Counter Height Garden box are easy to build and great for those of us that just can't get down on the ground any longer. These would make a wonderful present for your mother or grandmother. You can build three for nearly the price of one so consider 3 family or friends that might want these. I have 6 for myself and absolutely love them. Absolutely do not us Treated Lumber. This will defeat the purpose of having a healthy garden and healthy vegetable. So don't skimp here.
If you use 4x4x12 making three will be more economical because you end up with enough 4x4 to cut three extra legs with this project. If you use 4x4x8 you just end up with a bit of waste.
You can follow my adventures at www.handywomanshop.blogspot.com
Hope you enjoy my plans!
Preparation
2 - 4x4x12 fir or cedar post (fir is cheaper and lasts nearly as long) 2 - 1x8x8 cedar boards 2 - 1x3x8 cedar boards 1 - roll of 1/4" hardware cloth 50x24" (make sure to get hardware cloth with 1/4" holes, 1/2 inch is too large and all your dirt will fall through) 16 - 2 inch 14-20 hex bolts 16 - washers 16 - Threaded inserts (http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/Hex-Drive-Threaded-Insert-4ZU78) 12 - 1 1/2 inch brass or galvanized screws
Legs: cut the 4x4's into 4 - 32 inch legs Sides: cut one of the 1x8x8 into 2 - 48 inch lengths Ends: Cut one of the 1x8x8 into 2 - 24 inch lengths Bottom slats: cut the 2 - 1x3x8 into 6 24 inch lengths Bottom hardware cloth: cut the hardware cloth into a 24x50 inch rectangle.
Counter Height Garden Boxes by Janet Fox
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
the picture above is just so you can see me marking the 4x4 legs. I actually mark them in the standing position. update: I cut all pieces out and assembled the bed using one or two pin nails on each side of the leg to hold together...I then used a hand drill to drill the three or two holes(which ever you decide on) onto each side piece only going through the the side piece and only marking the legs. The leg holes really need to be drilled as straight as possible and at the depth you need for your bolts. I used a drill press to make sure of the depth and that the holes are very straight to except the thread inserts. You can read the bit below for other info but I would definitely use the hand drill for marking the legs. Drill your three holes in the 1x8 pieces then place them against the 4x4 pieces in the location they need to be(I set up all the pieces and number the legs and the boards and draw arrow for the top on the boards for later reference then using one pin nail on each side to hold it all together I mark where the holes will go on the legs) and using a center punch hammer into each hole marking the 4x4 so you can drill the corresponding holes. I used all 1/4-20 screws and I used E-Z LOK threaded inserts instead of drilling all the way through the 4x4. I made sure that I drilled the hole deep enough in the 4x4 so that when I inserted the thread and bolted the sides on I would be able to screw them on tight.
Step 2
He is an image of the planter upside down with the 1x8 bolted into place
Step 3
Attaching the hardware cloth. I made sure that when the planter was together that it was no more then 24 inch wide this way the hardware cloth would fit the width without me having to sew together or cutting down the width. I only had to cut the length because I purchase hardware wire that was 24 inches wide by 25 feet long. I can make 6 planters with this one roll of hardware wire.
Step 4
close up of how staple the hardware cloth around the legs.
Step 5
Step 6
placing the slats equal distances apart and screwing into the bottom using two screws in each end of each slat.
Step 7
The planter turned right side up
Step 8
another close up
Step 9
used coconut cloth in the bottom however you could use newspaper, compost or anything that isn't harmful to the soil and your plants to keep the dirt in.
Step 10
And this is how my garden grows.
Comments
Rachelle W
Mon, 06/27/2016 - 09:32
I had no idea about the
I had no idea about the pyramids - will definitely check them out. Thanks!
taralaska
Wed, 08/24/2016 - 18:26
Fertilizing for second year
Ana, I built these beds for my porch in Anchorage and I love them.
Do you have any tips for fertilizing them the second year around?
In reply to Fertilizing for second year by taralaska
Janettx
Sat, 03/18/2017 - 05:37
Pictures
Hi I am glad you loved my plans and made them. I'd love to see a brag post.
Counter Height Garden Boxes by Janet Fox
Janettx
Sat, 03/18/2017 - 05:36
Not sure why my name is not
Not sure why my name is not included but these are my original plans not Ana White plans.
I hope you enjoy your new Counter Height Garden Boxes by Janet Fox
roxyloop24
Wed, 03/07/2018 - 09:20
slats
Do you have any issues with slats failing since you are screwing into the side of the 1X8? I am worried about being able to support the weight of all the soil and water. Would you suggest anything different if I were going to build a planter that was 3 ft wide?
Thank you
danbutterworth
Sun, 05/10/2020 - 11:11
Modifications for more decorative and easier build
My daughter and I made one using the general ideas from plan, but made easier and more decorative by using heavy wood stair treads and deck posts. Almost no cutting required and looks nicer than the light weight kits costing hundreds of dollars.
Iacosta
Fri, 06/05/2020 - 12:55
size of bolts
Hi, I'm going to try to do this next week but I'm a little bit lost on the size of hex bolts, washers and staples used. Do you mind linking them?
Thank you very much for this plans!!