Grow Bed on a Deck

[cotang]

Hi, Brand new to this. My parents are old school farmers and have a nice garden but for me I never done this before and been getting that itch lately. The problem for me is that I don't have that much space in the back yard but I do have a deck extension that the original owner used for a hot tub. The hot tubes gone and I don't really want to rip out the deck so I was wondering if I can make a grow bed and have it on the deck. The grow bed will probably have a bottom to it with holes drilled. So I guess my question is, will I be able to grow vegi on it and how much soil should I have in it?

Thanks.

[SarzWix]

Hi

I've moved your thread out of Growing Techniques into an appropriate board.

Many Thanks

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...here_4846.html

[BumbleB]

Hi, Brand new to this. My parents are old school farmers and have a nice garden but for me I never done this before and been getting that itch lately. The problem for me is that I don't have that much space in the back yard but I do have a deck extension that the original owner used for a hot tub. The hot tubes gone and I don't really want to rip out the deck so I was wondering if I can make a grow bed and have it on the deck. The grow bed will probably have a bottom to it with holes drilled. So I guess my question is, will I be able to grow vegi on it and how much soil should I have in it?

Thanks.

Hi there, and welcome

Are you planning container growing etc as in aubergines in a large pot, Tomatoes in growbags, a trough with salad leaves etc. Or do you mean a raised bed.

What are you planning to grow on your deck?

There are lots of experienced gardeners here, I am sure someone will be along soon.

BB

[cotang]

Hi there, and welcome

Are you planning container growing etc as in aubergines in a large pot, Tomatoes in growbags, a trough with salad leaves etc. Or do you mean a raised bed.

What are you planning to grow on your deck?

There are lots of experienced gardeners here, I am sure someone will be along soon.

BB

I'm sure what the term is but its going to be a big big box with soil in it and its going to be raised off the deck. I currently have peas, carrots, tomatoes, asian melon and basil in a small container green house. Just started 2 days ago....so just waiting for them to sprout......not sure how long it takes.

[Eyren]

My concern would be that if the box has holes in the bottom, it will constantly drip water onto the decking and rot the wood. You would, I think, be better off standing it in some kind of tray (like a giant plantpot saucer!) so that water can collect in that and evaporate. Do you have a container in mind, or are you going to buy a pre-built system?

BTW, most seedlings come up in about 7-10 days, provided the temperature is right - if you put your location (town/county) in your profile, we'll have a better idea of your local climate.

[Two_Sheds]

You can grow your veggies in containers/pots - you don't need to build a bed.

btw, your tomatoes, melon & basil need a bit of heat. They'd do better on a warm windowsill to germinate.

[Eyren]

You can grow your veggies in containers/pots - you don't need to build a bed.

Very true - plus it makes it easier to ensure that each plant gets the conditions it needs. Some need a lot more water than others, and you can use the sun-lovers to shade the more tender crops.

[cotang]

Very true - plus it makes it easier to ensure that each plant gets the conditions it needs. Some need a lot more water than others, and you can use the sun-lovers to shade the more tender crops.

I was thinking of putting a heavy plastic sheet underneath to help gather and drain the water away from the bottom of the deck. I'm planning to build this myself. I think having the bed will make the deck look a bit nicer and maybe I'll grow the strawberries in the pots for my son to pick at. Anyways, my original question was how deep should the bed be?

Oh yeah, my location is Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

p.s.
The little green house containers are on a shelf in front of the window where its gets at least 8 hours of sunlight.