Above ground growbeds

Part of our endeavour is to not only grown fresh produce in our aquaponic greenhouse, but also have several above ground grow beds to grow root dwelling veggies like carrots, potatoes, and the like. After hunting around for an economical way to add above ground beds, I quickly discovered this is an expensive exercise. The primary options are:

1.     Treated pine sleepers. This option may appear to be cheap, but costs quickly escalate. For example, a simple one meter by one meter grows bed; at 600mm height will cost around $150.

2.     Corrugated iron/Color Bond Steel. This option is also quite pricey with most planter boxes coming in at $150+ per box.

3.     IBC. I managed to pickup three food grade IBC’s at $110 each delivered. This is by far the cheapest option.

I like the idea of using IBC’s as they are strong, robust, and can be moved easily. My biggest concern was getting something that was actually food grade as many claim to be, but are not. I was certainly proven wrong after ordering three units from Jack, who also sells these on ebay. I ordered them on Sunday morning by sending him a text, and they were delivered at 4.30pm that same afternoon!

The IBC’s provided had only been used ONCE! They contained, and have a small amount of syrup left in the bottom of them, and are literally brand new. They even have an FDA approved sticker on them which leads me to believe these are from the USA. The IBC’s were so new in fact they even has a sealed delivery docket and order form for more IBC’s from the manufacturer, SCHÜTZ. The price includes delivery, and Jack helped offload the IBC’s before getting back on the road. I strongly recommend if you need certified food grade IBC’s, and are in Melbourne, give Jack a call on 0417-777-706 and he will help you out. I don’t know Jack, nor had I met him prior to this transaction, but I am very satisfied with the service, and the quality of the delivered product.

I have already cut the cages up, and just need to cut the IBC’s in half now so stay tuned for an update in the next couple of days.