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Q&A for How to Build Raised Vegetable Garden Boxes
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QuestionHow deep should the soil be in the boxes?Community AnswerA minimum of 6 inches, depending on what you are growing. Tomatoes and carrots, need more. Cilantro and lettuce will probably be okay with just 6.
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QuestionMy lawn is at a 20 degree angle. Should I dig the box in so the bottom is level?alistair mcintoshCommunity AnswerPerhaps, or maybe consider filling the bottom to a level surface with river boulders or similar.
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QuestionWhy compact the soil by stepping on it?Community AnswerGeneral compaction rate for most garden mixes is between 25-35% depending on how loose it is when you add it and organic matter composition. If you compact it with your feet you'll achieve close to this right away. Unless you're the weight of a small car, this one off compaction isn't enough to stop root development or water holding capabilities. What you don't want is to plant your veggies and find the roots exposed two months later when it compacts and settles on its own.
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QuestionUnder standard wood boxes directions in step 3, it says to use 2X4s, but shows something more like a 1X4, 6, or 8. If the designated screws, 1 - 1 1/2" screws were to work, I wouldn't think 2X4s would work. Am I missing something?Community Answer2x4's are generally less than two inches thick. So, it'd be safe to go with a 2" wood screw. However, the wall planks do not need to be 2x4's, you'd have 4 inches of depth for your garden! A better option would be something more along the lines of plywood that could be stripped down to maybe be a foot deep or more to allow for root growth and stabilization. Were plywood to be used, inch and a half screws would be perfect.
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QuestionAny chemical danger of using pressure treated lumber for the boxes?Community AnswerYes! Do not do it. Don't use pallets either, unless you know that they have not been chemically treated with something.
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QuestionIs there a way to protect the wood from water, rot, and the sun?Community AnswerSeal the wood with either a transparent waterproofing stain or one with color. Most fence or deck stains with a built-in sealer will work for this. Most stores offer transparent, semi-transparent, or solid color stains. Adding color to the stain also gives the box some character.
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QuestionDoes it matter what type of vegetable plants you may grow in your garden box? My husband and I are ready to plant our okra, but we are concerned about the roots?Community AnswerIt most likely doesn't matter. As long as you add the right amount of soil and plant in the correct season, you should be good to go.
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QuestionDo I need to dig up the ground first when building a garden box?Community AnswerNo. The idea of the garden box is to better control your soil and prevent weeds and pests. Build them at a height that's ideal for the length of the plant's root, filling it with a good soil mix for that type of plant.
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QuestionCan I use penetrated wood?Community AnswerYes, you can.
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QuestionShould I put some sand in a mix of garden soil for water retention?Community AnswerSand will do the opposite. Add organic matter if you wish to retain more water.
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