1. Making a 2-crate Plant Light Box, PLB
PSG,RBR,IPV,2Env,PLB,021809PHW
Making a 2-crate Plant Light Box, PLB
photos with instruction notes
18 pictures with notes

2. A two crate Plant Light Box, PLB, with rapid Brassica rapa, stock C1-150 plants growing in Bottle Growing Systems, BGS. These are the same plants as are being use in the activity PSG,RBR,IPV,2Env. These 18 plants are the 9 hairiest from the subpopulation of 36 plants growing under optimum, 100 mg/liter nutrition, and the 9 hairiest plants from the ‘hungry’ subpopulation of 36 plants growing at 25 mg /liter nutrition. These plants were photographed at ~7 days after the last pollination.
The stacking crates used in making this PLB can be obtained from ‘Office Depot’ or ‘Staples’ office supply stores. Both brands of stacking crates are the same dimensions and general design and make ideal PLBs. Where the design between brands differs in constructing the PLB, it is noted in the instructions that follow.

3. Stacking crate labels from ‘Office Depot’ and ‘Staples’ office supply stores. Both brands of stacking crates are the same dimensions and general design and make ideal PLBs. Where the design between brands differs in constructing the PLB, it is noted in the instructions that follow.

4. Some of the tools that are useful in making the 2 crate PLB
Some of the tools that are useful in making the 2 crate PLB. The Velcro tape is not needed in the construction of the 2 crate PLB.

5. Stack the two crates aligned as in the photo, not as they might normally be stacked using the stacking pegs and sockets attached to the sides of the crates. In the configuration shown, the front of the crates have been cut out and the crates will be solidly attached with simple binder clips. (shown later). The configuration shown provides for optimum space and lighting for BGS or 6 Deli Container Systems. Observing the crate orientation will inform you on the dimensions of the wall foil pieces to be cut.

6. Cut appropriate sized foil pieces
Cut appropriate sized foil pieces. A metal straight edge ruler enables easy cutting the foil by tearing it against the edge. Each of the two crates will require two pieces of foil 12 X 10 inches and two pieces 15 X 12 inches.

7. Using a ‘utility’ saw with a hacksaw blade in it, cut out a front panel of each of two stacking crates. A regular hacksaw blade, as depicted in the next image, also works well for cutting out the panels.

8. Regular replaceable hack saw blade, available at hardware stores, with paper toweling rolled around the blade as a saw handle. Purchase the cheapest blade avaialble.

9. Cutting out front panel of a stacking crate with a hacksaw blade
Cutting out front panel of a stacking crate with a hacksaw blade. Note Amber’s hands!

10. Preparation for lining the modified crates with foil sheets
Preparation for lining the modified crates with foil sheets. Place short (~1 inch) pieces of ½ inch wide double sided clear tape at nine locations, corners, middle sides and middle, of each of the four interior walls of each of the two crates.

11. Prior to applying the foil to the inside walls, on outside bottom of one of the crates, trace an approximately one inch diameter circle on the plastic center panel of the ‘Office Depot’ crate. Then with a small stiff sharp blade, note my Swiss Army type knife, carefully puncture repeatedly the plastic until the circle is cut out. This is the trickiest part of the whole construction. The hole that is made is to fit and attach the compact fluorescent light ,CFL, with the socket plug to the upper section of the plant light box. If the base of the CFL doesn’t fit in the hole, you can enlarge the hole by shaving small amounts of plastic off the hole circumference with the knife blade until the base of the lamp fits through the hole. The hole should not be so large that the socket plug goes through it.
In the case of a ’Staples’ brand stacking crate, the bottom of the crate is slotted such that a small sheet of thin rigid plastic, such as that cut with scissors from a plastic milk jug or from the bottom of a plastic ‘picnic’ plate can be cut to fit the center slot of the top crate. The hole for the light is then cut in the small plastic sheet.

12. Lower the precut foil pieces to fit on each wall
Lower the precut foil pieces to fit on each wall. Smooth out and press foil to stick on tape.

13. Foil lined crate, one of two.

14. Stack two crates, openings facing, align smooth rims, and apply two small clamps to each corner as illustrated. Your light box is essentially made.

15. Pictured are the electrical fixtures used to illuminate the PLB
Pictured are the electrical fixtures used to illuminate the PLB. A 40-42W compact fluorescent light, CFL, a socket plug, and a 6-12 foot extension cord. These items are available at hardware outlets. The screw base of the light is inserted through the hole in the top of the PLB and affixed by screwing the socket plug to the base of the light thus firmly affixing the light to the inside of the box.
In the case of a ’Staples’ brand stacking crate, the bottom of the crate is slotted such that a small sheet of thin rigid plastic, such as that cut with scissors from a plastic milk jug or from the bottom of a plastic ‘picnic’ plate can be cut to fit the center slot of the top crate. The hole for the light is then cut in the small plastic sheet.

16. Create a foil curtain to be clipped to the front opening of the PLB
Create a foil curtain to be clipped to the front opening of the PLB. Curtain dimensions can be 12 X 20 inches. The curtain can be made significantly more durable be taping the edges and centers wit strips of ¾ inch single sided clear tape, as illustrated.
The curtain is secured to the top of the PLB with small binderclips.

17. A reflective platform is used to raise and lower the position to the plants in the BGS or other growing systems in relation to the position of the light. Tops of Plants grow best when the tops are kept cm from the light. Platform can be raised or lowered by inserting empty ‘deli’ containers under the platform.
Platform can be made by covering a sheet of box cardboard with foil.

18. Amber Robertson’s PLB up and running on , in her lab in the Dept of Horticulture at the Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison. Ambers PLB is made from ‘Staples’ brand stacking crates.
Yea Amber!