Planter Box Design Ideas

6 DIY Projects to Get You in a Gardening Groove This Season 

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener with a spacious backyard or a condo dweller looking to grow a few fresh herbs this summer, one of these planter box design ideas will help you start this season off on the right foot. For more detailed instructions, you can access free downloadable building plans here.

Raised Garden Bed – If you plan on getting serious about growing veggies this season, this ergonomically designed, elevated planter is your best bet. It’s eight feet long, so plenty of room to yield a plethora of greens. Plus, it’s four feet wide, just the right width to reach the middle of the box from either side. As well, the walls are 18 inches high, so you if you’re kneeling down to plant your seeds, you don’t have to hunch over. Eighteen inches just happens to be chair height as well, so you can sit on the caps while you pat yourself on the back for getting a jumpstart on the gardening season.

This particular project calls for Western Red Cedar, which means it’s perfect for organic gardens. That’s because Real Cedar is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insects. So, you don’t need to treat it with any chemical finishes that might leach into your veggies.

Planter Bench with Storage – Want to define a designated area or enhance your outdoor living space with a statement piece? This planter bench works on both fronts. Functional and stylish, it offers a contemporary seating solution with a removable lid for storage. You can also grow an herb garden on either side or fill the planters with big beautiful flowers for a punch of color. A timeless design with classic, clean lines, this garden staple will complement any style of deck or backyard.

It’s also the perfect day project for DIYers. That’s because the design calls for beautiful Western Real Cedar, a durable, yet surprisingly lightweight building material that’s easy to work with. It lays straight, takes fasteners easily and the tools love it.

Vertical Herb Garden – Limited space? No problem. This chic vertical garden is ideal for condo-sized balconies. It’s also perfect for propping up against a fence, garage or the side of a house. The boxes are removable and great for herbs, flowers or a combo of both.

Regardless of where you lean ladder-style garden, it’s going to enhance the beauty and function of your outdoor living space. It’s also going to last you a long time. That’s because the project plan calls for Western Red Cedar, which is an enduring weather-resistant building material.

Planter with Trellis – To-may-to. To-mah-to. For gardeners, it doesn’t matter how you pronounce so long as you can grow it! And you can with this classic planter box – thanks to the built-in trellis feature. With a small profile, it’s ideal for urban gardeners with modest-sized decks. But it’s also perfect for defining spaces in bigger backyards. Though compact, the box is deep enough to plant your favorite climbing vegetables and flowers.

Plus, it’s an environmentally sound project. We know this because woods such as Real Cedar are the greenest building material available for planters. So, it’s a choice you can feel good about.

Living Wall – Stylish, sturdy and easy to build, this living wall is a great weekend project for DIYers of all skillsets. And since this design calls for Western Red Cedar, this modern gardening structure will work just as well outside as it does inside.

As well as beautifying your interior, this living wall will help create a healthier, happier environment. We know this because bringing elements of nature, such as plants and wood, into your interior spaces has many proven health benefits such as reducing stress and increasing wellbeing. It’s called biophilic design and this mounted garden is a great way to get started.

Flower Box – This tall, stand-up flower planter is a back saver that offers endless design possibilities. Build one for a corner herb garden on a small balcony. Or go for two and bookend a main entrance with lush beautiful flowers. Or go big and line up several to help define specific areas in a larger backyard setting.

Basically, you can’t go wrong – no matter how you rock this planter box, it’s going to enhance your outdoor living space. The building plans call for Western Red Cedar, an incredibly versatile material renowned for its timeless beauty. Which means whether your home is traditional, rustic or modern, this box (along with all other aforementioned planter box design ideas) will complement your style.