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Old 06-03-2003, 06:40 AM
Timber
 
Posts: n/a
Default Newbie question about shade

The containers on wheels?

They are easy, you simply take the raised bed principle, build supporting
decks, add commercial casters with locking wheels (I have seen these at the
local hardware store for around $5.00 each some as costly as $25. I guess
it would depend upon the weight and size of the overall bed). Add a lighter
weight soil base and poof, you have a container garden which moves around on
wheels. If you are going to do this I would suggest you also put in a metal
clamp type bracket on one end of the decking and fashion a pulling handle
out of anything. Though Many don't as you have the raised bed to perform
this function. I simply placed large U-bolts onto mine as I made them with
Pond Liner. If you are going to do this keep in mind it's not normal soil
and the water has to go somewhere. Thus, I cut into the pond liner small
holes (one every two feet) and obtained pond specific drain plumbing
parts--this way I can unscrew the cap and allow any extra water on the
bottom to drain out. You seal it with a special liner silicone glue which
is available in the same isle as the liner. I might suggest you attach a
small chain to the cap and secure the chain to the support decking as I lost
several caps and they can be difficult to find.

I have seen many configurations of these put together but I don't think that
a wood base would give the durability to last for many more than two or
three seasons without much work. A friend of mine made them out of acrylic
sheets and has used these for nearly ten years but he makes large Aquarium
so the cost is a little lower for him and he knows how to brace the acrylic
sheets properly---I don't. I have even seen people raise corn in moving
container systems which support four rows of corn.

I myself don't need a system like this but did experiment with a heavy duty
pond liner which I applied over a wood frame attached to a castered base.
In this I raised tomato plants for a single season. I do however make
planters out of the pond liners which I fill with flowers. If you have seen
those 'flowering pouches' you will know what I mean. These I string over
trestles and Sun Patio roofing systems, cut holes into the liner and plant
trailing flowers from them. This allows for an entire 'roof' as it were
filled with cascading flowers everywhere. The neat thing about Pond Liner
is that it is built to take the abuse and weight you are putting it through.
Not to mention the ability to sculpt it into what ever shape you may desire.
As with anything it's only limitations are your imagination. Keep in mind
that I would not suggest being frugal and purchasing the thinner pond liner,
spend the few extra dollars and purchase a thicker liner.

Timber
www.timberslodge.net
....a Step Through Time


"Minteeleaf" wrote in message
...
Timber wrote:

Are you home in the sunlight hours?
I have seen people plant entire gardens on wheels for just this reason.


Can you describe this thoroughly please?
What containers, what plants, how did it work?

Minteeleaf