Pyramid Help

MsMinchin 3/21/2010, 9:05 am

Hi SFG-ers!

I need help constructing my pyramid. Mel doesn't include instructions for how to build these in his book, he just states that pyramids can be created with a few extra braces. So, I ordered a pyramid set here from the SFG site. When we opened it, the directions were just generic directions for all box kits (how to screw the ends of the box together, etc), no extra parts or steps for supporting the pyramid structure.

So, my question is: What supports each layer of the pyramid? (what are the extra braces?) Just the Mel's mix in the box below it? It seems that this would compress the soil a lot. Are there any extra supports that go under each layer?

Thanks!!!

**mckr3441** 3/23/2010, 12:03 am

Hi Ms. Minchin,

I haven't used a pyramid box so I'm not sure about a brace solution but I did ask the Foundation about what goes under the two top layers and here is their answer.

Two suggestions:

fill the bottom half with sand. It drains well and does not use up valuable Mel's mix
Put a bottom on it. Make sure to put a few holes for drainage.

I hope that helps somewhat. I've seen the pictures of those gardens and am tempted Pyramid Help Icon_smile

.

Post some pictures when you're all set up and let us know how you like it.

boffer 3/23/2010, 1:58 pm

I spoke with the Foundation as well. As Claire described, that is how they fill their boxes-with sand in the middle. They hold the mix up with one hand and push the sand up against the mix with the other. Plain dirt is not recommended, in lieu of sand, due to weed and drainage issues. I was also told that SFG is flexible and adaptable and any number of methods would work.

We've got some creative members amongst us; put on your thinking hat, start thinking inside the box, and let's see how many ideas we can come up with.

What other ways to stack pyramids?

choksaw 3/23/2010, 2:07 pm

Green sand (costly but keeps nuetrients in the soil) Gravel (rinsed) A false box (made out of plywood or such with drainage holes drilled)
the only problem i see with useing sand or gravel is in the event you ever want to disassemble to box they will mix with the mels mix and could be a pain maybe some weed cloth to form the outwalls of the void so that they stay seperated. just a few thoughts Pyramid Help Icon_biggrin

boffer 3/23/2010, 8:37 pm

choksaw 3/23/2010, 9:16 pm

https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/showcase-of-gardens-f6/strawberry-box-t610.htm

Is this the one you were looking for boffer? very interesting design

boffer 3/23/2010, 9:22 pm

choksaw wrote:https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/showcase-of-gardens-f6/strawberry-box-t610.htm

Is this the one you were looking for boffer? very interesting design

Thanks, isn't he the guy you thought looked a little thirsty and could use watering?!

Pyramid Help Strawb10

choksaw 3/23/2010, 9:26 pm

hehehe yup he would be the one

jjphoto 3/23/2010, 11:50 pm

Hey that's my strawberry box with my friend inside of it!

boffer 3/23/2010, 11:59 pm

Hey, you're gonna be famous! (or he is)

Pictures are not only fun to look at, they're good for teaching too. It kills me that we don't have access to a lot of unique pictures, like yours, that were posted in the old forum.

jjphoto 3/24/2010, 10:05 am

I have my plans scratched out on scrap paper that I can find somewhere and try to scan in if anyone needs them. Not sure how to load a pdf on here though.

boffer 3/24/2010, 10:09 am

Sorry, pdf uploads to the forum are not possible.

The software developers have had many requests; they seem slow at times to add features and capabilities, but they are very careful about maintaining a stable, glitch free product.

jjphoto 3/24/2010, 11:44 am

Never fear - I'll figure out another way. Pyramid Help Icon_twisted

MsMinchin 3/24/2010, 7:50 pm

Thanks! That really helps!
I'm not sure which method we'll use yet but I'll post some pics when we're done.

jjphoto 3/25/2010, 2:58 pm

I put this in the original post, but posting it here as well.

Got the "plans" scanned in and loaded up. Keep in mind these were
sketched with just me in mind, so I apologize if some of it doesn't make
sense. Also, I cut the middle and top tiers a little longer than the
plan indicates (probably a 1/2") to make sure they wouldn't fall in.

The
little dots are where I plan to put the plants.

www2.myplainview.com/jason/kmbt.pdf

jjphoto 3/28/2010, 9:38 pm

Updated the other post... https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/showcase-of-gardens-f6/strawberry-box-t610.htm

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