Selecting the Site for a Grow Box

So you are interested in constructing a grow box in your backyard. Before you do, there are a few things to consider:

1.   Where are you planning to construct your grow box?

2.    What will you need to construct your grow box?
3.    What size grow box are you planning to construct?

Where are you planning to construct your grow box?

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Finding  A Good Location

When choosing a location to construct your grow box you should apply the following  simple guidelines:

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Your grow box should be constructed in an open area where crops can get at least 6 hours of sunlight.  Keep in mind that plants are not affected by too much light, but they can get too much heat energy that comes from the light.

You should, however, avoid areas with too much shade since most of us know that plants need light for photosynthesis, growth, and development.

ACCESS

Your grow box should be constructed in an area where there is easy access to it at all times. It should be in an area where you can easily bring in your construction materials, and fertilizers, water your crops and carry out your harvested crops/produce.

SECURITY

Your grow box should be constructed in an area where it is safe from theft as well as household pets (dogs, cats) and poultry (chickens, ducks)

SURFACE TYPE

Your grow box can be constructed on different types of surfaces such as bare soil or paved surfaces such as concrete or asphalt. 

Depending on the type of surface chosen for constructing the grow box you may need to prepare the area for the base (bottom) of the grow box. The surface you choose for the base will have some advantages and disadvantages.

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Soil Surface

If you are using a soil/dirt surface, you will need to ensure that all weeds, rubble, stones, etc. are cleared so that the area can be levelled.

 If you have to level the area for the base of the grow box, you can use soil/dirt, sharp sand or plastering sand (builders sand). 

With soil surfaces, you will have to lay down a plastic lining or some type of weed barrier covering to prevent weeds from growing up into the grow box.

You will also have to level a large enough area to ensure you have pathways around your grow box for easy access into the grow box. 

Soil surfaces are a little bit more difficult to maintain than paved surfaces because you will have to maintain the area around the grow boxes to prevent weeds from growing.

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Concrete Surface

Having a flat surface is relatively easy if you are using concrete as the base (bottom) of the grow box. However, you should ensure that the concreted area is not sloping as this would cause water to run off to one side of the grow box.

A major advantage of using concrete as a base is that you will not have to place weed barriers at the base of the grow box. You will also, not have to deal with weeds growing on your pathways around the grow boxes.

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Asphalt Surface

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The ground surface for the base of your grow box should be flat and as level as possible. 

If the ground surface is sloping or undulating then water and fertilizers will not be evenly distributed among the plants. Some plants will receive more water and fertilizers than others. 

This will lead to uneven growth of plants, no growth of some plants, or even the death of some plants in the grow box.