Smug Trug – Small

The small veggie planter is asymmetrical, with the deepest part to the rear.

Dimensions are approximate.

Length:  90 cm (approx 3′)

Width:  60 cm (approx 2′)

Height: 80 cm (approx 2′ 8″)

Replaceable food-safe trough

The internal faces are finished with Barrettine ‘Nourish & Protect’ wood protective treatment, which the manufacturer has confirmed is food safe when dry, and is lined with landscaping fabric.  The end grain and a thin strip along its lower edge, below the trug’s false bottom, is treated with wood preservative (harmless to plants and pets when dry) and the external faces are finished with teak oil or OLI-Natura Yacht and Teak Oil.

Trough replacement

Barrettine ‘Nourish & Protect’ wood protective treatment is not a wood preservative, so despite its two coats the trough may rot over time.  It can be easily replaced, by removing a few small screws and  using the old panels as templates when cutting new ones (or contact me).  

You could prolong its life by slipping some heavy duty polythene between the ply and fabric lining, leaving the bottom free to drain. 

Drainage

A layer of 20 mm gravel assists drainage through a suspended false bottom, where excess water is free to escape around the bottom edge of the trug’s central keel, aided by several large 70 mm drainage holes, each fitted with soffit vents to prevent insects entering the drainage cavity. The idea is to improve drainage and slightly reduce the amount of composted needed.

The loose fitting false bottom is made from cement-faced tiling backer board (as used in showers and underfloor heating), which has a foam core for added insulation and slots for extra drainage. 

Trug frame

The legs and trough edging trim is made from treated agricultural half-round fencing and decking planks, with an added coat of Barrettine ‘Nourish & Protect’ wood protective treatment, for water repellency and to discourage surface moulds and algae.

Each leg has an EPDM rubber sole to discourage water absorption, but may rot slowly over time.  If this happens, the solution is to simply saw off an equal amount, apply wood preserver and stand the trug on bricks.  Alternatively, call me, and I can supply short hardwood replacement feet, as shown in the image of the large trug (oak, painted Sadolin Extra Ebony).

The steel leg bolts are likely to rust – no harm in this, but a wipe of grease, or a dab of paint or varnish could protect the gleam if you prefer this look.

The trug is not intended to last a lifetime, but if it instills a lifelong love of gardening, it will rot away happy.

I request a £100 charity donation through my JustGiving page.