You can make a raised planter box in a day, using timber. Simply work out how big an area you need, cut the wood to size and follow our steps to put your planter together. When buying timber, it is important to ensure you don’t buy CCA (Copper, Chrome Arsenate which contains arsenic). Ensure your planter has drainage holes so your plants don’t become waterlogged. If positioning your planter in full sun, consider lining the inside of the planter with pieces of old compost bag or geotextile fabric to keep the compost moist and reduce the need for regular watering.
Making a DIY timber raised planter box – what you will need
To make a raised bed 2.5 metres long and 1.25m wide, here’s what you need:
- Four timber posts – 70cm high
- Two timber planks – 20cm x 5cm x 1.25m
- Two timber planks – 20cm x 5cm x 2.5m
- Drill
- Wood screws
- Old compost bag or geotextile fabric (optional) 3m x 2m
- Tacks – if using geotextile
- Manure – two barrowloads
- Fertiliser and compost
Making a DIY timber raised planter box – step-by-step guide
You’re essentially building a box for your vegetable garden, with the bottom open to allow water to drain. You can make your raised bed any size. This is just a guide.
- Sink the posts into the ground just 10cm deep – the weight of the soil will hold them in place.
- Drill pilot holes in the planks first before driving in the screws to fix the planks to the posts.
- Half-fill the box with backyard soil.
- Line the sides and base with a large piece of geotextile fabric or old compost bag (optional). Tack into place. The fabric acts as a root barrier and allows water and nutrients to run through.
- Add bulky, aged manure – sheep, cattle or horse – compost, more manure and lastly, fertiliser. Vegetable gardens love worm tea or organic liquid fertiliser such as PowerFeed.
For more information on building a DIY timber raised planter box on a budget, check out this tutorial.
Garlick’s H Hardware – your DIY partner
Whether you are landscaping, planning a concreting project, painting a feature wall, stocking up on timber, buying gardening tools, or your lawn needs a make-over, we have everything you need here at Garlick’s H Hardware in Muswellbrook.
As part of the massive 700-store H Hardware network, our independence ensures you get a great deal. Can’t decide which timber, paint and lawn products best suit your needs? Our team at Garlick’s H Hardware in the Upper Hunter will help you spruce up your home and garden. Stop by our Muswellbrook shop today or browse our product range online. Phone us on (02) 6543 2139 or send us an email.
References
- https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/how-to/making-raised-beds/9433428