Hey everyone! I'm in the process of constructing several garden boxes to set up a big garden area. I prefer the look of shorter garden boxes that keep the plants closer to the ground. I'll be using a weed barrier and cardboard under the boxes so the plants will grow directly in the soil of the beds. I don't mind bending down to tend to them. I'm curious, what's the minimum height I can make these boxes? I'm planning to grow some basic crops like carrots, squash, beans, tomatoes, and possibly some berry bushes.
2 Answers
For smaller plants like lettuce and strawberries, you can get away with a depth of about 6 inches. However, for things like peppers, squash, and cucumbers, you should aim for at least 12 inches. Tomatoes really thrive best in 12 inches, but 18 inches is even better for their roots to spread.
I usually build my boxes using 2 x 12s, which are about 11.5 inches deep. I also strip the sod from underneath the box, giving the plants a bit more room to grow, plus it prevents weeds! Works perfectly for me.
Do you remove the sod completely or just cut it up and leave some of it there?