This DIY raised garden bed with legs was created by Angela from Angela Marie Made, and it’s perfect for those who want to enjoy gardening without the hassle of bending over.
This tutorial will guide you through the steps to build a stylish and functional planter that’s great for small spaces.
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Cedar wood (1×6 and 1×2 boards)
- Wood glue (waterproof)
- 1¼ inch self-tapping deck screws
- Brad nails
- Drill
- Miter saw
- Measuring tape
- Weed barrier
Step 1: Make Your Initial Lumber Cuts
Begin by cutting your cedar wood to the appropriate sizes for the planter box frame. Refer to the detailed cut list linked in the tutorial for exact measurements.
Step 2: Create the Ledge for the Planter Box
Attach the 1×2 boards to the bottom of two of the longer 1×6 boards to create a ledge. Ensure the boards are centered and use 1¼ inch self-tapping deck screws for attachment. For maximum support, it’s recommended to use six screws per board.
Step 3: Assemble the Raised Planter Boxes
Mark 3/8 of an inch in from both edges of the shorter 1×6 boards and pre-drill two pilot holes on each side. Attach the shorter boards perpendicularly to the longer boards with the ledges, ensuring the ledges are on the bottom sides.
Step 4: Construct and Attach the Legs
To make the legs, attach one of the 1×4 pieces to another 1×4 using wood glue and Brad nails. Repeat for all four legs. Attach the top planter box to two of the legs, ensuring to hide the screws from the outside for a clean finish.
Step 5: Add Bottom Slats and Top Trim
Measure the inside width of your planter box and cut six 1×6 boards to fit. Lay them out on the 1×2 ledge, spacing them about ¾ of an inch apart. Secure each board with Brad nails. Finish the top edges with the remaining 1×2 boards cut to size.
Step 6: Prepare the Planter Bed for Planting
Lay a weed barrier at the bottom of the planter to prevent soil from escaping. Fill the planter box with soil suitable for raised garden beds. Now you can start planting fresh herbs and flowers!
Enjoy your new DIY raised garden bed! It’s a great way to grow fresh herbs and vegetables without the physical strain of traditional gardening methods. What will you plant in your raised garden bed?