Raised Box Desgin and Is It Too Late To Start

fortop 6/4/2010, 1:52 pm

I live in Tucson, AZ, and am considering starting SFG in some raised beds. Raised boxes require some kind of bottom, but I am concerned that plywood bottoms and wood sides will rot out quickly. Can a plywood/wood side box be lined with heavy plastic (allowing drain holes). If a hardware screen bottom with newspaper is used, will it be strong enough to contain the watered Mel's mix?
Also, is it too late to get started planting now that we are in June and 100 degree weather is here? I am considering planting bell peppers and tomatoes. If peppers and tomatoes are planted in direct sunlight (south facing unobstructed), how/when/what type shade screen should be used?
Thanks,
And, if it is not obvious, I know nothing about gardening Raised Box Desgin and Is It Too Late To Start Icon_biggrin

Little Thumb 6/4/2010, 3:14 pm

There is a post somewhere on this forum about Table Top SFG and you could use the same idea even if it is sitting on the ground. I'll try and hunt it down.

Little Thumb

schristi69 6/4/2010, 4:06 pm

I did not put anything in the bottom of mine except weed barrier. The ground is the bottom.

fortop 6/4/2010, 4:11 pm

My plan is to have the box elevated off the ground. Probably a box on 4 legs or possibly mounted to the side of a shed, so the soil mix material will need some sort of support. I just don't see the bare plywood as a good choice - rot, fungus, etc. from damp/dark wood.

Little Thumb 6/4/2010, 4:26 pm

Do a search on this forum on "Table Top" there are several posts. Boffer had some good ideas about using some kind of builders cloth and weed barrier. That should answer alot of your questions. I haven't figured out how to post those links, maybe someone else knows how and can post them here for you.

Little Tumb

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Raised Box Desgin and Is It Too Late To Start