I mentioned the other day that I would be building this salad box (basically a box I can move around to an appropriate location for salad greens depending on the season). I actually followed this tutorial. Since lettuces only need about 3-4" of soil depth to be happy this box will be perfect for them while freeing up the garden bed for deeper rooted crops.
Materials:
1x4 board (mine was 8 feet so I cut 2-21" pieces and 2-28" pieces)
Aluminum Screen
Hardware Mesh (1/2" mesh)
Galvanized Screws (mine were 1 5/8")
2 Drawer/Cabinet Pull Handles
Sandpaper
Wire Snips, Drill, Staple Gun, Drill Bits, Staples, Scissors
I started by laying out my boards and figuring out where I would attach them.
Then I screwed my handles to the short boards.
And pre-drilled my holes on the long boards
I used the basement coffee table to help me hold the boards while I screwed them in.
Once everything was screwed in, I stapled the aluminum screening to the back, overlapping by 3 inches on the long sides. (And then I ran out of staples 4 staples in so I took a 24 hour break)
Then I repeated that process with the hardware cloth. The aluminum screening keeps the dirt in, the hardware cloth helps support its weight.
All done! This weekend I'm going to fill it up with some compost amended organic potting soil and get my greens situated in their new home.
A salad box is a great place to grow lettuces, herbs, and other shallow rooted things.
Now, let's check on those seedlings, some of which will hopefully be moving outside this weekend.
These tomato seedlings are really taking off
These are the greens that will live in the salad box. Lots of varieties in here including mizuna, arugula, oak leaf, spinach, etc.
Basils (and a little dill on the far right
More tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants
