SFG using 4x4's?

brenda g 4/17/2012, 12:45 pm

Hey guys, I'm hoping someone can give me encouragement on this... my wonderful, over-achieving husband went to pick up the lumber for our boxes, and while at the store he decided 4x4's would last longer and be sturdier than 2x6's..... then came home and cut them all before I realised he decided to 'get me something better' (he has not read SFG and apparently thought when I said 2x6 lumber it was just a suggestion). I hate to think we spent all that money and he did the work for something that will not acheive the desired effect.... Embarassed

If I do not put bottoms on the boxes, do you think this will be okay?? Any other suggestions? Thanks so much!

**camprn** 4/17/2012, 12:49 pm

What a nice hubby! But four inches of growing medium is probably not going to be enough room for the roots. Now send him back to the lumber yard for more 4x4s so he can put another on top of the ones he has built, This way it will be 8" deep. just a suggestion. You are on your way! Hooray!! cheers

brenda g 4/17/2012, 1:11 pm

Thanks, camprn!

I should also mention that the site for my SFG is over a previous garden space so it had been tilled (grass removed also) and the soil is sandy but not terrible (lots of worms in it).

**camprn** 4/17/2012, 1:13 pm

brenda g wrote:Thanks, camprn!

I should also mention that the site for my SFG is over a previous garden space so it had been tilled (grass removed also) and the soil is sandy but not terrible (lots of worms in it).

OOOOOoh, nice! Well then, you could just give it a go as is right on top of the old garden...
If you think it will need it, you can always build up later! Very Happy

Goosegirl 4/17/2012, 1:25 pm

Sounds good - and as camprn said, you can always build up later! Mine are built out of 1x6 cedar on top of my old sheet-composting beds, so I have extra depth in soft soil going down just like you. Happy Spring!

GG

marc-in-pa 4/17/2012, 3:07 pm

A suggestion... You could place your 4 x 4 frames where you want them, trace the inside area using a edging shovel or even a stick, remove the frames and excavate a few inches. You could then put down the frames and fill with 6 inches of MM. Prior to putting in the Mel's Mix, I would pound rebar into the inside of the four corners to make sure each box stays in place.

brenda g 4/17/2012, 3:36 pm

Awesome, thanks guys!!! I think I will give it a go as-is since Ive got so much planting area and the MM is expensive.... If need be, I can dig out or build up next year! We are just starting but will be adding pictures to the forum as we go! Very Happy

**camprn** 4/17/2012, 4:47 pm

Brenda, you are right on time for the season! cheers

Send pics when you can!! Very Happy

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