Garden
How to Build a Wooden Planter Box
In addition to providing a defined space for your garden, a planter box contains loose soil that drains well—an ideal environment for healthy plants.
Planter boxes, also known as raised beds, are a convenient way to grow a variety of plants and vegetables. In addition to providing a defined space for your garden, a planter box contains loose soil that drains well—an ideal environment for healthy plants.
While most garden vegetables grow fine in planter boxes, there are a few types of plants that do particularly well. Because the surface area in a raised bed is limited, plants that grow vertically and take up less space are ideal. By adding a simple trellis, you can easily grow pole beans, peas, zucchini, small melons, and cucumbers, and tomatoes and peppers that are staked or placed in cages stick to their own area when tended. Root vegetables also do well in planter boxes—potatoes, carrots, onions, and radishes grow easily in the box’s looser soil.
Planter boxes come in a variety of sizes. The length will depend on your available space and how many plants you want to grow. As a rule, most planter boxes are no more than four feet wide—this ensures you’ll be able to reach far enough across to plant, weed, and tend your garden. As for depth, six inches is the absolute minimum. Any shallower and the roots will have nowhere to go. Twelve inches deep is ideal.
If you’d like to try your hand at building a wooden planter box, a simple 4’ x 6’ version can be completed in just a few hours. Follow the instructions below and repeat as necessary.
Once your planter box is complete, it’s time to fill it. Begin by adding soil that includes a variety of organic materials, such as manure, compost, and other amendments. Aim for two parts soil to one part compost for the healthiest balance.
Next, add your plants. When placing your vegetables in your boxes, put the tallest plants on the north side of your bed so they don’t shade the smaller plants in front of them. If possible, opt for disease-resistant plants when possible. Because plants in raised beds are close together, diseases can spread more quickly. You’ll want to nip these in the bud.
If you don’t have the time, energy, or desire to build a planter box from scratch, you can buy one that’s ready to go. As you shop keep in mind the size and weight of the box—don’t buy something you won’t be able to transport to your home or move around your yard. Avoid pressure treated wood, as it contains chemicals that can leach into the soil, opt for boxes with adequate drainage, and make sure it’s deep enough to grow strong, healthy roots.
In addition to providing a defined space for your garden, a planter box contains loose soil that drains well—an ideal environment for healthy plants.
Create your own black gold in the garden with a compost pile using natural, organic ingredients.
Deer creating problems in your garden? We’ll help you identify signs that you’re dealing with deer and provide 17 effective methods (including plenty of humane and harmless tactics) that have been proven to keep deer out of gardens all year long.
Most commonly known for their long, trailing flowers that provide the perfect draping blossoms for flower boxes and containers, Verbena is a stunning plant available in a number of varieties.
Columbine flower boasts colorful spring and summer blooms that bring a beautiful touch to any garden. Here’s everything you need to know about how to plant and care for columbine.
A vertical vegetable garden is a perfect way to grow your own food, gild your deck, patio, or exterior walls, and maximize your outdoor space.
Bee balm is an attractive, aromatic, and edible flowering plant known to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. Learn about the history of bee balm, as well as how to grow and care for this well-loved garden plant.
Balance time with enjoyment with both flowering plants and vegetables that are easy additions to your garden. Try these 8 easy garden plants that demand very little care.
A closer look at horticultural therapy and how it can positively affect physical, cognitive, social, and mental health. We talked to a Registered Horticultural Therapist and a certified therapeutic recreation therapist to gain more insight into this evidence-based practice.
These 9 easy-to-care-for house plants will brighten your interior palette—no green thumb required.
Investing in plants that repel mosquitoes is an alternative to chemical bug sprays and a natural way to keep your lawn, garden, and home bug-free. Here are 17 plants that repel mosquitoes both indoors and out.
All you need is a sunny window to create an indoor vegetable garden. Harvest year-round with these five edible plants that make a perfect indoor patch.
By continuing to browse or by clicking “OK” you agree to the storing of first- and third-party cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Privacy Policy.
OK