How I Built A DIY Garden Bed

So, there I was, standing in my backyard, staring at a patch of dirt, and thinking, “THIS. NEEDS. HELLLLPPP.” You know that moment when you realize your space could be so much more? That’s when I got the idea to build my very own DIY garden planter bed …

In my mind , it was the perfect idea because not only are they practical for planting, but they also look pretty darn good. So like always, I decided to DIY it and I built my very own. 

And now I’m about to show you how to build YOUR very own DIY garden planter bed too! And before you say anything…YES you can do this…this is a DIY project that even the most novice of crafters (yes, you) can tackle!

So are you ready to transform your garden from a patch of dirt to a green-thumb paradise? Let’s do it!

STEP 1: Gather Your Materials

Don’t worry; I’m not talking about anything too fancy. You’ll mostly need some wood (specifically fence pickets) and lumber, a couple of simple tools, and a tiny bit of patience. 

HERE’S YOUR SHOPPING LIST: ( so you don’t have to go to Home Depot 17 times like I did! )

• 5 1/2-inch pressure-treated fence pickets (or cedar if you’re planting vegetables – see hot tip below!)
• 2×2 lumber (for the inside corners)
• Wood Glue
• Brad Nailer 
• Clamps (your new best friends… trust me!)
• Jigsaw (yes, you could also use a miter saw, but I’m not trying to walk back and forth every 5 minutes)
• Square 
• Measuring Tape
• Screws (optional, if you want a little extra stability)

HOT TIP: If you’re planning to grow vegetables, use cedar instead of pressure-treated wood. Pressure-treated wood has chemicals that can leach into the soil, and we don’t want any unwanted surprises in our tomatoes, right? Cedar is naturally resistant to decay, and it’s safer for edible plants. However, if you’re just planting flowers or non-edible greenery, pressure-treated wood is totally fine.

STEP 2: Cutting the Pickets

I used 5 1/2-inch wide pressure-treated fence pickets for this project because they’re affordable, sturdy, and they’re a great size for planter beds. And I used a jigsaw to cut them.  

While a miter saw would work just fine, I went for a jigsaw for a couple of reasons:

1. Convenience: I could cut the pickets right where I was working instead of running back and forth to the miter saw.
2. Portability: It’s easier to handle and maneuver around the garden. The jigsaw cuts through wood like butter, especially if you use a fine-toothed blade.

For the actual cuts, I kept the full length of the pickets for the front and back of the bed. 

And for the sides, I cut each picket in half lengthwise because I wanted the sides to be a bit shorter to give the planter a more delicate look. Plus, cutting them in half saved me a little cash and reduced the amount of materials needed and lowered the overall price of the project.

HOT TIP: Use a square to make sure your cuts are straight. Nothing screams “DIY disaster” like a crooked edge. 

STEP 3: Assembling the Frame 

This is where your trusty 2×2 lumber comes in. It’s going to form the inside corners of your planter bed and give everything the support it needs to stay sturdy. Here’s how I did it:

Attach the 2x2s to the Inside Corners: 

Start by placing the 2×2 lumber in each corner of the bed. You want these to be your corner supports—think of them as the foundation of your frame. Use wood glue for a solid bond, and then nail them into place with your brad nailer. This is way faster than using screws and helps prevent any wood splitting.

Secure the Sides: 

Once your corners are glued and nailed, start attaching the side pickets to the 2x2s. This is where the clamps come in handy—they’ll hold everything in place while you make sure everything is lined up properly. Trust me, you’ll be glad you have them!

Check for Squareness: 

Before you get too far ahead of yourself, check that the frame is square. This will make sure your bed is perfectly aligned when you go to fill it with soil. Use a square tool to double-check your angles, and adjust as needed.

HOT TIP: To make everything extra sturdy, you can add screws into the 2x2s after you’ve nailed everything. It’s totally optional, but it can provide a little extra peace of mind if you’re expecting to put some heavy plants or soil in there. Just be sure to pre-drill the holes to prevent the wood from splitting.

STEP 4: The Corners 

No cutting corners for us! ( Get it? Get it?) 

Anyways… To really add a nice finishing touch and make the corners look sharp, I decided to outline each corner with more fence pickets. This gave the planter beds a polished look and helped keep everything aligned and secure.

You can use the same fence pickets you’ve been cutting. Just measure and cut pieces to fit each corner, then nail them in place. 

You’ll get a finished, professional look that’ll have your neighbors wondering if you hired a pro. 

STEP 5: Finishing Touches

Once your planter beds are assembled, it’s time for the final step: sealing the wood. 

This is especially important if you want your planter to last through the elements. If you don’t want to use a pre-treatment, I highly recommend adding a wood finish or outdoor wood stain to protect the wood and prevent weathering.

HOT TIP: If you’re going all out (and why wouldn’t you?), you could also add some decorative trim or painting to personalize the look. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your finishing touches. Maybe you want a rustic farmhouse look, or perhaps something modern and sleek. The possibilities are endless!

STEP 6: Fill In and Enjoy 

Now you have a custom-built garden planter bed that not only look great but are also functional for growing all kinds of plants. Now it’s time to fill them with flowers, herbs, or even your own vegetable garden!

HOT TIP: If you’re planting vegetables, make sure to use a garden liner to keep the soil from falling through the cracks. You can also add weed barrier fabric at the bottom of the planter to prevent any unwanted weeds from creeping up into your plants.

Building this garden planter bed was a super fun and rewarding project. 

Not only did I end up with beautiful, custom planters, but now, whenever I look at my garden, I can proudly say, “I made that.” And you can too! 

So, go ahead—grab those materials, fire up your brad nailer, and start creating the garden of your dreams.