GROW BOX PHASE ll After building the first growbox, I thought it would be a lot easier and faster to use staples to mount the liner and mount the top. Today, I got the materials together and put it all together. Since this was not the first time I have assembled this particular design, it went pretty fast. The only difference today is that I used a staple gun instead of screws. |
The staple gun is loaded with 3/8 inch staples. To make a good staple connection, you should shoot the staoles along the top edge. |
The staples should go all the way into the tote box plastic. |
The landscape fabric is cut to measure 3ft X 3ft. Put one side of the edge of the liner to overlap one side edge of the totebox about one inch with the rest of the fabric inside the box center it up with an equal amount of material each side of center and staple the fabric from the top. Add some more on the same side out around the corners. |
Pull the fabric over the other side of the tote box to form a hammock of fabric in the box. Using your hand, push down in the center of the fabric until it touches the bottom center. The fabric is now shaped like a V with the only the center touching the bottom of the box. This is how the liner is fitted to the box. Staple the second side. When the liner is filled with potting mix, it will flaten out on the bottom and it will be several inches above the bottom of the box. Continue stapleing around the edge of the tote box and trim off the excess fabric. |
Next step is to cut out the center of the tote box lid. Cut around where the cover just inside the beveled area. I used a razor box cutter. You might be able to use something else. Please be careful. Place the lid on the box and staple it down all around the edges. |
The next step is to install the fill tube. I use a 1/2 inch PVC pipe |
OK, enough shots of the pipe. The reason is because some folks are afraid to use PVC pipe. I think the reason is that PVC pipe is not used for hot water. CPVC is used. However, if the temprarure gets so hot that the PVC is not safe, the plants will be dead anyway. It's fine for me. |
I use this morter mixing tub to pre-wet my potting mix and to add some perlite. It costs about $6 dollars at Lowel's hardware stores. |
I add some perlite to the potting mix to improve moisture retention. Things can dry out very fast here in Florida. |
Here is the completed grow box using staples. Some of the construction pictures are missing due to some software issues. I will probably add them once I get the photo issues figured out. You might care to also take a look at the original screwed together construction details. |
No more fill tube Click here to see picture |
