Hello
Let me preface this by saying...I am a gardening newbie. I wanted to grow some vegetables and herbs on my screened in back porch. The porch is shaded so I'm planning to put plant lights above the boxes. The boxes I ordered are 70L X 24W X 29H. The only gardening I have ever done is flowers in the ground and that was a while back. The boxes are wood so do I need a liner of some sort? Should I put rocks in the bottom or do I need something else for drainage and circulation? Final question...not sure exactly how deep the box is (it looks fairly deep) but the 29 inches includes legs. I know I can grow herbs and probably tomato, cucumber, but I'm not sure what veggies are a no go for planter boxes (besides something obvious like a pumpkin or watermelon). Would potatoes, carrots, etc work? Any tips you can provide a newbie gardener would be DESPERATELY appreciated!! Thank you SO much. Even if you can just recommend a good book for planting in planters.

Your new planter boxes will need two things before you begin: a coating inside (to keep them from rotting) and drain holes. If the planters are glued, add some screws. Rocks don't make a good substitute for drainage. If the boxes come without drain holes, drill some.

The biggest need for any plant is good light and proper water and nutrients. Plant things together that have similar requirements. For instance, cucumbers require a lot of fertilizer but basil doesn't require any.

Check the bag the potting soil comes in. A lot of potting soils already have fertilizer in them - adding more would be harmful. Adding a little rotted manure to the cucumbers would be beneficial but, only to them. Don't buy moisture control potting soil.

Thanks so much for the response!

Do you have a recommendation for a coating (i.e. should I get something to line it with or get something to seal the wood instead)? I'll check into the drainage. I'm going to be using plant lights (the one that simulate sunlight) since my patio doesn't get a lot of sun. I've never tried them before but now is as good a tme as any I suppose.

You can use plastic or look into liquid rubber pond liner. You want something non-toxic. If the planters are outside, use deck sealant on the outside of them.