Grow Box Gardening

All plants require essential nutrients for healthy growth. There are in total seventeen different elements that make up these essential nutrients. Three of these elements: carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are absorbed from the air whereas the other fourteen elements are usually obtained from the soil. The soil-less growing media such as bagasse, sawdust, coconut coir and rice hulls, typically used in grow boxes  have little or no nutrients therefore, plants growing in these media types will need to be supplied with fertilizers to meet their nutritional requirements. Nutrients from air and water Carbon (C) Plants absorb carbon from carbon dioxide  (C O 2 )  in the atmosphere. Hydrogen (H) Hydrogen is obtained from water ( H 2 O) which is absorbed by the plant roots. Oxygen (O) Oxygen comes from gaseous oxygen ( O 2 )    and   carbon dioxide   (C O 2 ) in the atmosphere. Nutrients from the growing medium The nutrients that your plants require from their growi...

Asphalt A mixture of bitumen pitch with sand or gravel, which is used for surfacing roads, flooring, roofing, and other applications.. Bagasse The fibrous pulp that remains after sugarcane has been crushed and the juice extracted. Crop A plant such as a vegetable, fruit or cereal that is grown to be harvested as food or livestock feed or for any other economic purpose. Fertilizer A natural or chemical substance which is used to improve the fertility of the soil, add nutrients to the soil or provide essential nutrients directly to plants. It is used to  improve the growth and productivity of plants. Garden Nursery A place where seedlings are produced. Grow Box A partially or completely enclosed system for growing plants both indoors and outdoors. It is used in small areas or where outdoor gardening space is lacking. It is used for growing vegetables, herbs, and ornamental plants. Growing Medium Anything a plant can grow in is considered a growing medium. Honeydew A st...

Raised beds and grow boxes are increasingly popular among gardeners who face poor soil conditions or limited space. These systems not only promote healthier crops and reduce weeds, but they also provide flexible solutions for urban and small‑scale farming. Like any method, however, they come with both benefits and challenges. In this post, we’ll explore the key advantages and disadvantages of raised bed and grow box systems, helping you decide whether they’re the right fit for your gardening needs. Advantages  1. Soil  Quality A  raised bed   is an ideal solution for places where the soil quality is poor. Soil-less growing materials such as bagasse, coconut coir, promix, peat moss, rice hulls, coffee hulls are light, provide good aeration and can also retain moisture effectively. For raised beds, high-quality  soil mixes can be used to significantly enhance the quality, fertility and structure of poor ground soil ensuring better conditions for crop growth. 2. Us...

If you're interested in building a raised bed in your backyard, there are a few important factors to consider:   1. Where do you plan to construct your raised bed? 2. What materials will you need to build it? 3. What size do you intend for your raised bed to be? Where are you planning to construct your raised bed? Finding  A Good Location When choosing a location to construct your raised bed you should apply the following  simple guidelines: Environmental Conditions   Your raised bed should be located in an open area where the plants can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Some plants, however, thrive well in less than 6 hours of full sunlight.  While plants thrive in bright light, they can be adversely affected by excessive heat generated by that light.   It's important to avoid shaded areas, as plants require light for photosynthesis, growth, and development. ACCESS   Your raised bed should be placed in an area that a...

What will you need to construct your raised bed or Grow Box TT ? Before building your raised bed, 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, especia...

So you have selected your site , decided what size of raised bed  you will be constructing, and gathered your tools, equipment, and materials . You are now ready to construct your raised bed. -------------------- 🔅-------------------- STEP 1 - Leveling the surface If the base of your raised bed is a concrete or asphalt surface, chances are it is already level. If however, you are using a dirt surface then you will have some work to do. Using a garden hoe, a garden rake, and any other garden tools you feel are necessary, level the surface for the base of your raised bed by removing all weeds, rubble, stones, etc. Break up any large clumps of soil. If necessary, you may want to add some sharp sand or plastering sand to the area to help make the base of the raised bed nice and level. When you have completed your task, the surface for the base of your raised bed  should look something like this: -------------------- 🔅-------------------- STE...