GrowBox vs EarthBox
GrowBox and EarthBox are the most popular container gardening systems on the market. They make it easier for anyone to be successful at gardening in virtually any environment or space. While they look similar, there are differences between them. Use the table below to compare GrowBox vs EarthBox to see which is right for you.
| GrowBox | EarthBox Original | EarthBox Root & Veg | EarthBox Junior | |
| | | | | |
| Starting Price | $39.95 | $43.00 | $33.00 | $25.00 |
| Replanting Cost Price represents the cost to get fertilizer and dolomite to replant 1 system. Both elements are crucial for the best results. | $21.90 | $15.00 | $15.00 | $10.00 |
| Colors | | | | |
| Crop Yield Both GrowBox and EarthBox provide bigger yields than other gardening methods. The EarthBox Original produces bigger yields per sq. feet when following its instructions. | 🍅🍅(Great) | 🍅🍅🍅(Max) | 🍅🍅(Great) | 🍅(Good) |
| Size (in.) | 28 x 14 x 12 | 29 x 13½ x 11 | 17¾ x 17¾ x 15¾ | 23 x 9½ x 7¼ |
| Soil Capacity | 1.25 cubic feet | 2.0 cubic feet | 2.0 cubic feet | 1.0 cubic foot |
| Water Reservoir | 4 gallons | 3 gallons | 2 gallons | 1.15 gallons |
| Durability Both provide good durability to allow reusing the system year after year. EarthBoxes typically last longer due to thicker plastic. Some EarthBox customers are using the same boxes for over 30 years. | Good | Exceptional | Exceptional | Exceptional |
| Overall Value Both provide better value than other gardening methods. The EarthBox Original stands out as the best value due to bigger yields, more accessories, and lasting longer. | Great | Exceptional | Great | Good |
| Made in USA | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Wheels Only the EarthBox Original system supports wheels. This inexpensive add-on provides big value, allowing you to move your garden into the sun or shade, protect from bad storms, etc. | - | ✔ (add-on) | - | - |
| Integrated Stand Only the EarthBox Original offers an elevated stand. The stand lifts the EarthBox almost 3 feet off the ground to eliminate bending and back strain. | - | ✔ (add-on) | - | - |
| Accessible Height When used with the elevated stand, the EarthBox Original sits about 3 feet off the ground to provide a wheelchair accessible height. | - | ✔* | - | - |
| Automatic Watering All EarthBox models have an Automatic Watering System add-on that fully automates watering. You simply hook up the accessory to your water spigot and EarthBox. | - | ✔ (add-on) | ✔ (add-on) | ✔ (add-on) |
| Potting Mix EarthBox offers an organic, peat-based growing medium specially made for container gardening to boost yields. | - | ✔ (add-on) | ✔ (add-on) | ✔ (add-on) |
| Fertilizer Both offer premium fertilizer that provide essential nutrients. EarthBox gives a premeasured pouch for easier, one-time application. | ✔ | ✔ (add-on) | ✔ (add-on) | ✔ (add-on) |
| Dolomite Lime Dolomite lime provides critical nutrients to tomatoes and other seeded veggies. | ✔ (add-on) | ✔ (add-on) | ✔ (add-on) | ✔ (add-on) |
| Plant Support Both offer a staking/trellis system to provide necessary vertical support to vining crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelons, etc. | ✔ (add-on) | ✔ (add-on) | ✔ (add-on) | - |
| Vining Crops Vining crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, summer squash, and melons. Requires a staking/trellis system. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | - |
| Root Crops Root crops like radishes, turnips, garlic, and leeks. The deeper EarthBox Root & Veg is the best system for beets, carrots, onions, parsnips, rutabagas, and jicama. | ✔* | ✔* | ✔ | - |
| Herbs & Greens All support growing herbs & greens. The EarthBox Junior was designed specifically for it. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Flowers You can grow annual flowers (impatiens, petunias, zinnias, sunflowers, marigolds, etc.) in any EarthBox or GrowBox from seeds or seedlings. We recommend using an 8-3-5 fertilizer (or similar) for best results. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Companion Planting Combining crops is possible in the EarthBox Original and GrowBox. Popular combos include tomatoes & peppers, eggplant & tomatoes, zucchini & summer squash, melons & winter squash, and peas & green onions. | ✔ | ✔ | - | - |
| Outside & Indoors You can grow either outside or indoors with any EarthBox or GrowBox thanks to their small footprint. If growing indoors, be sure to use appropriate grow lights for your plant. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Food Safe Both are made from food safe, BPA-free polypropylene, and do not leach harmful chemicals. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Self-Watering Both are sub-irrigated planters (SIP) meaning plants draw water from the bottom reservoir via natual capillary action. Your plants are kept optimally watered without risk of overwatering. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Eco-Friendly The sub-irrigated water reservoir promotes less frequent watering & prevents wasting water. The EarthBox mulch cover better prevents water & fertilizer from evaporating. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| UV-Protected Both GrowBox and EarthBox containers are infused with UV blockers to help prevent color fading and becoming brittle from sun exposure. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reusable Both are reusable season after season, typically only requiring a Replant Kit. For best results, replace fertilizer & dolomite every season, but reuse your potting mix. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Recyclable Both GrowBox and EarthBox are made from recyclable plastic. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Easy Setup & Use | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rating | 4.6 (50+ reviews) | 4.9 (4000+ reviews) | 4.7 (300+ reviews) | 4.8 (300+ reviews) |
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GrowBox vs EarthBox FAQs
What are the main differences between GrowBox vs EarthBox?
While both GrowBox and EarthBox container gardening systems are similar, they have these main differences:
- EarthBox offers 3 different sizes/models, while GrowBox only offers 1.
- EarthBox provides more accessories and add-on options.
- GrowBox offers a lower starting price.
- GrowBox has a 4 gallon water reservoir vs. a 3 gallon reservoir in the largest EarthBox.
- EarthBox better supports root crops like beets, carrots, and onions via its deeper EarthBox Root & Veg.
- GrowBox and EarthBox have their own specialized instructions for planting.
- EarthBox has more reviews and has higher ratings for both its products and customer service.
Overall, GrowBox provides a slightly less expensive starting point to container gardening; however, EarthBox provides a better experience and more value over time due to its durability, accessories, and inexpensive replanting.
Should I buy a GrowBox or an EarthBox?
It's hard to go wrong with either system since they're the most popular container gardens on the market. As noted above, GrowBox provides the basics to get started container gardening at a lower price. With EarthBox, you'll get a longer-lasting gardening system that's even easier to use and produces bigger yields. That's why it's the top-rated gardening system on the market.
What do I need to get started container gardening?
We suggest using our product finder. This will give you options based on what you're wanting to grow. You can't go wrong with any of the kits or bundles that are recommended to you.