Raised Garden Project
"My wife has spinal issues that make gardening extremely difficult. But she loves to garden! So my daughter and I built a raised garden that makes all the flowers easily accessible for watering and pruning. We built the raised garden to rest against our shed. Previously we had built a raised garden and attached it to our fence. Once complete we found a couple of old bird houses and copper lanterns to help decorate the shelves. We used a mix of traditional terracotta pots and rectangular cedar planters to add interest."
Time to CompleteWeekend project
Main MaterialWood
Primary TechniqueWood Crafts
Project TypeMake a Project
Materials List
- 4 stair stringers
- 5 2” x 8’ x 8” pressure treated wood
- 4 garden pavers
- Wood screws
- You’ll also need a shovel, drill and level.
- Optional: Rocks for under the raised garden.
Instructions
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Spacing: Measure 8’ total length and mark every 2’. These are your marks to set your stringers. We used a shelf board to help us make sure the distance from one end to the other was correct.
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Pavers: Dig / place pavers so that the bottom of the stair stringer is resting on them. This will help keep them dry as they won’t rest directly on the soil. Use the level to make sure the paver is set flat. This creates a 90 degree angle for the stringer to rest on the paver & the shed.
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Stair Stringers: We inverted them (upside down) so the the shelves are higher and the garden sits closer to the shed.
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Shelves: We set the bottom shelf first and then the top shelf. This kept the stringers straight and made the setting of the remaining shelves easy.
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IMPORTANT: Pre-drill all holes so the wood doesn't split later. We set 2 screws at each location the shelf and stringer met.
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Optional: Add rocks below the garden to give it a more finished look. Personal preference!
Why You'll Love This Gardening Craft
1. Accessibility: By building a raised garden, you can make gardening easier for those with physical limitations, like the individual with spinal issues in the example. Having the garden at a higher level can eliminate the need to bend or kneel, making it more comfortable to tend to your plants.
2. Space-saving: Raised gardens are a great option for those with limited space. By attaching the garden to a shed or fence, you can utilize vertical space and maximize the number of plants you can grow in a small area. This is especially helpful for urban gardeners or those with small yards.
3. Decorative and functional: Raised gardens not only serve a practical purpose but can also add a charming touch to your outdoor space. By incorporating decorative elements like bird houses and lanterns, you can personalize your garden and make it a beautiful focal point in your yard. Plus, using a mix of different containers adds visual interest and variety to your garden design.
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