Tools, Materials and Equipment for Constructing The Grow Box

What will you need to construct your grow box?

Before building your grow box, ensure you have all the necessary tools, equipment, and materials. Below are some essential items you'll need.

*Spirit Level        *Hammer       *Square       *Tape measure       * String/twine      *Stakes

 Wooden or metal stakes

                                                            

 

The stakes should be approximately 3 feet long and sturdy enough to not move when the string is tied to them.

 Wheel Barrow

Using a wheelbarrow can greatly simplify the transportation of heavier materials, such as concrete blocks, especially if the blocks are located far from your grow box construction site. A wheelbarrow allows you to transport more blocks in a single trip, making the process more efficient. While it is possible to carry the blocks by hand, this method can be time-consuming. Remember to be cautious to avoid back injuries when lifting and transporting heavy objects.

 Concrete Foundation Blocks  
(6 x 8 x 16 inches)  ( 15 x 20 x 40 cm)

Various materials can be used to construct a grow box, including wood, metal, plastic, and clay blocks. However, there are several compelling reasons to choose concrete blocks, particularly those of a specific size:

 

1. Concrete blocks are sturdy and do not require cement to hold them together, as they are stable and unlikely to fall over or lean.

 

2. Since the blocks are not permanently cemented, the grow box can be easily disassembled or relocated as needed.

 

3. The large cores (centers) of the blocks can be filled with growing media, making them suitable for accommodating smaller plants.

Always keep in mind the idea of grow box farming is to be able to grow as many crops as possible in a relatively small area.

 Plastic Sheeting
(can be either construction plastic or landscaping plastic sheeting)

 

Plastic sheeting is ONLY required if your grow box is being constructed on a soil/dirt surface.
The plastic is used as a protective barrier and will prevent weeds from germinating and growing into the grow box. It will also prevent water and nutrients (fertilizers) from being lost to the soil below.

 Sand (sharp sand and plastering sand)

If you are building your grow box on an uneven surface, you will need to use sharp sand. This will serve two purposes: it can be spread over the soil to help level the surface, and it can also be used to assist in levelling concrete blocks if needed.

How much material ( concrete blocks, plastic stakes, etc) you will require will depend on the size of the grow box you intend to construct. Remember your grow box can be any size.

For example, if you are constructing a grow box 5 feet wide by 10 feet long then you can calculate the number of blocks required by using the following method:

For the Width of the grow box (5 feet)
5 feet = 60 inches. Since each block is 16 inches in length, then 60 inches divided by 16 inches  = 3.75 blocks.
You will, therefore, require approximately four concrete blocks for the width of one side of your grow box. Multiply this number of blocks by two to determine how many blocks you will require for both widths of the grow box

For the Length of the grow box (10 feet)
Use the same method to calculate the number of blocks required for each length of your grow box.