Grow boxes

Jason_mazzy said:
I think the screen is to stimulate finer root system through air pruning.
Click to expand...

The wire mesh is not really about fast drainage as much as it it about getting the most air possible to the roots in this grow box. The more oxygen the roots get the healthier they will be, the more they will grow.

The wood on the bottom keeps the roots from breathing and taking in air from two sides instead of just one is really the point.
 
fourteener said:
Nature's way idea is good thanks!

I have a chop saw so I get my four boards quick. If I could find a way to cut the mesh quicker it would be nice. Sometimes the cedar boards splits out and I have to drill a bigger hole for the screw head. That makes it take a little longer, but I have two drills so I don't have to keep swapping out bits.
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Two drills...why didn't I think of that? :confused: A lot of time is lost swapping out the bits...small drill bit for pilot hole, larger drill bit to sink the screw heads (avoids splitting as you note), then the screwdriver bit for the screws. I think you just saved me some time! I'm probably also using too many screws, or at least more than necessary.

Looks like you run boards across the bottom of your boxes, leaving gaps between? And then cover that (inside) with mesh? That's what I do, leaving about an inch or two between boards. I'll be making a box in the next couple of days and will post a photo when done.

Chris
 
Hmm, I shifted a few years ago to large uv plastic saucers, the ones used under large pots.

I found that 6" was a limit for depth and good growing, and the saucers are up to 24 " and just around 4" deep for that size. You can mound or raise if potbound to go higher.

Holes are made with a heated pipe passed through the plastic.
Takes a few minutes.

I get a flat root system, and so far very good growth. The saucers will last forever, and are not costly.
Hope that helps.
Good Afternoon.
Anthony
 
fourteener said:
Nature's way idea is good thanks!

Sometimes the cedar boards splits out and I have to drill a bigger hole for the screw head. That makes it take a little longer, but I have two drills so I don't have to keep swapping out bits.
Click to expand...

Have you ever tried a countersink drill? We use them at my shop and the work great. The are also adjustable for different length screws and will both jobs at one time.
I make my boxes out of mahogany drops, they're free and last for years
COUNTERSINK DRILL BIT

Grow Box.jpg
 
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fourteener said:
View attachment 32546View attachment 32547View attachment 32544View attachment 32545

Here are 4 trees that I gathered in the last 1-3 years. They are all in grow boxes. I used pine for a box instead of cedar, but it got slimy and gross as it absorbed more water. The cedar is really the way to go.
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Are those first trees spruce? If they are, what type? I'm going collecting soon and I think there will be a good amount of black spruce around.
 
Fangorn said:
Have you ever tried a countersink drill? We use them at my shop and the work great. The are also adjustable for different length screws and will both jobs at one time.
I make my boxes out of mahogany drops, they're free and last for years
COUNTERSINK DRILL BIT

View attachment 32572
Click to expand...

Thats a beautiful box! Love the handles.
 
Something I made out of drops from chair parts I produce.

image.jpgimage.jpg
 
I said I would post a photo of one of my boxes, so here it is. Newly built, this one is about 16x14" and a little under 5" deep. Sides are cedar, bottom slats and handles are pine. Window screen stapled many places serves as the bottom. Looks a lot like the ones built by fourteener.

Chris

box1.jpg
 
If you want to make a lot of holes in a plastic container, I have an old soldering gun that does it in next to no time (outside, open air!). I make lots of slits that are just narrow enough so that the substrate can't wash out. Also up the sides.
 

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Frojo,

I use a heated pipe, because I read that it was better to have a few large holes, than many small ones, as I assume drainage goes.

Additionally, I can get galvanised pipes at 1" dia., and with a simple propane torch just heat and pierce. Since I have quite a few grow barrels [ 1/4 to 1/3 of the 55 US gal. black plastic ] the pipe makes life easy.
Also done out doors with the wind at my back, blowing the smell away.

I also have the use of elevated grow troughs, so I can lazily sit and work - chuckle.
Good Morning.
Anthony
 
KennedyMarx said:
That looks great. Very nicely crafted. What do you mean by drops, just wood scraps? I don't think I've ever heard that term.
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Yeah "drop" is a term used in fabrication to refer to the remaining, unintended part left over after a cut.
 
Here is the planter box system I designed and patented a number of years ago. It's made of Redwood and is screened sides and bottom.

PLANTERS2jpg.jpg
 
FrankP999 said:
Vance, I bought one of these from you and it is in great shape after 4 years. A work of art!

Frank
Click to expand...

I appreciate that very much. I was talking to a club member yesterday that has had one for ten years and is still using it.
 
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