Ideal aisle width between tabletop boxes?

Luke Seubert 3/16/2012, 10:35 am

According to ANSFG, the ideal aisle width between SFG boxes is 36 inches. This is for SFG boxes on the ground.

However, I would like to build elevated SFG boxes, raised up to about countertop height. Because there will be no need to kneel on the ground to work the garden, it seems to me that the aisle width can be smaller.

For those who have worked with tabletop SFG boxes, what is the smallest practical aisle width?

**llama momma** 3/16/2012, 10:50 am

Your are right the space can be less and still comfortable. I've read on this forum where it should be wide enough to be comfortable for the largest person who will be working around the box.

**walshevak** 3/16/2012, 11:03 am

There is about 16" between these beds on the rails. I can get in there but it is a PIA. I generally treat that space as if it is against a fence and fully use the access from the other 3 sides. MY NEW BEDS have a 3' span between and are much easier to deal with. But between the actual dual setups is 3 feet. So my answer is no less than 2 feet for free standing units and 3 is better for getting bins, bucket, wheelbarrows through.

Ideal aisle width between tabletop boxes? Stabli10

Ideal aisle width between tabletop boxes? Stabli10

Ideal aisle width between tabletop boxes? Dscn0340

Luke Seubert 3/16/2012, 11:21 am

walshevak wrote:So my answer is no less than 2 feet for free standing units and 3 is better for getting bins, bucket, wheelbarrows through.

Would 28" to 30" work well as a compromise?

Bear in mind, that the support structure for my elevated boxes would be based upon 4x4 posts tucked well underneath the center of the 4x8 boxes, with a cantalevered frame holding up the box itself.

Also, do you have rough idea of how much your boxes weigh when fully loaded with wet Mel's Mix?

Luke Seubert 3/16/2012, 11:23 am

llama momma wrote:Your are right the space can be less and still comfortable. I've read on this forum where it should be wide enough to be comfortable for the largest person who will be working around the box.

Hmm. I might set up two tables in the kitchen with a measured space in between, walk and move between them, and see what different widths are like to work with.

Thanks for the tip.

**llama momma** 3/16/2012, 1:20 pm

It has been said on this forum that one 4ft by 4ft. has been estimated between 250 and 300 pounds when it is wet. Someone will correct me if this is off but I'm 90% sure Embarassed

those were the correct numbers.

boffer 3/16/2012, 1:38 pm

TTs have one spacing issue in common with raised boxes: when a lot of plants are near/at maturity, they overflow into the aisles. If the aisle is less than 36", it becomes a challenge to avoid damaging plants.

Luke Seubert 3/16/2012, 2:58 pm

llama momma wrote:It has been said on this forum that one 4ft by 4ft. has been estimated between 250 and 300 pounds when it is wet. Someone will correct me if this is off but I'm 90% sure those were the correct numbers.

Thanks for those numbers - much appreciated. That helps me with calculating the support frame and structure for my tabletop boxes.

Luke Seubert 3/16/2012, 3:02 pm

boffer wrote:TTs have one spacing issue in common with raised boxes: when a lot of plants are near/at maturity, they overflow into the aisles. If the aisle is less than 36", it becomes a challenge to avoid damaging plants.

I recall reading that point from the book, that the 36" aisle width becomes necessary due to plant overgrowth at the edges.

However, with elevated tables, kneeling won't be necessary, which should free up some space. And wouldn't some of that overgrowth at the edge cascade down, instead of spreading out?

If practicable, I would really like to squeeze that 36" down to 28 to 30". It would make the planning for my site a lot easier, and allow much better future expansion capabilities.

**walshevak** 3/16/2012, 3:49 pm

I could live with 30" betwen beds. Smile

.

Kay

Frenchbean 7/28/2012, 9:39 am

Walshevak your beds look lovely but dare I say rather loney. One thing about all you guys across the pond is your garden are hugmugust. There huge compared to my little garden. Im so jellies. Sorry can't spell today

Frenchbean 7/28/2012, 2:59 pm

sorry sent x2

**walshevak** 7/28/2012, 6:27 pm

Frenchbean wrote:Walshevak your beds look lovely but dare I say rather loney. One thing about all you guys across the pond is your garden are hugmugust. There huge compared to my little garden. Im so jellies. Sorry can't spell today

But look at them full on 6/25/12
Ideal aisle width between tabletop boxes? Dscn0833

7/7/12.

Ideal aisle width between tabletop boxes? Dscn1011

They are up near the deck because the yard is so large and empty of trees. I can't plant trees on most of it because the the septic tank and leach field that takes up over half. That is the "joy" of living outside the city limits, no sewer lines.

Kay

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