Would this ever work?

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

Hello everyone. Wanted to use these but just realized they may not work and the soil will be forever dry because of all the openings. Wanted to line the crate with canvas and use these as planters for mint thyme and small herbs but will they work? I can get an infinite supply of these but will the soil retain any moisture with the crate being so full of openings? They are soda crates. Perhaps with some perlite?

Featured Answer

mesembs

10 years ago

dale92539,

Sorry that this really doesn't have anything to do with the post.....

I just couldn't help noticing...

Bok Chok?

(I assume Bok Choy, unless I am quite mistaken)

Sorry..

Now, concerning the post, it really depends what you are planning to grow. I mean, something would grow there if it required forever-dry soil, but I think this could be of use with some agricultural fabric.

~palmsandsnow

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Comments (8)

dale92539 Riverside Co SoCal
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
If you line the inside with Landscape Fabric (weed block), they make good air pruning containers. I am using some for growing greens Lettuce, Bok Chok (edit Bok Choy), etc. It will act similar to a grow bag. I also made a PVC frame ( rectangular top with (4)-1 to 3 ft high legs) Attached Burlap cloth to PVC pipe structure with Hair Claw type clamps(Hair clips) for Shading in hot weather. Just clamp around PVC pipe to hold Shade cloth.
User
10 years ago
we use ones similar to these but slightly deeper all the time for lilies etc. on our cut flower farm. Saves on weeding.

dale is right, just line with fabric works great.
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dale92539 Riverside Co SoCal
10 years ago
I just couldn't help noticing...

Bok Chok?

(I assume Bok Choy, unless I am quite mistaken)

Thanks :-)
wuzoo
Original Author
10 years ago
very interesting. Had never heard of root pruning. I guess if the roots ever become too much for the container I can stack another tray below it to provide more downward root growth if anything.
wuzoo
Original Author
10 years ago
But what im concerned about is will the soil dry way too fast for anything to proliferate? Especially since I live in south texas where it is hot hot hot daily. I can shade it and water it but will it be of any use?
jane__ny
10 years ago
I guess you could line it with a plastic bag, cut a few slits in it so it would drain.

As an orchid grower, would be perfect for some large orchids without any liner.

As for herbs, you could use compost with some perlite mixed in and plant in that. It would hold more moisture and being a larger size would not fall through the holes.

If you could get some nice, rich composty soil, I don't see why it wouldn't work.

Jane
dale92539 Riverside Co SoCal
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
But what im concerned about is will the soil dry way too fast for anything to proliferate?

The use of bottom watering using wicking beds or bog technigues is common.

Larry Halls Rain Gutter and GrowBag (using WalMart Bags)Systems seem to be producing great results. Some of these ideas can be applied to your Trays, Here are a few sample links showing air pruning effects and Subirrigation .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBEy4wug6Ek

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMDZ6Qcn-wo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdKS7P2qYJw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_7Cc4xofsI&index=8&list=PLL-ewab6SFFfuEy3F4tCKoAdYwNXDnv8p

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sanol21Lmbc