As someone who loves to garden, it seems like I am always in need of more growing space.  Perhaps you can relate.  And because I have a container garden, the additional grow space must come in the form of containers.  Last year I was looking online for ways to maximize my space using cedar planter boxes.  Unlike pine, cedar is a building material that is well-suited for outdoor projects because the wood contains a naturally occurring preservative in its fibers, which makes it last longer.  It is resistant to moisture and therefore decay, including decay that can occur when the wood is in contact with soil.  Cedar is also better at maintaining its shape even when exposed to the elements.  The problem is that lumber, especially cedar, is very expensive right now, particularly if you want to make more than one planter box. 

The other potential problem I faced was that I am a gardener, not a carpenter.  While I do have a few basic tools, I do not have a bona fide workshop with a chop saw.  So with the high cost of cedar and limited tools, what’s a gardener to do?  Enter the DIY planter box made of cedar fence pickets that is so easy to build, even a gardener can do it! 

Planter Box Made With Cedar Fence Pickets

During my internet search, I came across different plans that called for cedar fence pickets instead of cedar lumber.  While the pickets are thinner than the traditional lumber that you would normally use to build planter boxes,  they are sturdy and much less expensive.  Each of the plans I reviewed had some good elements, but also a few negative ones.  So I took the strengths of each plan and modified the weaknesses.  These instructions are a result of those modifications. 

Amazingly, my plan calls for only eight cedar pickets.  That’s right, only eight!  Add in some exterior wood screws and some hardware cloth and that’s all the building materials you will need.  The entire project for one planter box cost me just under $50.00.  Prices in your area may vary, but the point is that it is much less expensive than using cedar lumber.

In addition to being more cost-effective, this planter is also nice-looking.  All of my neighbors, plus a few strangers walking their dogs, have commented on how attractive and convenient the boxes are.  While I was outside watering my plants one morning, I have even had a jogger stop to ask me about them!

The planter boxes stand two feet tall which means I don’t have to bend over very far or get on my knees to garden, a real benefit regardless of your age or agility.  I have built a total of four boxes and ended up adding trellises to three of them so that I could grow vining as well as non-vining plants in them.  So far I’ve grown cucumbers, zucchini, acorn squash, Swiss chard, lettuces, radishes, celery, green onions, beets, and carrots in them.  The possibilities are endless!

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When winter hit and the temperatures were below freezing for extended periods, I was able to easily cover the planter boxes with a row cover that I secured with large clips. This spring and summer I’ll do the same thing if necessary to protect my cucurbits from the dreaded squash vine borer and other pests.

I have enjoyed these planters so much that I wouldn’t be surprised if I build a few more!

I know you are anxious to get started building your own cedar planter boxes but before you start, I strongly recommend reading the instructions all the way through to get a good feel for the project.  If you are not used to reading these type of instructions, it may help to read them more than once.  If it seems a bit confusing at first, take your time.  If you are a visual learner like me, it may help for you to sketch out the plan as you read the directions.  Once you get to the stage where you assemble the pieces, you should catch on right away.  In case you are wondering, I used a program that is popular with food bloggers that allows you to print the recipe, hence the reference to recipes at the top of the article. I did this so that you would be able to easily print the instructions.     

Be sure to note that fence pickets have one end where the corners are cut off.  These are referred to as “dog ears.”  Pay attention to the instructions so you will know which measurements go with the “dog eared” ends. 

One last thought.  Remember, if you are a gardener and not a carpenter, it does not have to be perfect.  Just have fun and learn as you go if necessary.  Then step back and admire the fruit of your labor.  I have a feeling your neighbors will, too. 

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