How to Grow Endless Supplies of All Types of Lettuce In A Small Box

I want one of these: a DIY mobile salad box that allows you to grow your own salad greens. Growing greens in a box allows you to move them from sunny spots to shaded areas for best growth; it also allows you to hide them from any animals or pests.

This box was based off of a design by University of Maryland Cooperative Extension specialist Jon Traunfeld. He created it so that fresh greens could be accessible to anyone, especially city dwellers. Here’s how to make one for yourself.

How To Make Your Very Own Salad Garden Box

You Will Need:

Handles (optional)
Four 3/4″ galvanized screws (for handles)
Soilless potting mix

Granulated organic fertilizer
Seeds or seedlings
Hand saw

One 8′ pine or cedar 1’x4′ board
Screwdriver
Eight 1 5/8″ galvanized screws

Scissors or wire snips
Window screen
1/4″ hardware cloth, or metal lath

Staple gun and 1/2″ staples
U-shaped nails

Instructions:

Using the hand saw, cut the wood board into two 18-inch pieces and two 30-inch pieces.
Screw one short piece of wood to one long piece of wood, forming an L-shape. Repeat with other pieces. Screw the two L-shaped pieces together using two 1 ⅝ inch screws at each joint.
Measure and cut the window screen and the piece of hardware cloth to fit the box’s bottom. Staple to attach the screen. Use U-shape nails to attach the hardware cloth to the bottom of the box, making sure that the cloth is the outside layer. Attach optional handles.

Add potting mix to the box leaving 1 inch of space at the top. Adding organic fertilizer to mix is recommended. Moisten soil and plant seeds or starts of greens, lettuce or herbs. Build more boxes so that you can enjoy fresh greens at any time.

Plant These In Your Garden

Not sure what to plant in your own DIY salad garden? Take a look at these delectable greens.

Kale: It’s a hearty green vegetable. It is high in Vitamin A, C and K and contains a healthy dose of calming magnesium. Kale is easy to grow and important for your health; it’s antioxidants can prevent cancer in the body. Kale tastes especially good when cooked. Read more about the wonders of kale here.

Romaine Lettuce: Try refreshing romaine lettuce in your salad box. Romaine lettuce is low in calories and high in water content. It has high levels of calcium and folate. It tastes excellent in fresh salads, especially in the late Spring and Summer.

Arugula: Nothing compares to the delicious, peppery taste of fresh arugula in salads and pastas. Arugula is low in calories but high in minerals like iron and copper. Eating arugula has a cooling effect on the body, making it perfect for salads on hot summer days.

Spinach: Grow your own spinach and whip up fresh pestos at any time. It is high in B vitamins, fibre and zinc. Spinach helps to fight anemia thanks to it’s high iron content. Spinach is delicious in green smoothies. To read more about boosting your smoothie with spinach, read this article.

By following these tips you’ll soon be able to maximize your garden’s output to feed your family.