DIY: Garden Boxes

For several years now I've had a project I wanted to take on, but I was always afraid to 'get my hands dirty' or that it wouldn't work out. Well this year I've had enough! I'm going to try my hand at growing some of my own produce.

These instructions call for cedar fencing - each plank runs for only around $2, and cedar is better for garden boxes because it is resistant to rot and doesn't contain the chemicals that standard lumber often does which could get into your produce.

Supplies (for one 3'x6' box)

• 6' Cedar Fence planks (x6)
• 2"x2" (x2)
• 1.5" screws
• tape measure
• power drill
• power saw
• safety goggles

How-To Build a Raised Garden Bed from Cedar Fencing.

If your fence planks have the corners of one side tapered like mine did, start by sawing off the the tapered end so both ends are square (wearing your safety goggles of course).

Then measure cut 2 of your cedar planks in half.

Then saw your 2"x2"s into 18" pieces - now we're ready to assemble!

1. Lay out 2 of the 2"x2" sections - one beneath each end of a cedar plank and screw in place as shown with 2 screws on each end.

2. Butt a second plank to the first and screw together as well.

3. Measure and mark the center point of your wall, screw a 3rd 2"x2" section here (this post ads extra strength on the long sides of your box). Put this wall aside and repeat steps 1-3 for the other long side.

4. Stand your long sides up, lining up one of half-planks you cut earlier on the end. Screw in place - watch out you don't hit the other screws holding the long planks on.

5. Repeat step 4 on the other side, closing all sides of the box.

6. Add the second short plank to each side - you've completed your box!

You will see there is still 6" of the 2"x2" posts sticking out of the box - this side of the box goes on the ground, with the posts sunk into the earth (you will need to dig a hole for each one). These little posts offer extra stability for the box and help hold it in place.

Now all we need is to fill the box! I'll discuss the plans I have for that next time. For now, check out the boxes I made! They are still upside down - the ground was just a little frozen yet to start digging.