Building a garden in a limited urban space can be a challenge, but with a bucket plant stand, you can have your own thriving garden without sacrificing precious outdoor space. Not only is it a practical solution for organizing your plants, but it also adds a touch of elegance to your garden. Let’s explore how this innovative stand can transform your gardening experience.
Key Takeaways
Creating Order in a Compact Space
As soon as Hubs retired, he yearned to start gardening in our petite urban yard. However, I, being more of a farmers market enthusiast than a gardener, wasn’t keen on cluttering our space with assorted plastic pots and planters. I wanted our yard to stay clean and presentable. But, of course, I wanted Hubs to have what he desired. That’s when we discovered the ingenious solution of a 5-gallon bucket garden stand.
Our bucket garden stand not only fulfilled Hubs’ gardening dreams but also maintained the tidiness of our yard. The buckets are cohesive and matching, thanks to Hubs’ staining expertise. The stand elegantly lines up against the fence and ensures that all the pots stay upright, neat, and organized.
Why Opt for 5-Gallon Buckets?
We chose 5-gallon buckets for their affordability, availability, and size. These versatile containers can accommodate one or two vegetable plants, such as tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, lettuce, or even three to five small herb plants like parsley, basil, dill, cilantro, and mint. Ensure you purchase clean buckets that haven’t been previously used for storing chemicals.
Materials Needed
To build your own bucket garden stand, you’ll need the following supplies:
- 2 by 4-inch lumber for the frame
- Optional: Stain for a polished look
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a simplified guide to constructing your own DIY bucket garden stand:
Step 1 – Measure the Buckets
Measure the bottom of the 5-gallon bucket to determine the size of the square openings. The openings should be large enough for the bottom to fit through while ensuring the top edge won’t. For instance, if your bucket bottom measures 10 3/8″, set the openings to be 1/8 inch larger at 10 1/2 inches.
Step 2 – Cut the Lumber to Length
Make simple square cuts for the following pieces:
- 2 lengths of 2″ by 4″ lumber to 98 inches for the sides
- 9 lengths of 2″ by 4″ lumber to 10 1/2 inches for the cross pieces
- 6 lengths of 2″ by 4″ lumber to 20″ long for the legs
Step 3 – Build the Box Frame
Construct the box frame with the two 98-inch long pieces on the outside of the two 10 1/2-inch pieces. Ensure the top of the boards align with each other and connect the corners with two screws on each side.
Step 4 – Add the Cross Pieces
Place the first cross piece to mark the center and the long side, ensuring the box frame is square. Do not attach the center piece yet. Measure 10 1/2 inches for each opening and place each cross piece accordingly. Once the measurements are confirmed, screw the cross pieces into place with two screws on each side.
Step 5 – Attach the Legs
Attach one leg in each corner of the box frame, ensuring the top is flush with the top of the box. Additionally, place two legs in the middle. Use longer screws to fit through the leg, side piece, and into the cross piece at the end.
Step 6 – Staining
Staining the garden bucket stand is optional but highly recommended. After building the stand, use 120 grit sandpaper to remove any splinters, then apply two coats of Rustoleum external stain and sealer in one for a polished finish.
Filling the Buckets
To ensure proper drainage, drill several holes in the bottom of each 5-gallon bucket or use a large nail to punch holes. Add a fine mesh screen to prevent excess soil from leaking while allowing for adequate drainage and root space. Finally, place the buckets in the stand and fill them with soil.
The Perfect Home for Your Tomatoes
Our new yard showcased the efficiency of our 5-gallon garden bucket stand, with tomatoes flourishing in their designated spot. The stand not only performed exceptionally well but also provided the flexibility to relocate the plants with ease. When our tomatoes desired a sunnier location, we effortlessly moved them. Hubs has become a devoted proponent of the stand and a truly content gardener.
To catch more exciting outdoor project ideas and inspirational posts from other bloggers, check out my Outdoor Projects and Home Decor board on Pinterest. Whether you have a small yard, a balcony, or a rooftop, the bucket plant stand ensures that you can create a vibrant garden that fits perfectly into your space.
Other Outdoor Wood Projects
The bucket plant stand is just the beginning of your outdoor woodworking journey. Explore more creative projects that add charm and functionality to your outdoor living space.
