Table Top Planters

General Gardening
1

Some have asked about these, I apologize for not responding sooner, but here goes what i almost posted to the “Whats Happening 2016” Thread:

Built some new table top planters to match my 1st set. Some have asked about the process

Materials:

  • 2x 4"x4"x8’ ( for 48" tabletops, use 6’ 4x4 for anything smaller)
  • 2x 2"x10"x8’
  • 2-3x 2"x6"x8’
  • 2-3x 1"x3"x8’ (trellis)
  • Box of screw Eye Hooks
  • 100’ of Parachord Amazon
  • Tent Aluminum Guyline Cord Adjuster Amazon
  • Impact Driver/Drill
  • Mitersaw/Circular Saw
  • Box of 3" Deck Screws
  • Landscape fabric

Start out by cutting the 4x4 into legs
Cut your 2x10s for the sides to size and screw together alternating joints, 3 screws per corner
Attach legs, making sure flattest cut is facing you ( it will then, once flipped, be the bottom) i like 2 or 3 screws per side per leg, so atleast 4 screws per leg
measure total width and cut 2x6s to size for the bottom slats
screw to bottom, using scrap wood as a spacer
At this point you could also install a cross piece perpendicular to bottom slats (however,I don’t think there is enough weight, even full of wet snow in the winter to warrant it.)
Cut one 1x3 in half, and screw to outside frame for vertical trellis support
Cut another for the cross piece and one more for the trellis arms, use any scrap for support pieces where needed
Fill with your preferred potting mix and enjoy.

After getting rid of my F250 with the 8’ bed(9miles to gallon in the city, ugh) I was concerned about getting lumber home in the old Subaru, fears averted :sunglasses:

Here is a shot from last summer showing the trellis part

They aren’t perfect, but they are mine :grin:

6 Likes
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Excellent use of limited space!

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Thanks so much. A group of friends are creating a raised garden area for a mutual friend who has had a series of illnesses. I thought you garden area was both attractive and efficient, and our friend will be able to garden without pain. Thanks again.

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One caveat, they are heavy as all get out, perhaps some heavy duty casters would work with some extra side supports for the legs, if your friend needed to move them.

All three took about 1hr to cut and assemble, good soaking of mineral oil or non toxic stain would probably increase the life, but the sooner these fall apart the sooner I can upgrade to some 20v 3-5amp cordless tools :sunglasses: .

My other in-ground raised beds, and I’m dealing with an unruly possum/raccoon

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great idea, easy to pick the veggies without the back pain.

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Very nice Moley! Your beds look real nice. Thank you for the detailed list and instructions. Someday, this might come in handy when my husband and I can no longer bend down to garden because of knee or back problems… :slightly_smiling:
Ginny

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An overhead shot, not quite Google Earth, but from my 3rd floor bathroom. All the beds planted out and rocking.

3 Likes