How to build a Tframe

Graphically illustrated instructions for building and installing T-Frames are contained in the Mittleider Gardening Course - advanced section, Chapter 15, as well as other books, which are available at www.growfood.com.

Here is a recap of the process. For a 30' Soil-Bed or Grow-Box, buy the following:

6 - 8' treated 4 X 4's. Cut two of them into 6 equal-sized pieces 32" long. Four of those 32" lengths become the top of the T.

The other two 32" 4 X 4 lengths then are cut into 4 equal-sized braces using 45 degree-angle cuts as follows: Measure and mark 10 5/8" along the bottom edge, then 3 5/8", then 10 5/8", then 3 5/8".

On the top edge, measure and mark 3 1/2", then another 3 5/8", then 10 5/8", then 3 5/8". Draw lines between these marks, then, using a table saw, cut on the lines.

Pre-drill through the top center of the 32" tops, then use a 6" spike to nail into the 8' post.

Screw or nail the braces to the top and the post.

Bury 15" in the ground at 10 foot or shorter intervals.

Use #8 gage wire and eyebolts between the T-Frames on the ends of your beds, or use 1/2" galvanized pipe that are held in place by two nails spaced 1" apart on the top of both sides of each T.

Place your T-frames on one side of your soil-beds with the outside edge of the 4 X 4 post lined up with the top of the ridge if you're growing in the soil, or just inside the frame if you're in Grow-Boxes. Place T-Frames equally distanced, every 10', or closer for the length of the bed or box.

If you want to extend the growing season, use 2 X 4's on edge, and make an arched canopy with 3/4" PVC and 45 degree Slip fittings every 2', then cover in early Spring and late Fall with 6 mil clear plastic.

If putting T's in a 4'-wide box you place them inside the box but at the outside edges. That way there is 16" between the T's in the middle of the box, and with a 3 1/2' aisle (which is the minimum you need in this case) you end up with 14" between the T's in the middle of the aisle. Always place 4 T-s in a 30'-long bed or box - 10' apart.

If you build the PVC arches and cover with plastic to extend your season, the plastic doesn't come straight down, but would be angled back in toward the box at the bottom, so a person can walk down the aisles.

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