the soil/mix, the cashier mentioned Lambert and said she really liked it. I didn't take the advise because it was cheaper(!) and I thought, "you get what you pay for."

I read up reviews on both and sure enough the HD brand had bad reviews across the board on their soils/mixes, while Lambert had positive results (Funny enough.. I just did a search on their website for Vigoro and the soil/mixes are no where to be found!)

Near the end of the growing season, I decided one last try to grow, and went ahead and bough the Lambert mix for a couple of Earthboxes. NIGHT AND DAY DIFFERENCE!

Got TONS of cucumbers, peas, peppers, and some squash.

Oh... and Lambert is listed on the EB website as a recommended brand.