ENN: Environmental News Network [[ ENN Garden Tutorials ]]
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What you need:
A soil sieve is handy for starting seeds or mixing soil. It’s quite easy to build one yourself and you will find many uses for it. |
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| To make the frame, you need two 18″ and two 15″ lengths of 2×4 lumber. Cut the lumber to size with a hand saw or a chop saw. |
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| Arrange the 2×4’s to make an 18″ square. Drill two 1/8″ pilot holes through each end of the 18″ boards. Fasten the 2×4’s together with 3″ wood screws. |
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| Now you’re ready to cut the screen for the sieve. The intended function of the sieve determines what size mesh you should use. For preparing soil to start seeds, use mesh with an 1/8″ opening. For removing stones and other debris from your soil, the mesh openings can be as wide as 1/2″. Measure the screen by laying the wood frame over the mesh. Trace its outline with a permanent marker. Cut the mesh with tin snips about 1/4″ inside of the marked line. This eliminates any overhang of the material. |
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| Lay the screen over the frame and fasten it in place with a staple gun. Use several staples on each side. |
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| Next, cut two 18″ and two 15″ lengths of 1×2 lumber. Arrange these pieces on top of the 2×4 frame, sandwiching the screen between the boards. Nail the 1×2’s to the frame with 2″ finishing nails. |
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| To finish the sieve, attach utility handles to opposite sides of the frame. |