Weekend Build: Vertical Planters

Been asked to put in writing how I quickly built (weekend project) a vertical planters setup for our planters.

Here’s my best effort for a step-by-step plan. For those giving this a try with no experience, here’s just one word of encouragement: no project is perfect, no plan is 100% accurate, adapt-improvise-overcome. Enjoy the process and imperfections.

Assuming you own and know how to operate:

• A circular/table/chop saw (bonus for one you can use outside, since we’re dealing with pressure treated lumber)
• Power drill/driver to drill holes and screw screws in.
• Not a must but helps: Brad Nailer to hold things while you screw things in place.
• Measuring tape, pencil, protective gear (eyes, gloves), speed square as a bonus.

Step 1: Measure & Draw

To me, this basically translates to using a piece of Graph Paper, measuring the grounds, and picking a scale that fits in one page but allows the most detail. For example: every square is 6" (see scanned example)

Note the confined space is in black and the planter bleachers are in pink (ignore the tiny additional square for future lemon tree planter)

Note that the stringers are in pink and just mark where they’ll be and not their full size

Note there’s the material list on the right, I’ll detail it below (changed the thickness of the shelves while i was at HD)

Step 2: Plan Your Planter Setup

With a mind for minimum waste of lumber (think standard Home Depot lumber sizes and how they will cut to your planter size) and maximum utilization of off-the-shelf options (i.e. Home Depot sells Stairs Stringers)

Here’s my material list for this specific setup:

• Shelves: Pressure Treated 1x6x12: 8 (5+3) [HD link]
• Stringers Stand Support: Pressure Treated 2x4x8: 4 [HD link]
• Stringers: 5 step Pressure Treated x 8 [HD link]
• Screws: Outdoor Wood 3" Screws [HD link]
• Planters: Window Box with saucer, roughly 8"x36" x 30 [HD link]

Step 3: Work

Build the foundations first, put them in place, use kids or random humans to hold them in place while you use the shelves to actually fix things to it’s final position.

Middle picture: using a piece of lumber to square/align the stringers and support leg

Measure twice, cut onc

Notes for my specific project:

• I used the stringers upside down as i wanted more height and was limited in space.
• All lumber was pressure treated as i kept it with it’s “natural look” if you wanted to paint it with outdoor deck stains or something of that sorts, you can go the untreated lumber route too.

I guess this is proof I was involved

Step 4: Write A Medium Post

If you’ve done everything right (or at least made it appear that way), you’ll have a friend ask you to send them the plans and instructions.

Congratulations, you’re done, now bask in the glory of extremely high-maintenance backyard garden vegetables. For us, it was mostly about hot peppers (best ROI)