Reclaimed painted pine 1x4 for grow box?

[Dorky_gearhead]

My landlord has been doing repairs to and he has left a bunch of 1x4 pine on the side of my house. I was wondering if I could use this to make growing boxes? My concern is the paint might harm the freshly collected trees. I'm pretty sure the paint used is NOT lead paint. would oil base, or latex paints pose a threat for trees? there's at least 30 feet of the 1x4 and about 10 feet of 2x4's and I was really hoping I could put it to good use rather than spending money on fresh lumber.

Thanks in advance, Casey

 

[Random User]

If you're really concerned, you could line them with thick plastic sheeting.... the boxes are the expensive part, not the plastic.

 

[Random User]

I've done this before... go to the hardware store and buy some type of hose (doesn't matter what type, I used clear plastic 1 1/4" O.D.)... drill your drainage holes the O.D. of the hose... then put an inch or two of water into the box to hold the sheeting in place... staple the sheeting around the outter edge and push the hose section into the drain holes... you only need a thin wedge of hose... then, if you like you "could" secure the hose in place with a finishing nail, but I didn't bother and my boxes drain well. I also put one wrap of duct tape around the outside of the box to cover the staples and ugly plastic edge.... it worked ok... I don't think they will last a long time, but I like to change things often anyway. (My boxes are about 2'x2'... so I put some wheels under them so I could push them around the yard... its good for when you might be expecting a hail storm as you can move them into shelter.

 

[Random User]

I take the wheels off in the winter and set the boxes right on the ground, all huddled together. 1/2" rod and lawn mower wheels work... you could buy better wheels that have bearings, but if you are doing a lot of boxes it can add up.

 

[jeanluc83]

@SKBonsaiGuy I think you are over thinking it.

Go ahead and use it. I have used old 1x4 trim boards that were stained with no issues. I have even used old pressure treated deck boards.

 

[Vance Wood]

I don't see where there would be a problem using this box. I would put screen in the bottom of course. The wood appears to be Sweet Gum and as such it will probably rot really fast. Been there done that with Sweet Gum.

 

[Random User]

Jeanluc83, yep, I don't disagree with the overthinking it... my boxes are made from plywood that were used to ship industrial electric heaters in. I got 10 of them and just didn't want the plywood to fall apart in one season... and I didn't want any formaldehyde, etc. leaching into the root system. I've learnt that a few small precautions on my part, can save me some grief down the road.