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How to Build a Therapeutic Garden Box

 

 

 

 

THERAPEUTIC GARDEN BOX

 

 

 

SUPPLY LIST

Approximate cost per box = $115 (soil and fertilizer are extra)

REDWOOD LUMBER

QUANTITY          SIZE                                                                            FUNCTION

3                            2” X 4” X 12’                                                              legs and bottom supports

4                            1” X 12” X 6’                                                              sides and bottom

1                            2” X 4” X 3’                                                                middle support (bottom)

HARDWARE

QUANTITY           ITEM                                                                          FUNCTION

20                          16d – 3” galvanized nails                                           leg construction

38                          2 ” galvanized screws                                                side and bottom attachment                                  

8                          5/16” X 3 ½” galvanized lag screws and washers          attaching legs to framework

4                           3/8" x 5" galvanized lag screws and washers                 attaching center support on underside of box

OTHER: Heavy plastic to line box, and nails or staples to attach.         

SOIL RECIPE: Use equal parts potting soil, organic compost, peat moss and vermiculite.  Use two cups of time-release fertilizer for a 3” X 3” X 12’ area.  Box will need approximately 8 cubic feet of soil mixture.

HELPFUL HINT: Mix the soil well in the box and water thoroughly one day prior to planting.

 

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

 

LEGS

  • Take a 2” X 4” that is 12 feet long.  Cut it into four pieces, 33” in length.  Repeat this with a second board.  Now you will have eight leg pieces.

  • Nail two pieces together to form an “L” shape.  Use 16d 3” galvanized nails.  This is a leg.  Repeat until you have four legs.

  • Note:  use approximately 5 nails per leg.

    

 

SIDES

  • Take a 1” X 12” that is 6 feet long.  Cut it into two pieces, each 35” long.  These are the two sides of the box.

  • Use three 2” galvanized lag screws to attach one side to two of the legs.  Attach side to the narrower part of each leg to leave room for the ends.  Repeat this process for the second side.

 

 

    ENDS

  •  Take a 1” X 12” that is 6 feet long.  Cut it into two pieces, each 35” long.  These are the two ends of    the box.

  • Use three 2 ” galvanized screws to attach each “end” to the “sides” of the box.

 

 

BOTTOM

  • Turn the box upside down, so the bottom is facing up and the legs are in the air. 

  • Cut the last two 1” X 12” X 6 foot boards to length, to fit across the bottom of the box.

  • Attach these boards with three 2”  galvanized screws each.  Leave a small gap between boards for water to drain.

  • Take the remaining 2” X 4” by 12 foot board.  Cut it to length to fit between the four legs, to hold the bottom securely.  Attach to legs with 5/16” x 3 ½” galvanized lag screws with washers.  This will be like a frame on the bottom.    SEE PICTURE

  • Use four 3/8” X 5” galvanized lag screws with washers to attach center bottom support.

 

   FINISH

  • Line the box with heavy plastic to lengthen the life of the wood.  Be sure to slit holes in the bottom of the plastic for water to drain out.

                                

                                                                                                            Finished box with happy gardener

 

For sample agreement between club and Retirement/Senior Facility, click Agreement