Screen Recommendation for Grow Box

[dbonsaiw]

I've been building grow boxes from 2X4s, leaving spaces between the boards that make up the floor for drainage. I cut a big piece of screen and cover the entire floor of the box with it. I've been reading that these types of screens are not ideal (they will fall apart, roots will weave in and out of them etc.). So what are the preferred screens for this type of project?

 

[Hack Yeah!]

I don't think the weaving is much of an issue if you don't have it sitting directly on the ground. Most roots should air prune

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

I have those screen bags they sell carrots in, with a 2mm mesh size.
But I'm switching to mosquito mesh this year.

My wooden boxes aren't going to last decades, so having mesh outlive the pot is none of my concern.

 

[sorce]

Links to forever.

Those Pot Materials!

Tired of going downstairs to pick up trees that test gravity in the wind, and understanding the benefits of colanders, I decided to solve a couple problems. Crappy pots, and crappy broken pots! One 4in clay completely destroyed, in a sock holding it together. Ham containers, small nursery...

www.bonsainut.com

Sorce

 

[Eckhoffw]

I’ve found wood slats spaced 1/4” to be fine w/o mesh. Bigger spacing also ok- when using on bigger grow boxes with a large particle size at bottom for drainage layer.

 

[Ruddigger]

I also use slats with 1/4” hardware cloth

 

[JudyB]

Hardware cloth does not break down, like ever. If roots grow out thru it, they’ll air prune themselves, or just cut them off when you work them.