Introduction

This sturdy, easy-to-build raised mini garden gives you about 8 square feet of planting area.

There are a lot of things we love about this raised planter box, including that it has legs so that gardeners can stand as they tend to their plants. We also appreciate these features:

1. The optional trellis supports climbing plants like tomatoes and peas.
2. Side tables are convenient work surfaces and handles when you need to move the planter.
3. Boards protrude at ends or corners. Those ‘reveals’ hide mistakes. If your measurements or cuts are a little off, no one will notice.
4. Notched joinery is super sturdy and easy enough for a beginner.
5. Lower shelf provides about 8 sq. ft. of storage space.

All of the materials are available at any home center. The legs and planter box are made from treated dimensional lumber. The extension tables, bottom shelf and trim boards are made from what’s commonly known as “5/4 decking material” or just “deck boards.”

Take note: Treated lumber is more variable in width and thickness than standard dimensional lumber. We found 2x12s ranging from 11-1/8 in. to 11-3/4 in. wide at our home center. And we found two types and thicknesses of treated decking material: The premium stuff was almost 1-1/4 in. thick while the standard was barely 1 in. Keep this in mind as you build and adjust your measurements accordingly.