Today I’m sharing how to build a garden box on a budget. It’s simple, and anyone with basic knowledge of power tools can build this project. Enjoy!
We’re growing things. Our garden is bursting at the seams with tomatoes, spinach, radishes, carrots and more. It’s been so wonderful to walk outside my door and grab the veggies for dinner! My favorite vegetable to grow has been radishes. I haven’t always liked them, but we recently realized the greens are delicious when sauteed with some garlic.
We built two of these boxes at 4′ x 4′ for our small garden. Check out the directions on How to Build a Garden Box below for more information.
2019 update: We built these boxes in 2012 and they are still holding up.
Supplies for One Box:
- (4) 2×6 x 8′: Rot-resistant wood (untreated cedar is perfect)
- 4 framing angles
- (32) #8 – 1 1/4″ exterior wood screws
- boiled linseed oil
Tools:
- Gloves and an old rag
- Electric screwdriver
- Level
- Shovel
- Dirt
Directions:
Step 1:
Cut your wood to size. Cut each 2×6 x 8′ to four feet long. You should now have eight 2×6 x 4′ boards.
Step 2:
Position two planks together. Screw in the corner bracket and repeat this with all the remaining pieces of wood, until you’ve created a square.
Step 3:
Now, it’s time to apply some boiled linseed oil. It’s not necessary to do this, but it will extend the life of your garden box. While wearing gloves, use a rag to apply a layer of the boiled linseed oil on the wood.
Side note: linseed oil can be flammable. Please be sure to read the directions carefully.
3. It’s time to put your box in the garden! We chose a spot in full sun. First, we had to dig a hole to level it out, which also helped to make the box sturdier. If you don’t plan on digging a hole to install, I suggest hammering some wooden stakes next to the box to make it stronger.
Step 4:
Add some dirt, fertilizer, and plants. Watch your garden grow!
Are you a gardener?
If you make this DIY I’d love to see it. You can tag me on Instagram @thepapermama!
– Chelsey
Disclosure: I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. There are affiliate links in this post. Thank you for your support.
So, we have this darn cat…. that comes to our box, digs up the seedlings, and poops. Drives me nuts! I tried to plant another bunch of spinach… they were dug up and poo'd on. :/
I love your garden box – and veggies- so pretty! 🙂 Nothing better than fresh veggies! You are lucky you can have those in your yward without critters eating them. In my yard, that would be eaten in an hour by deer, squirrels, groundhogs, etc etc … so we have a plot at the community garden and grow our veggies there, where it's all fenced in and safe (mostly) from any animals. 🙂
Hi Chelsey! I'm Chelsea 🙂 First of all, I would like to say you have a really nice theme going on in your blog. And I really like your photo! Sadly, I don't have a green thumb 🙁 But I'm a bit motivated to try it out with this garden box you shared. What vegetable would you recommend that's easy to grow?
Thanks!
Chelsea <3
Tomatos seem to be easy. Lots of in and water! 🙂
I mean "sun", not "in".
Your little garden box grew SO nicely! My experience could be called "101 tragic gardening lessons I learned". First, I learned the hard way that some veggies are NOT good to plant in the spring in Texas. Then I had to pull them out and replant ones that ARE summer veggies here. Then some ick got to my summer squash. The a torrential rain tore the leaves off my hot peppers 🙁 My tomatoes are all greens. My co-worker told me they will likely not fruit until the fall because it's too hot. UGH! The only things that have done well enough to use are my herbs! I made pesto with my fresh basil last week. WOOO!