Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Somebody asked about the construction of the planting trays

Sized to be 1-1/2" longer and wider than the feed-lot panel that forms the bottom

I use "economy" lumber. Use the most warped pieces for the ends which are shorter.

I only use one 3" deck-screw on each end of the diagonal brace (or gusset) and I bias it toward the top because the feedlot panel will reinforce the bottom. The nails are primarily an aid to hold it together before installing screws and the bottom.


Fencing staples positioned near ends of diagonal braces and every sixteen inches along the length of the long side

Cut 7" longer and wider than the dimensions of the tray. Corners notched out of mesh to get it to fold neatly into tray.

Plastic mesh over the feedlot panel and then paper from feed-bags over the plastic mesh so potting media does not wash through it.

Wet potting soil is as heavy as the wages of sin. 2 cubic feet weigh about 120 pounds and the bag is floppy and wants to tear. Fortunately, Mrs ERJ is much stronger than she looks and takes direction well.

New Mizuna transplants. Seeds were planted 10 days ago.

New Green Forest Romaine Lettuce transplants. Seeds were planted 10 days ago.

A picture showing the progression. Left, newly transplanted seedlings. Center, seeds grown 10 days and then transplanted about a week ago. Right, seeds planted a month ago and transplanted about 20 days ago.
Trays are held off of the ground with three, 8" cinder blocks on each end.

3 comments:

  1. Awesome!
    Thanks for sharing!!!
    I have a hydroponic setup that 'looks' similair, but those trays are 45 bucks each!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for the pictures ERJ. I am very much a visual person.

    ReplyDelete

Readers who are willing to comment make this a better blog. Civil dialog is a valuable thing.