Creating a wooden herb garden with built-in planters is a fantastic way to add greenery to your space while ensuring that your herbs grow in a well-organized and attractive setup. This project allows you to build a custom piece that suits your garden size and style, all while providing a practical and accessible way to grow your favorite herbs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create your own wooden herb garden with built-in planters.
Materials Needed:
- Lumber (cedar, redwood, or treated pine are ideal choices for outdoor projects)
- Screws (rust-resistant for outdoor use)
- Wood glue (outdoor-grade)
- Drill with bits
- Measuring tape
- Saw (hand saw, circular saw, or miter saw)
- Sandpaper or power sander
- Outdoor paint or wood sealant (optional)
- Herb plants or seeds
- Gravel (for drainage)
- Landscape fabric (optional)
Step 1: Plan Your Design
Before you start cutting wood, it’s important to plan the dimensions and layout of your herb garden. Here are some things to consider:
- Size: Think about how much space you have available and how many herbs you want to plant. A standard size for a raised planter could be around 4 feet long, 1.5 feet wide, and 1.5 feet high, but feel free to adjust based on your space and needs.
- Height: Raised planters typically range from 12 to 18 inches in height, but you can customize it based on your preference.
- Number of Planters: Decide whether you want a single large planter or multiple smaller built-in planters. You can have individual boxes for each herb or a single long planter with divisions.
Step 2: Cut the Lumber
Using the measurements from your design, start cutting the lumber into the following pieces:
- For the sides of the planter boxes: Cut 2 long pieces for the length and 2 short pieces for the width of each individual planter box.
- For the base: Cut a piece of wood to fit the bottom of each planter box. You may want to leave some space between the boards for drainage.
- For the legs (if making a raised garden): If you want your planter to stand off the ground, cut four pieces of wood to the desired height of the legs. These can be attached to each corner of your planter.
Use a saw to carefully make all of the cuts based on your measurements. Always double-check your dimensions to ensure everything fits together well.
Step 3: Assemble the Planter Boxes
Start assembling the planter boxes by attaching the sides to the base:
- Attach the long sides: Using wood glue and screws, attach the long pieces of wood to the short pieces, forming a rectangular box. Ensure everything is square by checking with a carpenter’s square.
- Install the base: Position the base piece inside the box and secure it using screws or nails.
- Repeat for additional boxes if you are building multiple planters or sections.
Step 4: Attach the Legs (if applicable)
If you’re creating a raised herb garden, attach the legs to each corner of your planter boxes. Here’s how to do it:
- Position each leg on the inside corner of the planter box.
- Secure with screws or nails. Ensure the legs are evenly spaced and aligned to avoid wobbling.
Step 5: Sand the Wood
Once the planter boxes are assembled, take some sandpaper and smooth out any rough edges. This is particularly important for outdoor projects, as the wood will be exposed to the elements. Use a power sander for larger areas and hand sand smaller corners. This will ensure a clean, professional look and prevent splinters.
Step 6: Add Drainage
Proper drainage is essential for healthy herbs. Here are a few ways you can ensure your planters don’t hold too much water:
- Drill drainage holes: Use a drill to make several small holes in the base of each planter for water to escape.
- Gravel layer: Before adding soil, place a layer of gravel at the bottom of each planter box to help with drainage.
- Landscape fabric (optional): You can also line the inside of the planter with landscape fabric, which allows water to drain but prevents soil from escaping through the holes.
Step 7: Paint or Seal the Wood (Optional)
While the wood is likely to be durable on its own, you can add a layer of outdoor wood paint or sealant to protect the planter from the elements and extend its life. This is especially important if you’re using untreated wood, as it can be prone to rot and degradation in the rain.
Step 8: Fill with Soil and Plant Your Herbs
Now that your wooden herb garden is built, it’s time to fill it with soil. Choose a good-quality potting mix that drains well. Add the soil into the planter, leaving about an inch from the top to prevent spillage.
When planting your herbs, make sure to leave enough space between each plant so they have room to grow. You can plant herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, mint, parsley, and cilantro in your new garden. Be mindful of each plant’s sunlight and water requirements, and group herbs that have similar needs together.
Step 9: Maintenance and Care
Once your herb garden is set up, regular maintenance will keep it thriving. Water your herbs as needed—most herbs prefer well-drained soil and do not like being overwatered. Trim the plants to encourage healthy growth, and harvest leaves regularly to promote new growth.
Conclusion
Creating a wooden herb garden with built-in planters is an enjoyable and rewarding project that will provide fresh herbs for your kitchen and a beautiful outdoor feature for your garden. With a little woodworking skill and the right materials, you can create a functional and stylish planter that will be perfect for growing your favorite herbs for years to come.
For those looking to take their woodworking skills to the next level, Teds Woodworking Course offers an extensive library of projects to help you build even more incredible outdoor pieces.