How To Build A Grow Box

I didn’t know how easy it was to grow vegetables in small spaces till I learned about grow boxes. Here’s how to build one.

I pride myself on having a beautiful garden filled with plants, vegetables, and flowers. On a recent trip to the farmer’s market, I picked up a few samples of vegetable seeds that I wanted to grow. However, I came home to find a lack of adequate space in the garden to plant them.

During a visit to my neighbor Angie’s home, I saw the beautiful way she grew vegetables in small boxes. These are known as grow boxes and are easy to build on your own. I came home and began my research on how to build a grow box.

Hi! I’m Stacy. And today, I will tell you everything I know about building a grow box. Those looking for an easy solution to growing vegetables in a small space will appreciate the simplicity of a grow box.

So, without further delay, let’s get straight to the guide!

How To Build A Grow Box

What Is A Grow Box?

As the name tells you, a grow box is essentially a small box in which you can grow plants, vegetables, or flowers. It is imperative to create the right environment and conditions for the plants to thrive. Moreover, finding the right plants and vegetables that thrive in small spaces is essential.

Building a grow box is straightforward. Some of the vital environmental factors you need to control are - suitable lighting, a proper watering schedule, fans, and a space that is adequate for them to grow without discomfort.

Why Build A Grow Box?

There are several reasons why you may consider building a grow box. Personally, it was because of the lack of adequate space in the garden that I decided to build one. Of course, I was highly impressed by the beautiful plant and vegetable varieties that Angie raised in her grow box, so I was tempted to try the same.

Other reasons to build a grow box include -

• The desire to grow certain plants, vegetables, or flowers indoors
• Lack of adequate outdoor space
• Unsuitable soil conditions outdoors
• Wanting to grow a specific plant, vegetables, flowers, or herbs during unsuitable climatic conditions
• The desire to decorate the indoors with growing vegetables and flowers

Building A Grow Box

Step 1 - Deciding The Size Of The Grow Box

In my opinion, this is a vital consideration to take into account before building a grow box. Depending on the number of plants or vegetables you want to grow and how large they will get, choose an appropriate box size.

Since I was planning on growing onions, I settled for a small-sized grow box (around 6 inches in depth). However, it is best to research the type of vegetable you wish to grow before choosing an appropriate box size for it.

Step 2 - Gathering The Materials

You can build a wooden or cardboard grow box, depending on your preference. I decided to start with a cardboard box first and observe it before building the more complex wood grow box.

However, some of the standard supplies you will need for both types of boxes are - 

• Wooden planks or cardboard
• LED lights
• Screws, hinges, and nuts (for a wooden box)
• Box cutter (for a cardboard box)
• One roll of aluminum foil
• Two cooling fans
• Magnets or velcro pads
• Glue

Step 3 - Taking The Measurements

I advise you to follow this step very carefully, as it is crucial to ensuring that the grow box is large enough for your vegetables to thrive. Note down the measurements carefully and recheck them before finally jotting it down.

Step 4 - Create The Frame And Door

For my cardboard grow box, I used the measurements I took and cut them out carefully using the box cutter. I began by creating the frame and then making a door. You can use magnets or velcro pads to create hinges for the door.

In the case of a wooden grow box, use wooden hinges, nuts, and bolts to create the door and frames.

Step 5 - Adding The Reflective Material

I opted for regular aluminum foil as my reflective material. However, you can also use underfloor heating foil if you wish to.

Carefully plaster the aluminum or heating foil all around the inside walls of the grow box. This will act as a reflective material that absorbs and retains heat and moisture and reflects light.

Step 6 - Adding The Fans

You need two small fans - the top fan will push air outwards while the bottom fan allows air to enter the box. Using the box cutter, carefully cut out exact measurements for the fans and attach them to your grow box.

Step 7 - Adding Soil

Again, depending on the type of plant you wish to grow, choose suitable sand or soil for it to thrive. Add the soil carefully into the box.

Step 8 - Electrical Setup

The final step involves setting up the electrical wires and connecting them to a power outlet. After this, you are ready to plant your vegetable seeds and watch them grow beautifully in the small box.

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Summing It Up