materials for grid

Hi to all. Has anyone used string for their grid? I was planning on using redwood fencing ripped down on my table saw to 1" to 1"1/4 wide but I dont like the way it looks. so I was thinking of using the kind of string that masons use to pull a straight line and using little screw eyelets around the raised bed for the string to go through. Thanks for any and all input

model a man wrote:Hi to all. Has anyone used string for their grid? I was planning on using redwood fencing ripped down on my table saw to 1" to 1"1/4 wide but I dont like the way it looks. so I was thinking of using the kind of string that masons use to pull a straight line and using little screw eyelets around the raised bed for the string to go through. Thanks for any and all input

I used twine stapled to the box. I chose to use what was at hand, same stuff I tied up the plants with I made my grid with. I do have two boxes with a wooden grid, I like it as well. Twine came in later after I wanted more beds but less cash.

To allow easy access to the soil in the garden bed I used jute twine on small finish nails. I covered the nail heads with slices of wine cork so as not to stab my knees. At the end of the season I can compost the twine if it is getting on to the end of it's usefulness.

I used wood like Mel recommended in his book, and to be honest I really hated it. I replaced it all with clothesline type string and I love it. Even though the slats were thin it took up space and I want as much space in there as I can get... Plus I can move my little hand rake over the top of the string and get to all the dirt instead of getting splinters in the top of my hand.

I used venetian blind slats in 2009 and for some of my boxes last year. I find the slats, even weighted with stones, moves around in a stiff wind. I also tried using jute twine which wore out before the season ended, but that's ok. I find that once the blocks are established, I need neither the slats nor the twine. It makes working around my plants easier. I like the freedom of nothing in the way.

Here's a bed with the venetian blinds slats.

middlemamma wrote:I used wood like Mel recommended in his book, and to be honest I really hated it. I replaced it all with clothesline type string and I love it. Even though the slats were thin it took up space and I want as much space in there as I can get... Plus I can move my little hand rake over the top of the string and get to all the dirt instead of getting splinters in the top of my hand.

I have not used anything yet because I have no boxes at all but looking and reading all the suggestions for the grids I think washing line is probably the best Idea. You can get it in a good range of colours and its strong and should last a few years. Also like middlemamma says it doesn't reduce the size of the squares. With one inch wide timber slats you would need to make the internal size of your boxes 4 feet 3 inches square to make sure you ended up with exact 12 inch clear squares of planting space. Also it must be easier to work on the actual compost without the wooden slats being in the way. I must admit though the wooden slats do look attractive at first when boxes are empty and plants start to grow. I say at first because once plants get to full size it is hard to see what material was used for the slats. At the point of replanting a single square the only use of any material to make the square is to give a visible indication of where to plant your next crop. So I will be using plastic coted nylon clothesline treaded through screw in eyes.

I used plastic-coated clothesline and just tied it off around screws which were not fully screwed in.
I recall at least a couple of people last season said that they used mason's string. Some were happy and I think one said it fell to bits later in the season. Guess there is string and string?
Try searching for "mason" and you will get some threads to read

Hi,
We have talked about string vs. slats before, so a search might help with more answers. But just in case it does not. I have metal venetian blind slats nailed into my boxes. They look pretty but do not work well for me. I am slowly replacing them. I will use cheap string. I want the string to rot over the growing season to make garden clean out easier. With attached slats I cannot rake out leaves. The slats are not as easy to use when I want to plant a multi-square plant. I cannot wait to get an other garden season going, as last year was so rough. This year has got to be better.

Patty in Yorktown

I bought nylon mason string and instead of using eyelets I got large headed screws to wrap the string around. as soon as I finish installing the drip systems I will add the string. I have 3/ 3'x6' boxes and 5/ 4'x6' boxes and a 2 1/2'x30' box and a 4'x6' od shaped planter I am using.

Nylon string. I've used pink and white. I prefer a color with some serious pop, honestly. Last spring, I put roofing nails in at every foot and just wove the twine until I had my grid cut in.

I don't care if it needs to be replaced. Twine is pretty inexpensive. And, it doesn't take up any room at all. Here's a picture with last summer's beans sprouting in the twine.

Mine's coated clothesline...it worked just fine for me, so I'll do it again this year.

In my 4x4s Ray made wooden slats that set inside on small lips in the boxes. The very first box that he made has the grid attached to the box but that is a pain to work with. Box 2 and 3 have removable grids which work so much better for me. It is easier to do irrigation maintenance without the grid in place. It is also easier to get the soil ready in the spring (or winter as the case may be). I do like the look of the grid and do not feel like I lose any space to it. Everything fills in quickly. Oddly enough they also give me something to balance against (with a light touch) when leaning across the square to work in the center squares.

In my one 2x8 box I use jute twine connected with U shaped nails (maybe they are called staples?) I don't notice the twine composting or breaking down all that quickly. It does stretch. Ray will be adding two more 2x8s in late spring/early summer and I plan to stick with jute for that size of garden.

Deborah... thinking corks on nail heads are a good reason to drink wine instead of eating advil after spring gardening.

Lavender Debs wrote:
Deborah... thinking corks on nail heads are a good reason to drink wine instead of eating advil after spring gardening.

Precisely!

I've used wood slats, re-bar, mini-blinds, steel rod, and foam baseboard. Last year I used nylon mason string for the first time, and I'll never use anything else. It's cheap, easy, fast, and versatile.

After seeing how many forum members are happy with string grids, this came to mind: string doesn't always show up as well in pictures as other grid materials.