Simple Raised Herb Garden

This is an easy to make herb garden. Total cost of materials was approximately $150 but I also had a few things at home already (staples, screws, wood glue). The plans can very easily be adjusted. The wood I purchased from Lowe's was already pre-cut into lengths.

*Please do the staining in a well ventilated area as the fumes can be overwhelming.

Tools and Materials:

• (6) 6"x2'x3/4" wood (I used oak)
• (6) 6"x3'x3/4" wood (oak)
• (8) 4"x2'x3/4" legs (oak)
• Wood for upper ledge
• clamp
• spacer (I used a paint stir)
• wood glue
• Pre-stain (optional)
• wood stain
• polyurethane (optional)
• Coarse thread 1.25" screws (i used a 1" but needed larger)
• kreg jig
• impact wrench or driver
• landscaping fabric
• staple gun

1. Using the kreg jig, create (3) evenly spaced pocket holes in (4) of the legs. It may be best to practice on some scrap wood to understand how to best use the kreg jig.

2. Add a thin bead of wood glue down the thickness edge of the leg directly in front of the predrilled holes.

3. Holding the leg in to place, drill screws through pocket holes into the opposing leg.

1. Add wood glue across the upper 5" of the leg and evenly place one of the 2' sections in place. Use the 1.25" screws to attached the legs to the cross member.

2. Before adding the next cross member, place a spacer (I used a paint stir) at the bottom of the last cross member.

3. Align the next cross member against the spacer and secure to the legs with screws.

4. Repeat steps 1 - 3.

5. Repeat for opposing side panel.

1. Place the (2) side panels on their side, add wood glue to the top section, and secure with screws.

2. Before adding the next cross member, place a spacer (I used a paint stir) at the bottom of the last cross member.
3. Align the next cross member against the spacer and secure to the legs with screws.

4. Repeat steps 1 - 3 for the remaining cross members.

5. Repeat for the opposing panel.

1. Measure and cut 4"x3/4" wood to create a ledge.

2. Either cut at a 45 deg angle or butt ends together along top edge of garden box.

3. Secure the top edge using screws.

*Perform in a well ventilated area; typically outdoors.

1. Optional step. Follow the Pre-stain instructions to ensure a clean stain finish.

2. I favor Minwax stains. Excellent selection for various colors. I switched from the light colored stain (pictured in the materials) to a darker 'Mission Oak' stain because the lighter stain would not even show up on the wood.

3. Optional step. After stain dries, add urethane coating to protect your project from the environmental elements (sun, rain, etc). I ended up using the poly-stain which is a combination of stain and polyurethane; 2 in 1 step!

1. Using landscaping fabric and a staple gun, secure the edge of the landscape fabric just under the top edge of the herb garden.

2. Staple approximately 4"-6" down inside the garden box.

3. Pull fabric straight across the box at an even height (4"-6" under top edge) and staple just under the top edge.

4. Staple the side edges of fabric under the top edge of the box.

1. Fill with gardening soil from your local hardware store and plant any herbs you would like.

2. Water herbs, place in sunny area, and let them grow!