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Greenhouses & Garden Structures

Maximum Soil Slope?

11 years ago

Hi,

I trying to implement a vertical farming system and had a question about soil slope. The idea I had in mind involves a riser system of plant shelves to prevent the plants in front from blocking light to the plants further from the window(See Diagram). To save space, I'd like to slope my plant shelves slightly. I was wondering if anyone had an idea of how steep I can make my shelves before I have to worry about the soil slipping. I don't know what type of soil yet nor do I need an exact figure. Just a ball park estimate of what could work. 10 degrees, 45 degrees?

Comment (1)

karin_mt
11 years ago
I'd say only a very small slope, if any. When you water, everything (water, soil, seeds) will go downhill even with a minor slope. This is especially true for small pots like 6 packs and seedling trays when you have a small margin of error to begin with.

If the plants are just sitting there and watering is not involved, then you can probably get away with a minor slope, but not a whole lot.

You could still use the idea of terraces to maximize your window light, even if you don't tilt the plants.
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