How to Build a Garden Planter on Legs for Wheelchair Users

For some people, gardening is relaxing and restorative. It can help create a sense of place, relieve stress and restore self-esteem, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. People with limited mobility can enjoy gardening and reap these benefits if you bring the garden closer to them. Make one or two of these garden boxes to allow the wheelchair user in your life to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening.

Things You'll Need

• 3 redwood lumber 12-foot 2-by-4s
• 4 redwood lumber 6-foot 1-by-12s
• 1 redwood lumber 3-foot 2-by-4
• 20 16d 3-inch galvanized nails
• 38 2-inch galvanized screws
• 8 5/16 X 3 ½-inch galvanized lag screws and washers
• 4 3/8 x 5-inch galvanized lag screws and washers
• 2 cubic feet potting soil
• 2 cubic feet organic compost
• 2 cubic feet peat moss
• 2 cubic feet vermiculite
• 2 cups time-release fertilizer

Instructions

1. Cut each 2-by-4 into four pieces for the legs. Nail together two of the pieces in an L-shape using about five nails. Repeat this three more times so you have four L-shaped legs.

2. Cut a 6-foot 1-by-12 into two pieces that are each 35 inches long to form two sides of the box.

3. Attach two legs to each side piece with 2-inch screws. Screw the narrower part of the legs on, one to each end of these side pieces.

4. Now cut the other 6-foot 1-by-12 into two pieces that are each 35 inches long. Attach these two remaining sides to the legs with 2-inch screws to form a box.

5. Turn the box upside down, with the legs in the air. Cut the remaining 6-foot 1-by-12s to fit across the bottom of the box. Attach the pieces to the bottom of the planting box with 5/16 x 3 ½-inch screws and washers, leaving a small gap between boards for drainage.

6. Cut the last 2-by-4 to make a bottom support. Place this support in the middle, perpendicular to the bottom boards you have just attached. Secure the support with 3/8 x 5-inch screws with washers.

7. Line the box with heavy plastic. Slit some holes for water to drain out that line up with the gaps you've left in the bottom.

8. Combine potting mix, compost, peat moss, vermiculite and fertilizer. Mix these well and place this mixture in the garden planter. Water it thoroughly and let it sit one day before planting.

References

• Modesto Garden Club: How to Build a Theraputic Garden Box
• Danny Lipford: Build a Wooden Patio Planter
• Stark Silver Creek: Venturing into Vegetable Gardening

Resources

• University of Minnesota Extension: Accessible Gardening