Instructions

• 1). Lay the 2-foot by 3-inch planks parallel to each other, and nail the three planks 1 foot across, equidistant apart---one centrally placed, the other two flush with the ends of the parallel plants. This will form the base of the garden planter, with two gaps for drainage.
  
  
• 2). Lay one of the 2-foot by 1-foot planks on the ground, with the side intended for the outside of the box face down.
  
  
• 3). Apply wood glue to the end of one of the 1-foot square planks, and lay this along the edge of the plank on the ground. Hold it in a 90 degree angle, flush with the side of the 2 foot plank. Keep pressing for around 1 minute, then repeat with the other 1-foot-square plank on the other end of the 2-foot plank.
  
  
• 4). Turn the 2-foot plank so that the two glued-on pieces are facing down, once the glue has dried. Nail the glued-on pieces into the plank to properly secure them. Around four nails on each side should suffice.
  
  
• 5). Turn the planks back so that the free edges of the glued planks are again in the air. Line up the second 2-foot by 1-foot plank over the free edges, and nail it down, creating a rectangle box with no lid, and no bottom.
  
  
• 6). Place the base created earlier over the rectangle box, upside down. Nail the base to the box, then turn the whole box over, so the base is now on the bottom.
  
  
• 7). Varnish the whole box, and let dry as per instructions from the varnish manufacturer.
  
  
• 8). Line the box with black plastic, to help protect the wood from rot. Poke holes in the plastic in the areas where there is no wood in the base---this will allow for drainage with minimal wetting of the wooden base. Fill the planter with potting mix, then trim any excess plastic still showing at the top. The garden planter is now ready.