Yeah Earthbox never used to insist on it but discovered it was one more thing they could charge us for. ;-) And, theoretically it can somewhat reduce the odds of BER with fruit that is often a problem with containers of any kind as it also provides a dose of calcium to the soil.

But in truth it is optional, one of those things that can't hurt much unless over-used (as it can make soil magnesium toxic) and might help some. Many soil-less container mixes on the market already contain some and so do many of the fertilizers you would use to feed the plants regularly. But if you want an additional margin of it then no more than 1/2 cup of your Espoma mixed well into the box soil will work fine.

Dave

Thank you. I think it is required for the potting mix that is used for the earthboxes because of the high content of peat used in the mix? On the back of my bag of Espoma Organic Garden Lime, it says Calcium 21% and Magnesium 10% so hopefully this will do.

My thanks again for your prompt reply and for taking time to help me. Mary

Optimal Ca/Mg ratio is 6/1, so your Epsoma should do fine.

Do I mix the Epsoma and potting mix in a separate container, then place into the earthbox? Do I fill base with water before or after placing the potting mix in the box. I hope it's ok to ask here. The earthbox forum is gone and no instructions came with the earthboxes. The only thing I could find on their website are the FAQ and they don't really describe how to prepare everything.

I ask this in the container forum but would like to ask here as you guys are so helpful. Is eyeballing the boxes sufficient for leveling? I'm placing them on a bed of hardwood mulch, no casters.

My thanks once again for your helpful assistance. Mary

Never mind. I feel so foolish. The instructions were folded in the bag with the drain pipe. I thought it was a sticker on the plastic bag. Woohoo, I'm good to go now! :-)

Mary