27-05-2003, 02:44 AM
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Raised bed planter on a deck?
From:
Date: Mon, May 26, 2003 6:40 PM
Message-id:
I've seen some descriptions of building raised beds for access from a
wheelchair. I'd like to build one for use on a deck, but I'm
worried about the weight of such a planter when it's wet and
saturated.
I had been thinking about 4'x2', and about 1' tall. That's only 8
cubic feet, which isn't that much weight dry. Or is it?
A google on the weight of topsoil suggested that 1 cubic yard of
topsoil is about 2500lbs! Its been a while since I've been in school
but isn't a cubic yard still 9 cubic feet? That would make a planter
that's 8 cubic feet pretty heavy indeed.
Filled it with water and it would weigh close to 500lbs. Add that to
the weight of the dirt and That's some hefty weight. I've seen some
other estimates as low as 1600lbs dry for topsoil. That still seems
like a lot for a deck.
Am I missing something here? How large can a raised planter be for
use on a porch or deck?
Swyck
The size of the planter/container you're considering (it's not a raised bed
unless it's on the ground, technically) is good. You don't want to use topsoil
at all, no way, never. You'll need a well-draining, very lightweight potting
mix. This is available ready-mixed or you can buy the components and put it
together yourself. It's not going to weigh anything close to what topsoil
would (and topsoil would have many other problems in that situation anyway).
The components of the mix are things like peat/peat substitute, perlite and/or
vermiculite, ground bark, and prepared minerals (in tiny amounts) such as
superphosphate, dolomitic limestone, etc. These mixes are used in
balcony/deck/roof plantings everywhere and make it possible to grow things
safely in those situations.
Have fun with it!
Best,
Tyra
nNJ usa
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