How to Build Garden Planter Boxes

Augment your garden with planter boxes to add structure and to draw the eye. You can also use planter boxes in vegetable gardens when the garden soil is harboring diseases such as blossom end rot in squashes or verticulum wilt in tomatoes. By using a planter box with fresh potting soil, you eliminate the problem of contamination. Some plants, such as potatoes, require a large planter box to be practical, but other plants such as tomatoes and herbs grow well in moderately sized boxes.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring stick
• 1-by-12-inch boards
• Saw
• Wood glue
• Strap clamp
• 10 L-brackets
• Drill with Phillips head bit
• Screws

Instructions

1. Measure and cut four, 11 1/2-inch-long pieces from the 1-by-12-inch board. Measure and cut one pieces 10 inches long

2. Position all four pieces so that a cut edge is against the work surface and arrange the pieces so two sides are between the other two sides forming four sides of a box.

3. Remove the internal pieces, apply wood glue to the uncut edges of the two 11 1/2-inch long pieces and then place them back in position.

4. Position a strap clamp around the four pieces, applying pressure to the wood glue. Because the garden planter boxes will get wet, add an L-bracket at the top and bottom of each corner screwing them in position with the drill.

5. Drill several 1/4-inch holes into the remaining 10-inch piece of board. Insert the board inside the four sides of the box to form a bottom. Place the bottom 1-inch from the end and secure it in place with an L-bracket on either side. There will be a 1/16-inch space on either side of the board.

Tips & Warnings

• Treat your wood garden planter box with linseed oil or prime and paint it.

• Use cedar or redwood for durability.

• Don't wear loose clothing when using power equipment.

References

• MIStupid: Lumber Dimensions
• OSHA: Safeguarding Equipment and Protecting Workers from Amputations