How to Build a Pyramid Planter Box

Pyramid planter boxes are most famously used for growing strawberries, however they are equally suitable for flowers, herbs and other shallow-rooted plants. Building your own pyramid planter can create a lot of extra garden space as you put vertical space in the yard to good use. A pyramid planter box doesn't require knowledge of complex carpentry, so just about anyone can build it.

Things You'll Need

• 2 planks 1-by-7, 60 inches
• 2 planks 1-by-7, 58 inches
• Carpenter's square
• Drill
• 1 5/8-inch screws
• 2 planks 1-by-7, 50 inches
• 2 planks 1-by-7, 48 inches
• 2 planks 1-by-7, 40 inches
• 2 planks 1-by-7, 38 inches
• 2 planks 1-by-7, 30 inches
• 2 planks 1-by-7, 28 inches
• 2 planks 1-by-7, 20 inches
• 2 planks 1-by-7, 18 inches
• Spade
• Level
• Potting soil

Instructions

1. Form two planks of 60-inch 1-by-7 lumber and two planks of 58-inch 1-by-7 lumber into a square frame, with the ends of the shorter planks on the inside of the longer planks so that all the sides are equal in length.

2. Check the corners of the frame with a carpenter's square to ensure right angles, then drill three countersunk pilot holes through the sides of the longer planks into the ends of the shorter planks and secure the frame together with 1 5/8-inch screws.

3. Repeat with 50- and 48-inch lumber, 40- and 38-inch lumber, 30- and 28-inch lumber and 20- and 18-inch lumber so you have five square frames that are 10 inches smaller than the one before.

4. Level the ground where you want to install the planter using a spade and checking with a level. Place the largest frame down on the ground and check again that the top of the frame is level.

5. Fill the frame with potting soil and press it down quite hard to achieve a reasonably compact base. Center the second largest frame on top of the soil in the first, then fill this frame with potting soil. Repeat with all the remaining frames until your pyramid planter is complete. This planter will stand 35 inches tall.

Tips & Warnings

• Adjust the number of levels, size and height of the frames to suit your space and planting needs.

• Using rot-resistant wood such as cedar will help the planter last longer.

• Make a round pyramid by using flexible lawn edging for the frames instead of lumber.

References

• University of Arkansas; Strawberry Production In The Home Garden; R. Keith Striegler
• All About Stuff; A Strawberry Pyramid Planter For Next To Nothing; Robert Laurence