Last year I created this Garden “closet” and loved it so much that I decided to build another one this year! It held up great, functions perfectly and looks good too! I don’t want to commit a part of my backyard to planting a garden in the ground so I go with the pots… It’s takes up much less space and is a super easy clean up at the end of the season!
The size of the Garden Closet is based on the size pots I would be using and the space I was it. Some of these veggies planted in the pots will need more space as they grow, in which I will transplant to larger pots.
Because pictures are worth a thousand words (and a video even more,) I’ve tried to keep the step by step and video tutorials simple enough to follow along and recreate this garden closet or something similar! If you have any questions feel free to reach out!
SUPPLIES NEEDED
- Wood Stain
- I used RUST-OLEUM Kona and Varathane Early American
- Waterproofing Wood Stain
- old rag/towel
- Hardware
- Powertools to make the job (a lot) easier!
- Cordless Drill
- Miter Saw
- Staple Gun
- Countersink Drill Bit
- (6) 36-in plastic window planter boxes
- 3/4 in. x 3 ft. x 25 ft. Black PVC Poultry Fence
- Lumbar
- (6) 5/8 in. x 5-1/2 in. x 6 ft. Pressure-Treated Pine Dog-Ear Fence Picket
- (3) 2in. x 4in. x 8ft.
- (4) 1in. x 4in. x 8ft.
- (7) 1in. x 2in. x 8ft.
- (1) 2in. x 3in. x 8ft.
STEP BY STEP TUTORIAL
I found it easier and more efficient to stain all the wood before cutting and assembling. I set up my horses in the back yard and lined up all the lumbar (except the (6) fence pickets.) I used the stains I had on hand, one being my all time favorite, Early American!
First, I stained with the lighter Early American using an old washcloth then did a lighter coating with Kona. Both of these are actually indoor stains but I’ve found that if you’re using outside and coat with a weatherproof/waterproof stain they hold up in the outdoor elements just fine!
Once the stain was dried I used this Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer. You can see in the picture below how well it repels water once applied to the wood!
CUTTING
I found it easier to make all the cuts first before assembling. The following are all the cuts I made
- 2×4 (Actual dimensions 1-1/2x 3-1/2)
- (6) 17″ (side supports)
- (6) 3″ (middle supports)
- (2) 69″ (front side frame)
- 1×4 (Actual dimensions 3/4x 3-1/2)
- (1) 57-1/2″ (front middle support)
- (3) 69″ (back frame supports)
- (3) 17″ (inside middle supports)
- 1×2 (Actual dimensions 3/4x 1-1/2)
- (2) 71″ (top frame)
- (2) 19″ (top frame)
- (1) 16-1/4″ (top middle support frame)
- (4) 57-1/4″ (doors)
- (4) 35-1/4″ (doors)
- (2) 32-3/8″ (doors)
- 2×3 (Actual dimensions 1-1/2x 2-1/2)
- 67″ (front bottom support)
ASSEMBLING
After building the sides and top, I set the frame upright and added the front middle pieces. These pieces are the door frame supports. (2×3 cut to 67″ and 1×4 cut to 57-1/2″.)
(3in.) 2x4s were placed on the backside of the middle 1×4. These pieces support the dog-ear fence picket shelves.
First, I layed out and assembled the sides and top of the frame. These pieces are below
- 2×4
- (6) 17″ (side supports)
- (2) 69″ (front side frame)
- 1×4
- (3) 69″ (back frame supports)
- 1×2
- (2) 71″ (top frame)
- (2) 19″ (top frame)
- (1) 16-1/4″ (top middle support)
I found, because the the screws are close to the end of the wood to prevent it from splitting that pre-drilling the holes prevented the wood from splitting. I used this method for all the screws. It takes a little more time, but is definitely the way to go!
To install the side 2x4s of the frame, I marked, drilled the holes (using countersink drill too,) preset the screws, squared the 2×4 then screwed the rest of the way. (The pictures explain the process pretty well, so check those out!)
Next, I built the doors. Each door required (2) 57-1/4″, (1) 32-3/8″ and (2) 35-1/4 1x2s.
I attached the corner brackets and flat corner brackets on the backside of the door for more support, and then the hinges.
I used my staple gun (attached to the air compressor) to staple the fencing to the frame and doors, making sure that I pulled the fencing taught and applying more than enough staples.
After I was done with the fencing I attached the doors to the frame via the hinges. This took some patience and fenagling to line the doors on the frame. It might be easier if you have another set of hands to steady the door and keep aligned.
I did not apply fencing to the back of the garden closet, as I would be placing it right up to my yard fencing.
The planter boxes I used didn’t have holes in the bottom, so I drilled (about 8-10 holes) in each for better drainage. I used organic potting vegetable soil. Believe me when I say there is a difference in soil! It’s important to get soil that is specific for pots, as this soil will drain better. I’ve shopped at several different stores to get my veggies, including Home Depot, Lowes and my local grocery stores. I purchased the plants that are already past the seedlings phase. I tried seeds last year, and after thriving for several weeks, the Texas sun came out in full force and fried everything… that was a huge bummer 🙁
The garden closet was moved to it’s final destination, middle back 1×4 with 2×4 supports positioned in the middle back and frame anchored to the yard fence. By anchoring the frame to the yard fence I’m confident the garden closet won’t move at all!
The (3) 1×4 middle shelve supports were placed in the middle, (6) dog-ear fence pickets positioned and pots ready to be set in their resting place! The shelves are positioned so that each pot will get plenty of sun and there will be plenty of room for the plants to grow.
I will be adding a lattice of some sort for the cucumbers to grow up, as they’re already taking off! I’ve also gotten a super thick semi-transparent plastic tarp which I will be adding to the outside to make sort of a greenhouse and protect the veggies from the crazy North Texas weather.
Again, I tried to keep this step tutorial simple as the video is very helpful in showing the process! Check it out and let me know what you think!! Let me know if you have any questions!
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VIDEO TUTORIAL