I am building a greenhouse and planning for the planting boxes.
What material is best?
I would like to paint them black, is that possible?
Looking for tips and advice on the best solution
What material is best?
I would like to paint them black, is that possible?
Looking for tips and advice on the best solution
It depends on what your preferences are and how "orthodox" you are. Untreated wood is probably the least controversial, but it doesn't last as long. It can be treated by charring, which makes it last a bit longer. However, it still probably won't last as long as if you were to use something like a Platon mat inside, or pressure-treated timber. There's a risk of leaching from the wood or plastic, but how you evaluate that risk is up to you.
You can of course paint, and if it’s not in contact with the soil, it is likely completely unproblematic provided you don't have an old bucket of lead paint lying around...
There are also other materials to build with, such as corten steel. But it's a bit more expensive.
You can of course paint, and if it’s not in contact with the soil, it is likely completely unproblematic provided you don't have an old bucket of lead paint lying around...
There are also other materials to build with, such as corten steel. But it's a bit more expensive.
What size will the boxes be? And how much can it cost?
I've used regular raw boards in 2x1 meter frames. The first thing to rot is the bottom board that has soil on two sides. If you staple construction plastic on the inside, down and up a bit on the outside, it will last a bit longer.
Steel sheets last much longer but are also much more expensive.
Roofing sheets should be fine to use as well. Then you already have a black side that you can turn outward.
I've used regular raw boards in 2x1 meter frames. The first thing to rot is the bottom board that has soil on two sides. If you staple construction plastic on the inside, down and up a bit on the outside, it will last a bit longer.
Steel sheets last much longer but are also much more expensive.
Roofing sheets should be fine to use as well. Then you already have a black side that you can turn outward.
How big boxes do you need? The greenhouse is 8 sqm and I was thinking of boxes along both sides. So what is an appropriate height and width?Pjosk75 said:
As large as possible.
How long and wide is the greenhouse?
You can have 2 boxes along the long sides and 1 path in the middle. The boxes 60-70 cm wide and what remains for the path.
Or 2 narrower boxes along the long sides and 1 in the middle with 2 paths between. Then the boxes can be about 50 cm.
If there is soil underneath, the boxes should suffice to be 20-25 cm high.
How long and wide is the greenhouse?
You can have 2 boxes along the long sides and 1 path in the middle. The boxes 60-70 cm wide and what remains for the path.
Or 2 narrower boxes along the long sides and 1 in the middle with 2 paths between. Then the boxes can be about 50 cm.
If there is soil underneath, the boxes should suffice to be 20-25 cm high.
Measure out a test area where you can experiment with distance. It's good if you can reach everywhere without too much effort. We have beds (not in greenhouses) that are about a meter wide, which works well when accessible from both sides. A path needs to be at least 40-50 cm wide to fit reasonably, especially if there are "walls" on the sides of the path. If you’re growing directly on the ground, the path might be a bit narrower. The height depends on what you plan to grow and whether you want a closed bottom or not.