Emsco Group City Picker raised bed grow box – 2‑gal self-watering reservoir, aeration screen & casters

The Emsco Group City Picker is a compact, mobile raised-bed grow box with a 2‑gallon self-watering reservoir, aeration screen, and casters so you can grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers in small spaces.

The City Picker brings raised-bed gardening to patios, balconies, rooftops, and other tight urban spots without the heavy lifting or ground installation of traditional beds. Built as a freestanding container, it combines a reservoir-based wicking system and an elevated aeration screen to simplify watering and improve root oxygenation. The unit ships with clear instructions, a mulch cover, and four swivel casters so you can move plants into sun or shelter as seasons and weather change.

How does the self-watering system work?

The City Picker uses a 2‑gallon reservoir under the planting area that supplies moisture through capillary action. That means you top off the tank rather than constantly surface-watering, and built‑in overflow holes prevent accidental overfilling. The system reduces watering frequency while letting roots draw moisture on demand.

• 2‑gallon water reservoir for longer intervals between watering
• Wicking action moves water up into the growing medium
• Overflow holes prevent overfilling and drainage issues
• Mulch cover included to reduce evaporation and conserve water

Will plants get enough oxygen and drainage?

Yes — the planting zone rests on an aeration screen that keeps roots lifted above stagnant water. This increased air flow around the root zone helps prevent root rot and supports healthier, more vigorous growth without complex soil amendments.

• Elevated aeration screen separates roots from excess water
• Improved oxygen access promotes stronger root systems
• Built-in drainage paths channel surplus water away safely
• Suitable for standard potting mixes and seedling starts

How easy is it to move and position the unit?

The City Picker is fitted with four swivel casters so you can roll your garden to catch morning sun, avoid harsh afternoon heat, or bring plants inside during storms. Mobility also makes cleaning, maintenance, and seasonal repositioning quick and practical for apartment dwellers and homeowners alike.

• Four swivel casters for smooth indoor/outdoor movement
• Lightweight construction compared with traditional raised beds
• Ideal for sun tracking on balconies, patios, or decks
• Easy to relocate for winter storage or sheltering plants

What crops and spaces work best with the City Picker?

The City Picker is designed for a broad range of vegetables, herbs, and ornamental plants that thrive in container-style environments. From compact tomato varieties and peppers to strawberries, basil, and leafy greens, this grow box handles most small-scale edible and decorative crops where sunlight is available.

• Great for tomatoes, peppers, herbs, strawberries, and lettuces
• Sized for patios, balconies, fire escapes, and small yards
• Works for beginners learning container gardening techniques
• Can be used to start seedlings or extend growing seasons

Who is this for: The Emsco Group City Picker is ideal for urban gardeners, renters, and homeowners with limited outdoor space who want a low-maintenance raised bed without permanent installation. It suits beginners learning to grow edibles as well as experienced gardeners seeking a movable, self-watering option to maximize yield in small footprints.