The Earthbox gardening system is the result of a dream and eight years of diligent research by Manatee County tomato farmer, Blake Whisenant. We have Tomatoes, Peppers, Onions, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Kale, Collards, Lettuce, Celery and other seasonal vegetable plants. Full-size Earthboxes come in a variety of covers, complete with 2 Mulch Covers, a water tube.
The Earthbox is owned and operated by Whisenant Farms and the Whisenant Family and is the home of the Earthbox container growing system. The Earthbox is the product of a lifetime dream and years of diligent research by Blake Whisenant, the inventor and patent holder. The Earthbox is based on the gradient system as recognized by Dr. C.M. Geraldson, Professor Emeritus of the University of Florida.
Blake began work on developing a container for growing vegetables and flowers in the late 1980s. This work resulted in the Earthbox, a revolutionary new way of gardening and the Earthbox was opened in 1996. Since that time, thousands of home gardeners have attended the free, twice weekly classes held at the Center in Ellenton and gone home to grow superb vegetables or flowers.
The Earthbox is owned and operated by Whisenant Farms and the Whisenant Family and is the home of the Earthbox container growing system. The Earthbox is the product of a lifetime dream and years of diligent research by Blake Whisenant, the inventor and patent holder. The Earthbox is based on the gradient system as recognized by Dr. C.M. Geraldson, Professor Emeritus of the University of Florida.
Blake began work on developing a container for growing vegetables and flowers in the late 1980s. This work resulted in the Earthbox, a revolutionary new way of gardening and the Earthbox was opened in 1996. Since that time, thousands of home gardeners have attended the free, twice weekly classes held at the Center in Ellenton and gone home to grow superb vegetables or flowers.
Services
Full-size Earthboxes come in a variety of covers, complete with 2 Mulch Covers, a water tube, aeration Grid and complete Instructions. All the individual parts are available if replacements are needed. Used Original Earthboxes and parts are also available. We also carry a variety of wooden Stands for the full size Earthbox.
We have Tomatoes, Peppers, Onions, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Kale, Collards, Lettuce, Celery and other seasonal vegetable plants. Most are available in 4 pots are as starter plugs. Geraniums, bedding annuals, Roses, Mango trees, Avocado trees, Papayas and Bananas, Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries are also available.
Yes, the original EarthBox is now available in dark green, sage, terracotta, chocolate, eggplant, and white. Some colors have been discontinued. The original EarthBox measures 29"L x 13"W x 11"H. The EarthBox Jr. is perfect for flowers, lettuce, peppers and herbs and its dimensions are 23"L x 9"W x 8"H.
This is probably my favorite time of the year. You can still plant the majority of the Winter vegetables and begin to start planting your Spring Crop. You can also start seeding squash, zucchini and cucumbers. Strawberries are looking great and have their Spring blooms to look forward to which will be the largest of the year as far as production.
We will be open for business on Monday, Labor Day, 9/6/21 from 9 am to 1 pm, our regular Monday hours. We have plenty of tomato starter plants. Still a good time to plant them. Strawberry plants should arrive between the 1st to 2nd weeks of October. Will have these varieties: Brillance, Florida Beauty, Radiance.
Reviews (12)
Gloria L.
Nov 01, 2021
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Earthbox is a garden center in Ellenton, Fl. off US-301 at 36th Street. The parking area is small but enough space for us during the week. I'm not sure how it would be on a weekend.
Earthbox was developed by commercial farmers to make it easy for home gardeners. It is a type of growing system with self-watering containers that have a water reservoir built in that is capable of irrigating the plants for several days. The system says it doubles the yield, reduces water usage by 60% and uses 28% less fertilizer. I like that the box itself is made of recycled plastic and can be used year after
Earthbox was developed by commercial farmers to make it easy for home gardeners. It is a type of growing system with self-watering containers that have a water reservoir built in that is capable of irrigating the plants for several days. The system says it doubles the yield, reduces water usage by 60% and uses 28% less fertilizer. I like that the box itself is made of recycled plastic and can be used year after
Justin Claxon
Oct 17, 2021
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Nerina Stepanovsky
Jul 03, 2021
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Angela Rodas
May 16, 2021
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Colleen Rimmey
Apr 06, 2021
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Sushma Janakraj
Feb 25, 2021
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Carol R.
Jan 05, 2021
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D. Black
Oct 22, 2020
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Jack McDermott
Jul 18, 2020
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Nina D.
Sep 16, 2019
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Bob and everyone there is wonderful! Very friendly and very knowledgeable about growing vegetables and herbs, whether in an Earthbox, a container or in the ground. They have a large selection of plants for sale, along with freshly grown produce, Earthboxes, soil and amendments, all at competitive prices.
Karen F.
Sep 16, 2015
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The business actually goes by the name of either Earthbox Research Center or Earthbox Gardening Center. The Whisenant family that owns this nursery invented and developed the original earthbox system, and owns the patent. In addition to driving to Ellenton, you can also purchase the earthbox in many hardware stores or online.
I always come to this location though, because it is one-stop shopping. In addition to selling you the earthbox, they will sell you exactly all you need to go into it: the box, water tube, grate, and cover which make up the system, the soil, the fertilizer, and whatever
I always come to this location though, because it is one-stop shopping. In addition to selling you the earthbox, they will sell you exactly all you need to go into it: the box, water tube, grate, and cover which make up the system, the soil, the fertilizer, and whatever
Gail L.
Apr 19, 2013
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Love this place. We now have 7 Earthboxes and can't begin to eat all of the produce we grow. After years of gardening, old school, with tillers, digging etc, this is the easiest and most productive way to "farm". I purchased 4 boxes for my son and daughter in law as a house warming gift for their new home. Staff at earthbox store very knowledgeable and helpful. My sister in law and myself took classes a few years back from Blake W isenaut, the inventor of the Earthbox. what a brilliant and charming man.