How to Build a Planter Box for Herbs

Overview

I needed a planter box that wasn't very big so I could grow some rosemary and thyme. These tend to grow quite bushy, so the planter box could be too small either. The design I decided on suits it just fine, and I made it from recycled and left over wood I had already, so it didn't cost me anything.

Disclaimer

This instructional guide and the material covered is for informational purposes only. I take no responsibility for what you do with this knowledge.

Safety Information

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Tools required (linked to my recommendation)

• Circular saw, see SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp…
• Screw driver, see BLACK+DECKER 4V MAX…
• Drill, see BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX…
• Hamer, see Estwing Hammer - 16 oz Straight...

Materials required (see figure 1):

(1) Timber 2x6, Length: 7 inch (178 mm), Qty: 1

(2) Timber 2x6, 4 ft long 4 ft (1.2 meters), Qty: 1

(3) Plywood 1/2 inch thick, Length: 50.2 inches (1276 mm), Width: 3 inches (75 mm), Qty 2

(4) Plywood 1/2 inch thick, Length: 50.2 inches (1276 mm), Width: 2 inches (50 mm), Qty 4

(5) Screws, 2 inches (50mm), Qty 20

(6) Nails, 1/2 inches (25mm), Qty 20

(7) Black plastic, Length: 5 ft (1525 mm), Width: 1 ft (300 mm), Qty 1

1. Cut a 2 x 6 piece of timber to the lengths and quantities specified for items (1) and (2) in the table above.
2. Cut 1/2 inch plywood to the sizes specified and quantities for items (3) and (4) in the table above.
3. Drill holes in the two items (2) and attach it to the item (1) using the 4 screws (5) , as shown in figure 2.
4. Drill holes in the sides of the two plywood pieces (3) and attach it to the planer box using 8 screw (5), as shown in figure 3.
5. Drill holes in the sides of the four plywood pieces (4) and attach it to the planer box using 8 screw (5), as shown in figure 4.
6. Place the black plastic (7) inside the planter box. Fold the corners to make it fit, as shown in figure 5.
7. Nail the black plastic (7) to the sides of the planter box using nails (6), as shown in figure 6.
8. Cut holes in the black plastic for drainage.
9. Fill the planter box with a layer of stones (for drainage), leaves, grass clippings at the bottom - this will breakdown to form compost over time. Add a soil mixture on top of this, suitable for the herbs or plant you will be planting. I used a half potting soil, half compost mixture for the rosemary and thyme, as shown in figure 7.
10. Plant the herbs with enough space in between for growth. Give it a good soaking to settle the plants in, as shown in figure 8.

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