Grow a Mobile Garden in Small Bags

Gardening is in full swing here at Simply Easy DIY.  

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Raised Garden Bed Using Concrete Cinder Blocks

Gardening is something my husband and I have done since the days we first moved from a condo to a single-family home. 

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Grow Bag Food Production

Here's an interesting solution to your garden expansion this season: GROW BAGS!!

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Planting Your First Garden: Beginners' Guide

Planting Your First Garden:  The Beginners' Guide

 

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Small Space For a Garden? DIY Garden in a Mint Tin

Today's post is a guest post by Wendy Dessler.

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UPDATE: DIY Cedar Garden Planter

Cedar Planter Box Update:

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DIY Fence Planter

Short on space?

Fence planters are efficient ways of taking advantage of your outdoor area.  Normally unused vertical spaces can be filled with plants and flowers that look good and add a bit of "you" to your backyard.

Of course there are lots of ways to spruce up your outdoor living area.  Store bought planters can be purchased in just about any design if you have the budget for it.

You can up-cycle pallets or wooden crates for an extremely cheap version.

However, I like to go somewhere between economical and aesthetically appealing.  After all I am the one that has to look at it whether their are plants in them or not.

DIY Fence Planter

Materials

36 - 1x4s

4 - 2x4s

2 - 2x8s

NOTE: All board lengths are 8' long unless otherwise noted.

Choice of Stain

Polyurethane

Wood Glue 

Miter Saw

Cut List

16 Long Side Pieces - 10.5 x 36

16 End Pieces - 10 x 10.5

8 Bottom Piece - 10 x 36

16 Ledge Braces - 7 x 9

4 Vertical Supports - 3.5 x 90

Cutting Diagrams

1x4s

2x4s

2x8s

Step 1

Lets start with the planter boxes.  The two longer sides I set at 36 inches long and 10 inches deep.
The length is arbitrary but the depth is actually by design.  It will allow you to plant just about any type of plant you want.

You can buy 1x12s is you don't want to do edge gluing.  I always do so because I find it to be more economical.  Three 1x4s edge glued together will give the width required.

Step 2

I wanted to keep this design as simple as possible to assemble.  So simple butt joints were incorporated instead of dadoes and  rabbets.

However, these butt joints will NOT hold as a final joinery for a project like this.  Once the sides have been assembled and the glue given a chance to dry I like to add dowels.

"OH NO, Dowels are complicated!", you say.

I'm offended at your accusations!!!  I don't do complicated.  I have several videos showing how to add dowels to a projects joints in a simple and easy manner.

Step 3

The bottom can be glued in place along with dowels in the same manner as the ends.

Once you have built the number of grow boxes you want for you vertical planter garden, it will be time to move on to the supports.

Step 4

The support brackets are from 2x material.  Neither the length nor the width need be precise.  You don't even need to cut the angle.

However, it may be wise to do so because you will find yourself to have  tendency to scrape your knuckles on the bottom corners.  Trust me, you will, no matter how careful you tell yourself to be.

Again you could by 2x8s for this or edge glue a couple 2x4s together to get the 7".

Step 5

You can leave the vertical supports alone if you want.  However, I set the length at what 3 or 4 planter boxes spaced at the below measurements apart would be.

The supports can simply be screwed in from the back side with 3" screws.

You will need two of these vertical pieces with the spacing shown below.

Step 6

You will need 2 more vertical supports with brackets spaced as shown below.

Step 7

If you are attaching your new garden space along a fence then now is the time to do this.  Be sure to measure and attach them at the widths listed below.

You can attach another 2x4 to the back side of your fence and then use 3.5" screws driven from one side to the other to give more structural support.

Step 8

Now you can set the boxes on top of the brackets and attach them using 3" or 3.5" screws from the bottom up.

Final Thoughts

A few coats of your choice of water resistant stain can be applied to the outside however I would refrain from applying it to the inside of the boxes.

There are many different materials that can be used in place of the wooden boxes.  I've seen old purses that were purchased from a thrift store for a few dollars each be used as planters hung from each ledge.

Old coffee cans attached with screws was another brilliant idea.  Wooden crates, you know the free standing ones you see at the store for $8 to $10 each.

Simple hanging plastic planters if you have enough of those or perhaps a combinations of each for a real up-cycled rendition to make this project your own.

I hope you find just as much inspiration building you vertical fence planter as I did putting these plans together.

Until then!

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DIY Terrace or Patio Planter

A perfect time to think about spring and spring gardens is when it's cold outside.  You've got to do something to alleviate those winter blues.

Plus if you have an enclosed terrace, patio or even a green house, today's project can get you growing your own food no matter what the weather is outside.

It's space saving vertical design allows you to grow up to 15 plants in the space of a few feet.

As an added bonus I have included Metric measurements along side my Imperial measurements in the cut list below.

DIY Terrace Patio Planter

Materials

6 - 1x4s

NOTE: All board lengths are 8' long and 3/4" thick unless otherwise noted.

Choice of Stain

Polyurethane

Wood Glue 

Miter Saw

Cut List

2 Back Legs @ 3.5" x 35-9/16" or 89mm x 903mm

2 Front Legs @ 3.5" x 46.75" or 89mm x 1188mm

2 Back Cross Piece @  3.5" x 40.5" or 89mm x 1029mm

 

6 Side Ledge Pieces @ 3.5" x 7" or 89mm x 178mm

 

6 Planter Pot Shelf Pieces @ 3.5" x 39" or 89mm x 991mm

 

Cutting Diagrams

1x4s

Step 1

Cut the front legs an inch or so longer than asked for in the cut list above.  This is so you can cut the angles into the legs and not come up short on the length of the board.

Both the top and bottom of both front legs gets a 20 degree angle cut into them.

If you need a simple and easy technique for cutting boards to exact length with angles then you can check out my video and post on what I do.

Step 2

The same thing for the back legs.  The only difference is in the angle each one gets.  Here we will do a 10 degree angle. 

If you want the terrace planter to lean back more then cut a steeper angle.

Attach with glue and screws from the side.  Three should do it.

Step 3

The placement of the side ledges can vary based on the depth of the pots you are using.  Just be sure to evenly space them.

Step 4

Two boards edge glued together give us the width of the shelves.

Then all you have to do is measure, mark and drill as many holes as you see fit.

It doesn't have to be 5 as pictured below.  It could be 4 or even 3.  Whatever you deem appropriate.

The size of the holes should correspond with the diameter of the pots you are using minus about 1/2" or 6mm.

Final Thoughts

In just a few hours you could have a finished project that would make a great gift idea for that gardener in your life.  Minus the pots of course.

I hope you enjoyed our 8th Day of 12 DIY Christmas Gift ideas.

Don't forget to stop by again tomorrow for another great project to help you with your gift giving dilemma's.


Until then!

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DIY Vertical Tower Garden

Christmas shopping can be hard.  Especially if you're like me.  I should be given a shopping handicap like I get in golf.  Spot me a few strokes and it's game on.

So during this holiday season I have painstakingly come up with 12 DIY projects that just happen to make great gifts.

This is #1

Now I know what you are thinking...

"But Stan, it's a planter and it's Christmas time.  Planters are for the spring."

Well I says, who doesn't think about and start planning for spring, espeicially during the winter months.  We all long for those warm sunny days when the frost is gone and the flowers begin to bloom.

So give a gift in the winter that will keep your loved one as hopeful and excited as a child on Christmas eve.

DIY Vertical Tower Garden Planter Box

Materials

2 - 1x2s

9 - 1x4s

NOTE: All board lengths are 8' long and 3/4" thick unless otherwise noted.

Choice of Stain

Wood Glue 

Miter Saw

1/4" Dowels

Band Clamp

3" Hole Saw 

Cut List

8 Top & Bottom Ridge Caps @ 3.5" x 19"

8 Trim Pieces @ 1.5" x 18-1/16"

20 Vertical Side Slat Pieces @ 3.5" x 31"

Cutting Diagrams

1x2s

1x4s

Step 1

Lets start with the side panels.  Each of the panels are edge glued 1x4s.

Five 1x4s give us a panel that is slightly wider than the final width listed above.  This is by design.  Whenever you will be cutting angles into boards you always want to make that board(s) longer or wider than the measurements listed in a cut list.

Don't worry about the holes at this point even though they are pictured below.

Step 2

Once the panels are dry take them out of their clamps and cut a 45 degree angle on both sides of each panel.

Step3

After that is done we can measure, mark and cut the 3" holes into each tower garden panel.

If you don't have a three inch hole saw or a hole saw kit for that matter, not to worry, they are cheap and easy to find.

Measure 4.75" in from each side.  Be sure to measure and mark from the long side of the board and not the short angle side.

Then it's 5" up from the top and bottom and 12" respectively for the middle sets of holes.

Step 4

Now it's time to turn our attention to the ridge caps that will be positioned on both the top and bottom of each side.

Again cut your boards longer than needed in the cut list above.  Adding 2" to 3" to each board should give you enough wiggle room to get both angles cut and not come up short on the length.

However, before you cut the angles into the pieces set up a straight bit in a router table and route a 3/4" wide dado 1" from one side of the board.

Step 5

Apply wood glue to each dado and position the side panels in each.

Step 6

Now we can start to assemble the four sides.

Proceed with a light touch from here on out until you can get some clamps in place.  Applying pressure evenly and a little at a time is the key to a mitered glue up.

Yes it can be frustrating but that frustration usually comes from applying to much pressure in one direction from one clamp which pulls the whole project out of square.  Then pieces start falling to the table and we all wonder how the guy in the video made it look so easy.

A band clamp comes in handy for things like this.  It can hold the four sides in place and squared up while straight clamps are applied and slowly worked tighter.

Alternatively you could use a joinery method that references one piece to another such as biscuit joinery. 

Step 7

A few 1x4s cut to length can just be laid in place in the bottom of the tower planter.  No need to fasten them in place as the dirt will do that.

NOTE:  One side has been removed in the picture for illustration purposes only.

Step 8

This step is optional as it is for aesthetic purposes only.  Cut some trim pieces to length.  Then cut 45 degree angles in each side and glue them to the outside of the project just below the top ridge caps and just above the bottom ones.

You will notice in the video that I did not do this step.  That is because I choose not to add the additional expense and material for something that is purely for looks.  However, I have added it in these plans just in case someone does want them.

It's up to you.

Final Thoughts

Simple glued up miter joints will NOT be strong enough to hold this project together.  The corners will pop loose inside of a day or after the first watering.  The reason is because the wood will expand and contract thus popping the joints.

I used dowels through the corners to add strength and visual appeal to the vertical tower planter.  The dowel rods come in 36" length from any local home improvement store and cost around $1.50.

Cheap joinery that is functional and looks good too.  Win, win.

As far as protecting you new gift giving idea I used a cedar colored deck stain.

Obviously you could line the inside of the planter box with a heavy mil plastic to try and extend its useful life span

If you are not using all of the spaces provided for plants then you may be wondering how to keep the soil from falling out of the project.  Well, you could cover the holes from the inside or do what we did and just leave them open.

I put my hands over the holes while someone filled the tower with dirt until it was above the top of the hole I was covering and at that point the dirt just stayed put.  I can't defend it, it just does.

I hope you enjoyed our 1st Day of DIY Christmas Gift ideas.

Don't forget to stop by again tomorrow for another great project to help you with your gift giving dilemma's.


Until then!

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DIY Wooden Planter Box

30 Days of DIY Projects 2 Make Us Thankful

Project 28

This is the twenty eighth post of our series of projects to make us thankful for DIY.  Be sure to check back everyday during the month of November for new simple and easy DIY projects.

It's our way of saying Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at
Simply Easy DIY!

We  have planter boxes in our backyard that are currently growing herbs and other edibles.  We grow this way due to our Florida sandy soil and I'm happy to report that we've had a lot of successes.

One of our most successful gardening adventures has been this planter box.



It's made out of pine but has great bones. In other words, it's a well made design. It's pushing two years old is still going strong.

No matter what choice of wood, the design will help ensure it's success and lifespan.

Right before we built that planter box, we were using two store bought cedar planters. The design was a circular barrel shape, held together by metal strips. Once the metal strips came loose, the boards were loose and when we looked closer, the cedar boards were rotted .

Those planters lasted about a year.

Here in Florida, we use our planter boxes year round so it's like having a double growing season.

There are so many designs out there. You have to give some thought as to how much maintenance you want to do, what materials you've already got on hand, what it's going to hold, and what look you want on your property.

I've seen them made out of cedar, pine, old fence boards, hay bales, cement blocks and it seems the list goes on and on.

In other words, there is not a right way or a wrong way to make a planter box.

The planter box that you make will be great for YOUR purposes.

This is what Mitch did over at Mitch Deitrich YouTube channel. He placed his box  in the front of his home for some curb appeal in what had previously been empty unused space.

Build this DIY Wooden Planter Box:

 

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed today's featured project and don't forget to stop by "Mitch Deitrich" YouTube channel to check out even more great woodworking videos from him. Don't forget to subscribe.

We hope you will return to Simply Easy DIY everyday through the month of November for more projects that make us thankful 4 DIY.

Until then!

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DIY Turkey Made From Pallet Wood

30 Days of DIY Projects 2 Make Us Thankful

Project 23

This is the twenty third post of our series of projects to make us thankful for DIY.  Be sure to check back everyday during the month of November for new simple and easy DIY projects. It's our way of saying Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Simply Easy DIY!

Our neighbors really do a great job of decorating the exterior of their homes for both Halloween and Christmas. But, when it comes to Thanksgiving - it's the holiday that is sandwiched in between and gets skipped over, at least in our neighborhood.

To be fair, I've seen some folks attempt decorating with pumpkins, thanksgiving themed flags, and scarecrows.

Sadly, a pumpkin lasts several days here in Florida before it goes rotten. A carved pumpkin lasts maybe a day.

We need something more durable and lasting. Especially something that can take heat and moisture. If you've got pallets and a band saw, why not try your hand at one of these:

Build This Wooden Turkey:

Tools & Materials Wood Glue  Table Saw Pallet Wood or other scrap Band Saw Random Orbit Sander Small Clamps Med to Large Clamps Drill

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed today's featured project and don't forget to stop by "Adam Gabbert" YouTube channel to check out even more great woodworking projects from him. Don't forget to subscribe.

We hope you will return to Simply Easy DIY everyday through the month of November for more projects that make us thankful 4 DIY.

Until then!

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