Tag: gardening

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Portable Raised Beds

27-Gallon Totes

Dimensions

Out-to-Out
Body Only
Frame Slots		30.8″ x 20.3″ x 14.5″
26″ x 17″ x 15″
27″ x 18″ x 16″

Cut List (Per Unit)

x62″ x 4″ x 1′ 9″
x322″ x 4″ x 2′ 4.25″
x42″ x 4″ 5′ 9″
x22″ x 4″ x 5′ 7.5″
x82″ x 4″ x 3′ 2 11/16″
x4Heavy Duty All-Terrain Casters
x4Steel Plates

Total Cut Requirements:

QuantityCut LengthTotal Linear Inches
621″126″
3228.25″904″
469″276″
267.5″135″
838.6875″309.5″

🔢 Total inches needed: 1,750.5 inches
📏 Each 8′ board = 96″ usable
➡️ Min. 19 boards required (1,750.5 ÷ 96 = 18.23, rounded up)

🪚 Optimized Cutting Layout (Per 2×4 board)

Let’s break this into groupings that minimize waste:

🔹 For the 32 pieces at 28.25”:

  • You can fit 3 cuts of 28.25” per board (3 × 28.25 = 84.75″)
  • That uses 11 boards total (32 ÷ 3 = 10.67, round up)
  • Remaining waste per board ≈ 11″

🔹 For the 8 pieces at 38-11/16” (38.6875”):

  • You can fit 2 cuts per board (2 × 38.6875 = 77.375”)
  • That takes 4 boards
  • Remaining waste per board ≈ 18.625″

🔹 For the longer cuts:

  • (69”) → 1 per board → needs 4 boards
  • (67.5”) → 1 per board → needs 2 boards

🔹 For the short 21” pieces:

  • You can fit 4 per board (4 × 21 = 84”)
  • Needs 2 boards (6 ÷ 4 = 1.5, round up)

📦 Final 2×4 Purchase Summary:

Cut SizeQty NeededBoards UsedNotes
28.25″32113 per board
38.6875″842 per board
69″441 per board
67.5″221 per board
21″624 per board

✅ Total 2x4s to buy: 23

You’ll have some medium-sized offcuts left, especially from the longer cuts and the 38″ batch, which could be useful for bracing or future jigs.

Notes

Customize this design to accommodate more bins, a double-row layout, or tiered stacking.

Each bin can be converted into a passive watering system:

Add a layer of chunky gravel to the bottom.

Lay a perforated drainage pipe (e.g., corrugated or PVC with holes) into the gravel.

Cover gravel with landscape fabric to prevent soil from clogging the reservoir.

Fill remaining space with soil. Plant roots will wick water up from the reservoir.

Drain holes may still be drilled in the side walls if overflow control is needed.

Can line slots with hardware cloth or weed barrier to catch soil spillage.

🛒 Current Prices on 8-ft 2×4s:

Home Depot

Lowe’s

  • Typical #2 kiln-dried spruce–pine–fir (8 ft) is in a similar range (~$3.50–$4.00), but I couldn’t find a precise per-unit online price .

💡 Bottom line: The least expensive 8‑ft 2×4 lumber you’ll generally find is the #2 KD‑HT fir stud at HD for $3.22 (drop to $2.90 in bulk).

🎨 Untreated + Latex Paint: Will It Hold Up?

Yes—with some caveats:

  1. Greenhouse Environment Helps:
    • Since your setup is indoors with controlled heat and humidity, the wood won’t be exposed to rain, prolonged moisture, or soil contact, which greatly extends its lifespan.
  2. Paint Offers Protection:
    • A good latex primer + exterior latex paint will seal the wood, preventing moisture absorption and natural decay for several seasons.
    • Make sure to paint all sides of each board—including ends and cut edges—to ensure full protection.
  3. Recommended Lifespan:
    • With untreated, painted 2×4s indoors, you can expect 5–10 years of good service, likely more if you touch up wear areas over time.
    • Watch for any warping or soft spots where soil or gravel might stay damp.
  4. Optional Extras:
    • If you want even longer durability, seal boards with exterior primer or polyurethane after painting.
    • Pressure-treated lumber is an alternative, but it’s pricier (~$5–$8 per board) and carries extra handling considerations—not really needed inside a greenhouse.

✅ Recommendations:

  • Buy the #2 KD‑HT fir studs at Home Depot ($3.22)—they’re straight, affordable, and easy to paint.
  • Fully paint all surfaces, including the ends, before assembly.
  • Keep an eye on moisture-exposed areas near the gravel and soil—touch up paint if needed over time.
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Vertical Hydroponic Tower Builds

The following content and build designs are by Chris Loh.

PVC Cutting Template is now available on Chris’s website https://clohofficial.com/ in the downloads section.

List of materials:

Charlotte Pipe PVC Pipe 4-in 10-ft
Charlotte Pipe 1/2-in x 10-ft
5-Gallon Plastic General Bucket
4.25-in Drain Cover
4 In. PVC Drain Cap
4-in x 4-in Dia Schedule 40 Coupling
1/2-in x 1/2-in dia Adapter Adapter PVC Fitting
4-in x 4-in Dia Schedule 40 Adapter
4-in x 4-in Dia Schedule 40 Adapter
Yokgrass 800GPH Submersible Pump(3000L/H)
Garden 50 Pack Lightweight Economy Net Pot Cups
Pure Coconut Coir Netted Pellets 42mm (100 pack)

Links to parts and templates can be found at https://clohofficial.com

IMPROVEMENTS & MULTI-TOWER UNIT

This is a follow-up video of his previous DIY hydroponics tower build.

PVC Cutting Template is now available on Chris’s website https://clohofficial.com/ in the downloads sections.

Parts List and Links:
1 – SDTC Tech 1/2″ 5 Way PVC Fitting Pipe Elbow Connector (4-pack) – $10.99 – https://amzn.to/3iggqGp
1 – GROWNEER 550GPH Submersible Pump 30W Ultra Quiet Fountain Water Pump – $17.77 – https://amzn.to/3AQ2LvY
1 – xGarden – Lightweight Economy Net Pots Cups (50 pack) – $10.95 – https://amzn.to/3ie5Yz6
1 – Pure Coconut Coir Netted Pellets 42mm (100 pack) – $33.09 – https://amzn.to/3EJOP87
1 – AeroGarden Liquid Nutrients (1 Liter) – $26.19 – https://amzn.to/3VtzEXb
3-5 (Depending on Build Height) Charlotte Pipe PVC Pipe 4-in 10-ft – $21.76/ea – https://low.es/2QbcLHs
1 – Charlotte Pipe 1/2-in x 10-ft – $5.82 – https://low.es/3OudSiv
4 – 4.25-in Drain Cover – $7.48/ea – https://low.es/3OhuLx0
5 – 4 In. PVC Drain Cap – $3.28/ea – https://low.es/2XZsorZ
4 – 1/2-in x 1/2-in dia Adapter Adapter PVC Fitting $0.72/ea – https://low.es/3OpYZxL
4 – 4-in Dia 90-Degree PVC Drain Elbow – $3.98/ea – https://low.es/3zN8UcC
1 – 4-in Dia 45-Degree PVC Wye – $7.98 – https://low.es/3xGZaOD
3 – 4″ PVC Tee, White – $6.48/ea – https://low.es/39Dedkc
4 – 1/2-in x 1/2-in dia 90-Degree Slip Elbow PVC Fitting – $0.67/ea – https://low.es/3HzUyye
1 – 2-in dia x 2-ft 280 Psi Schedule 40 White PVC Pipe – $13.15 – https://low.es/3OouDf9
1 – Fusion One 10-fl oz Clear PVC Cement and Primer – $14.28 – https://low.es/3O597fC
1 – Charlotte Pipe 4-in dia x Male Schedule 40 Plug – $5.84 – https://low.es/3xEwNAH
1 – Charlotte Pipe 4-in dia x Female Hub Schedule 40 Adapter – $9.86 – https://low.es/3tNfvA8

THIRD GENERATION

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Dutch Bucket Gardening


Dutch Bucket Gardening, also known as Bato Bucket Gardening, is a hydroponic growing method used for cultivating plants, particularly vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. The system typically consists of individual containers or buckets filled with a growing medium, such as perlite or coconut coir, where plants are grown using a nutrient-rich water solution.

Here’s a basic overview of how Dutch Bucket Gardening works:

  1. Buckets/Containers: Each plant is placed in a separate container or bucket filled with a growing medium. These buckets usually have a reservoir at the bottom to hold the nutrient solution.
  2. Growing Medium: Instead of soil, a soilless growing medium like perlite, coconut coir, or a mix of these materials is used. This provides support for the plant roots and allows for good aeration.
  3. Nutrient Solution: Plants receive their nutrients through a continuous flow or periodic flooding of a nutrient-rich water solution. The nutrient solution contains essential minerals required for plant growth.
  4. Watering System: A drip irrigation system or a similar mechanism is commonly used to deliver the nutrient solution to each bucket. This ensures that plants receive a consistent and controlled supply of water and nutrients.
  5. Monitoring and Control: The system often includes monitoring devices such as pH and electrical conductivity (EC) meters to ensure that the nutrient levels are appropriate for plant growth.

Dutch Bucket Gardening is known for its efficiency in water and nutrient usage, as well as its suitability for growing a variety of crops in a controlled environment. It’s commonly used in greenhouse settings and allows for better control over growing conditions, making it popular among hydroponic enthusiasts and commercial growers.