Grow box size

[Grant Hamby]

Okay cool! I was actually planning on using the ebihara technique on this one, so I'll go ahead and put it straight into the big box in the spring!

 

[Grant Hamby]

Plastic canvas from Hobby Lobby. It comes in different mesh counts and it's really really cheap. I use it to cover the drain holes on pots as well.

I just went to Hobby Lobby and fortunately remembered this. Pretty sure I have a lifetime supply now.

 

[augustine]

I disagree with the large as possible grow box theory. The soil needs to dry out in a reasonable amount of time (ideally every day) and will not do so if the container is too large. You'll get better growth if you have to water everyday because of the daily infusion of air that occurs when you water. Also, there is a higher probability of root rot with a container that is too big.

My advice is based on personal experience. Good luck,

 

[M. Frary]

My advice

Is spot on.

 

[dirk hoorelbeke]

Yes, but when your big container does not dry out fast enough, you might use coarser soil...

 

[aml1014]

Yes, but when your big container does not dry out fast enough, you might use coarser soil...

Exactly, I'll be using straight pumice. Pretty much impossible to over water even if the soil mass doesn't dry out unless your talking about a prickly pear cactus and even then I don't think you could, nevertheless Ill water daily and there will still be oxygen exchange and the trees will still be happy as ever.

Aaron

 

[tstrum]

You have two different issues in your question. 1) How much bigger than the root ball should a grow box be? 2) Encouraging horizontal root growth by attaching a wooden plate to the bottom of a tree (or at least that's what I think you mean).

Grow boxes encourage growth by providing good drainage and air flow to the roots (when the proper medium is used). I would say you need the box to be greater than 2" around the root mass for that to occur. Now if you attach a piece of wood or tile to the bottom of the tree it kind of messes up the drainage and air flow a bit. If you do that, I would say the box needs to be a minimum of 3 - 4 inches greater than the dimensions piece of wood or tile to get any benefit. Maybe others will offer more information as well.

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Do you happen to have a "blueprint" for how you built those boxes?

 

[Tieball]

Do you happen to have a "blueprint" for how you built those boxes?

Here's a couple of box building sources. Not a blueprint of what you're specifically asking about....but you might find these helpful.
1. www.bonsaitree.co.za
A photo of that page is attached. The article is under his Blog. Good information on his website and especially the Blog regarding container and field growing techniques. Good story documentation of steps taken.

2. www.ofbonsai.org
A photo of that page is attached