Make a Planter Box

Whether it is because of poor soil, a desire to have different beds for plants or a want to create something of a garden yourself, a planter box is a simple addition to meet your needs. The planter box can be as conventional or distinct as you like. These steps assist you so that you know how to make a planter box.

Steps

  1. Gather your tools before beginning the project. If you plan to make a planter box with more complexity, you may need additional tools to cut and assemble the planter box. This is a simple design for anyone beginning to learn how to make a planter box.
  2. Lay out the 4 boards on a flat even surface. All sides of the boards should be inspected. The most attractive side is the surface you want on to be the outer side of the planter box.
  3. Take 2 boards and drill 3 pilot holes at the end of each of the boards. The holes should be 3/4 inch (1.91 cm) from the edge. The middle hole is centered with the board's width.
    • The 2 boards are pre-drilled so that when the screws are inserted the wood does not splinter when assembling the planter box. It is unnecessary to predrill the other 2 boards.
  4. Position all 4 boards upright in a shape of a square box. The boards with pre-drilled holes are positioned on the outside of the corners. The screw will go through the pre-drilled hole into the adjoining board.
  5. Place the drill bit that drives a screw into the drill.
  6. Insert the screw with the drill into each pre-drilled hole.
  7. Take care to maintain the box's square when drilling and assembling the planter box. If the box is too out of square, the wood can split because of stress on the corners.
  8. Have someone assist when transporting the box from the work area to the site selected to be the final location of the planter box. The bed can be moved to another location if desired.
  9. Anchor the bed with metal or wooden stakes. This step is optional if there is a desire for the planter box to be in a fixed position.
  10. Lay out newspapers on the ground of the planter box. The newspapers prevent weeds from emerging in the garden. Dead leaves or other materials can be used in place of newspapers.
  11. Fill the planter box with minimal amounts of compost and potting soil. Mix the compost and potting soil while filling the box. The box should be filled with 1 inch (2.54 cm) of space between the mix and the top of the box.
  12. Plant seeds and watch them grow.

Tips

  • Redwood, cypress, or cedar is recommended as the lumber for the planter box. These woods are resistant to most insects and outdoor elements.
  • A saw is not needed unless you plan to alter the size of the planter box. The hardware store can cut the boards if you would like to alter the size.
  • The grass may need to be cut where the planter box is to be placed.
  • Take the utmost care when using tools and assembling the planter box. Material suppliers and manufacturers provide safety instructions to correctly operate the tools.
  • The screws chosen should be compatible with the drill bit. A supplier can fit drill bits and screws that are compatible.

Warnings

  • Pressure treated lumber should not be used on the planter box. The chemicals leak into the soil and pollute the garden and fruits/vegetables.
  • Rainwater drainage that is not controlled, like on roofs, can damage an area that is unprotected.

Things You'll Need

  • 4 boards that are 8 feet (2.4 m) long, by 2 inch (5.08 cm) by 6 inch (15.25 cm)
  • Exterior or decking nails
  • Newspaper
  • 16 cubic feet (4.88 m) potting soil
  • 16 cubic feet (4.88 m) compost
  • Drill with various bits
  • Measuring tape

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Sources and Citations

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