Setup and Planting Instructions
Follow along with our steps and instructions for how to get your Caja ready for planting. For optimal results, we recommend using a potting soil that includes worm castings and our Fertilizer/Dolomite Package.
1. Gather MAterials
You will need Caja, Soil Media (potting soil), Seeds and/or Transplants, Fertilizer/Dolomite, and Water.
2. Setup Caja
Place the aeration screen and watering tube into the Caja. Position the screen so that the watering tube is in the corner with the diagonal slats on the bottom.
3. Add Potting Soil
Fill Caja halfway with potting soil. Press the potting soil firmly into the “Capillary Corners” to ensure proper wicking of water from the reservoir throughout the soil media.
4. Add Fertilizer / Dolomite
Spread dolomite and fertilizer evenly over the soil surface. Adding the fertilizer in now means proper nutrition for your plants as they grow without worry during the growing season.
5. Lightly Water Potting Soil
Most potting soil will be quite dry so moistening it now will help your plants acclimatize to pre-moistened soil.
6. Pour remaining Soil Into Caja
Add the rest of the soil into your Caja. Mounding it 1-2″ above the rim will allow the soil to settle flush with the upper lip during the growing season.
7. Add / Secure Mulch Cover
Carefully add the mulch cover over the top of the box. You will need to cut/create a hole for the watering tube to pass through. Cut an “X” or a hole in the cover according to your plant selection. See our Planting Guide for Details.
8. Plant Seeds or Transplants
Direct seed or plant transplants into your Caja.
9. Move CAja to Growing Area
If your preparation space is different than your growing space, move the Caja to your desired growing location.
10. Fill Water Reservoir
Fill the water reservoir. This is also the only time when we recommend watering the seeds or transplants directly through the cover as it can take 24 hours for water to percolate up from the reservoir.
Watering Tip #1
All watering should be done through the watering tube. Your Caja can be filled with a hose or watering can and you’ll know the 10L reservoir is full when water flows out the over holes of the Caja.
Watering Tip #2
It is impossible to overwater as the overflow holes prevent the soil from getting too saturated. Do not let the reservoir run dry as it can affect water movement in the container.
Learn More
Check out our YouTube page for gardening ideas and inspiration and videos to follow along. Download a PDF copy of our Caja Setup and Planting Instructions. Download French language PDF Instructions et guide de plantation Caja.