Do I need to use the top cover?Updated a year ago

Yes! The top Mulch Cover is what protects the growing environment of the entire EarthBox® gardening system. It helps conserve water by limiting evaporation, and it prevents heavy rains from washing away all the plants’ fertilizer and nutrients. The Mulch Cover also protects the growing media from weeds and pests. Place the cover on the system before planting and leave it on until your growing season is over and you’re ready to remove the plants and clean up the growing system. 

Always use the Mulch Cover, even in very hot climates. If your local temperatures are typically over 85° F during the peak growing season, place the Mulch Cover on the system with the white side facing up. This will reflect the sun so small plants don’t become stressed from the heat. 

For cooler climates where early growing season temperatures may still be too cold for some plants, place the Mulch Cover on the system with the black side facing up. This will attract the sun and warm the growing media to help small plants grow.