Grid Materials

Chopper 9/3/2010, 1:12 am

When I built my boxes I used twine to mark the grids knowing full well that the twine would break - and it did. So as I replant for fall, I want another material. Something waterproof and simple and cheap and that I can use the nails I already have to tie them.

So...I was thinking of heavy duty fishing line. I am thinking it is perfect. The only drawback is that it is hard to see, but I see that as a plus. Once my box is planted, I don't need the grid so much until I rip out and plant again.

Any thoughts?

chocolatepop 9/3/2010, 1:20 am

I used the neon nylon string. perfect.

Old Hippie 9/3/2010, 1:27 am

It depends on what you like and what works for you. Personally, I kind of like the structure that the grid gives. I would not be able to see the fish line at all so it would not work for me. I have some old PVC venetian blinds that I use. They are easy to cut and also make great markers for writing on with a waterproof marker. However, they do get brittle and crack after being out in the sun for several months.

I am sure you will figure out something.

GK

boffer 9/3/2010, 1:32 am

This past spring, the general consensus was to use nylon mason string. It comes in passionate pink, safety orange, and lemon yellow. Obviously, it doesn't blend in.

I tried it this year for the first time, and I like it. It didn't break; it's cheap and easy. I like to remove my grids once in a while to re-plentish and mix up the entire box at once. I don't need any tools to remove the grid when using string.

Then on some boxes, like for potatoes, I put the string on just for planting purposes, then take the string back off so it won't get in the way.

I have grids made out of re-bar, mahogany lath, plastic baseboard, and 3/8 rod. If anybody wants them, come and get 'em!

Old Hippie 9/3/2010, 1:38 am

Hmmmmmmmmm......sounds awesome. Dang! I love all the great ideas a person can get on here!

GK

LaFee 9/3/2010, 5:21 am

I used clothesline run through screw eyes that I mounted right on my frame...cheap, weatherproof, and comes in a rainbow of colors. (Mine's pale green)

Megan 9/3/2010, 7:17 am

I'm using green garden tie line. It was cheap (and turned out to be NOT what I needed for tying back my tomatoes!) It's wrapped around spikes or wood screws. It has shown a tendency to snap where it's stressed around the screws, but it is mostly in place still. Visible if you look for it, but not obtrusive.

Icemaiden 9/3/2010, 8:29 am

LaFee wrote:I used clothesline run through screw eyes that I mounted right on my frame...cheap, weatherproof, and comes in a rainbow of colors. (Mine's pale green)

Me too, only I just put in screws which I happened to have, and tied the line around them. Mine is that plastic coated sort.

Garden Angel 9/3/2010, 1:02 pm

I used clothesline also, it is green, Chopper I bought it at the Dollar Tree in Elsinore but there is one in Murrieta off M Hot Springs rd/Alta Murrieta in the Ralphs center. Only paid a buck! stapled it to my boxes, works great and is very tight. Also got wooden clothes pins there and large plastic clips, and large laundry bag that I keep in my car to ask for clippings etc.

Chopper 9/3/2010, 1:17 pm

Garden Angel wrote:I used clothesline also, it is green, Chopper I bought it at the Dollar Tree in Elsinore but there is one in Murrieta off M Hot Springs rd/Alta Murrieta in the Ralphs center. Only paid a buck! stapled it to my boxes, works great and is very tight. Also got wooden clothes pins there and large plastic clips, and large laundry bag that I keep in my car to ask for clippings etc.

Thanks! For a buck I don't even have to wait until I get paid next! I will check it out today. Wonderful input fom everyone. I was sold on each idea - then I saw the buck...

elliephant 9/3/2010, 1:52 pm

I used yarn leftover from crochet projects...or yarn that people gave me when they found out I could crochet...always have too much stuff lying around, so if I can use something I already have that's a huge plus in my book!

middlemamma 9/3/2010, 2:15 pm

I did it by the book this first year and used the slats mel roccommends in the book...and I really hated them. Joe is taking them off for me as we fall plant and putting in a nylon string construction sites use. But I thought weed eater line would be an interesting thing to try....

I want to be able to mix up the whole box like boffer said. Thats an OCD thing for me...if only one square gets mixed up it isn't "even". Embarassed

Ugh....

LaFee 9/3/2010, 5:18 pm

Jennie, my only concern with trimmer string is that it's designed to stay really stiff....could be difficult to tie/run through screw eyes if it won't bend easily.

Do be careful, by the way -- to cut the loose end of your grid line....because you just might get it caught with a string trimmer and yank some of your hard-worked grid right out of the frame. It fixes quickly, but will give you heart failure.

(whistles....puts hands in pockets and rocks back and forth on heels....looks at ceiling)

Nope, wasn't me...I know someone who did that.

trustinhart 9/3/2010, 5:29 pm

LOL La Fee, you are too funny rofl

Left over kite string here for me!!

Youngatheart 9/3/2010, 8:38 pm

I'll be putting slats on my 4X4 TT herb box in the front yard soon...this is my "show" box...it looks really sharp (if I say so myself!) and stands out in the green grass. It's about 11" deep, painted white and set in a diamond shape. I'll be painting the slats white, too, when I get them.

The rest (and bulk) of my garden is in the back yard and I'm using neon yellow nylon string (economical) from Lowes to divide the squares...the TT boxes are gray trex (someone's old,dismantled patio) with patched/welded angle iron for legs...nothing fancy here! The nylon string is simple to work with and can also be easily moved, if needed...so far, so good Smile

Rhonda

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