Re: Winter Cleanup and new grids

Squat_Johnson 12/17/2010, 3:11 pm

The best thing I have found is a white corrogated plastic material (think cardboard made from plastic). It is used for making signs. It goes by the trade name coroplast, but might have other names. If you find a local sign shop, ask them for corrogated sign boards. They should be able to cut these for you into 3/4" or 1" wide strips for pretty cheap (there's a special knife that makes it easy to cut down the ribs ). I used to have a business and bought 4' x 8' sheets wholesale for about $12 each.

boffer 12/17/2010, 3:45 pm

Hi Shoda, long time no see! I take that as a sign that business is good!

I've got grids made of mahogany strips, re-bar, rod, dowels, short plastic baseboard, and mini-blinds. This past summer I got lazy and used nylon string on my new boxes. I'll never use anything but string again. Cheap, easy, and convenient to remove and replace. I have a milder climate, but the string didn't show any signs of wear and tear. Not pretty enough? How about using multiple colors of string?!

Just my 2¢

Have a great holiday!

Embarassed

The original poster was Shoda. I don't have a clue what happened but I somehow deleted her post. I have PMed her to let her know. Embarassed

Shoda 12/17/2010, 4:10 pm

Hmm... Boffer deleting my post? Sniff... I guess I won't take it personally. LOL.

I was asking what folks used for a grid that they liked. I am re-working my beds and trying to get some things transplanted.

We have been very busy at work these last couple months. I also have two girls that are singers and I have been driving them to performances or rehearsals almost every day (several times a day on weekends). I am getting behind in everything!

Squat -- I like the idea of the corrugated plastic. Did you attach the grid to the box or just lay it down? How did you connect the junctions?

I am looking for something that stands out more then string because I have drip lines busying up the box. Would be nice if I could find the grid amongst all the lines.

LaFee 12/17/2010, 4:56 pm

I use colored plastic clothesline (not the wire-core stuff, just because that's heavier than I need) fed through small screw eyes set into the top edge of my box - you can choose from lots of colors, it's UV and water resistant, dirt cheap, easily available, doesn't scrape your knuckles or your plants, and moves aside when you're stirring in new compost or planting, or harvesting.

Mine's still in good shape after a year...haven't decided yet if I'll replace it or just restring it when I rebuild my boxes (used wooden borders, which works, just isn't what I really want).

Squat_Johnson 12/17/2010, 5:12 pm

The past two years I have just stapled the plastic down with a heavy-duty staple gun. I am going to experiment with rivets this time on the joins (crosses), I have seen how they can fold up for easier storage.

BTW, how did it happen that I replied to a post that went missing?

middlemamma 12/17/2010, 5:29 pm

I used the slats that Mel suggests in the book for the first season and by the end of summer they were warped, rotting and broken.

I bought Neon Green and Neon Pink clothesline (also no core) from Home Depot and I love it.... Smile

**camprn** 12/17/2010, 5:57 pm

I use cotton string tied & wound to small nails put into the box top. After I strung the grid I covered the nailheads with slices of cork. I hate it when the nailheads dig into my knees. affraid

boffer 12/17/2010, 6:14 pm

Squat_Johnson wrote:...BTW, how did it happen that I replied to a post that went missing?

You and me both! Wink

I was on several forums, had too many browser tabs open, and was on the phone when I started closing and deleting stuff, willy-nilly. That's all I know!

I sware, a guy can't get away with nuttin' around here Razz

Shoda 12/19/2010, 7:33 pm

Gee Boffer, I thought I was deleted because I commented on it taking 3 weeks for the SFG store to do inventory. LOL... I think they are actually on vacation! Hope they have a good one.

A bright clothesline might work. I do need something that will stand out. Anyone purchase the grids from the SFG store? I am wondering what they are made of and how well they hold up. Has anyone purchased these?

Megan 12/19/2010, 9:47 pm

I used the green gardening twine from Home Depot.... basically a long green twisty tie that you can cut to length. One roll is a couple of dollars. I attached it by wrapping it around a wood screw and screwing that in (which sometimes broke the twine) or wrapping it around a railroad spike. It made a pretty decent grid, overall, with low visibility which was important for me at the time. I could see it very easily while working with the boxes, but it was not obvious at all from a short distance away. By the end of the season, a couple of strands had come loose, but overall it held pretty well.

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