AUSTIN, Texas —
It's springtime in Texas, which means it is time to freshen up the garden!
Garden box planting has grown in popularity during the pandemic. It is just what it sounds like – planting in a box.
Garden box planting has many benefits including fewer weeds and better water retention. Raised garden boxes also allow for a longer growing season because they warm the soil quicker and keep it warm for a longer period.
Making your own box allows you to customize the size of your garden and it also makes it more budget-friendly.
Here is a list of materials:
- 6 fence panels (these are already treated for outdoor use)
- 1 fence post, 4 inches by 4 inches by 8 feet (make sure it is treated for outdoor use)
- Screws
- Drill
- Measuring tape
- Something to write with
- Miter saw
Note: If you do not have access to a miter saw, ask your lumber provider to make the cuts for you!
Making it:
The fence panels will make the walls of the box while the fence post will make the corners for the box. This box is 3 feet wide by 3 feet long. To achieve this, cut each panel in half. The height of the box will be three panels, which is roughly 17 inches. Cut four 17-inch corners from the post. Remember to measure twice and cut once.
Stand the four corner pieces in a square. Attach one panel to the bottom outer edge of the corner piece. Repeat with each side, making sure the panels touch at each corner in a 90-degree angle. To attach, pre-drill a hole before inserting a screw. This will keep the wood from splitting.
Work up! Keep attaching more panels until desired height.
Optional: paint!
The main benefit of making your own garden box is the money you save. A box like this retails for about twice as much as it takes to make.
If you make your own, share it with us on social media! Use the hashtag #DaybreakATX. And stay tuned for more DIY projects coming in May!
WATCH: How to make DIY garden boxes
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