Raised Plastic Barrel Planter Tutorial

Raised Plastic Barrel Planter Tutorial

Tutorial to build a raised plastic barrel planter in your garden.

Materials needed to build a plastic barrel planter

(3) 55 gallon juice drum
2×4 pressure treated lumber

Tools:

  • Hand Saw
  • Measuring Tape
  • Clamps
  • Straight Edge (square)
  • Wood Glue
  • Hammer
  • Chisel
  • Screws
  • Power Drill/Driver

Build The Assemblies

You’ll need four assemblies for three drums. Begin by building the four support assemblies that will connect the 2×4 stringers. For simplicity, make them identical and symmetrical.

The legs are made from 4×6 pressure treated (PT) lumber, with the height of 26-1/4″. The cross members connecting each leg are made from 2×4 PT and are joined together using dadoes cut.

Connect The Assemblies

After building the assemblies we are now to connect them together. Stake one of the four assemblies to the ground to prevent it from moving. Then measure the exact location where the next assembly should be attached. Stake the second assembly in the location determined earlier. You can then lay a 2×4 on top of the legs and fasten them using screw. After that side is done proceed to the other side. Attach a 2×4 on the assemblies’ cross member and screw into place.

Attach Spacers

Using screws attach 2×4’s with the length of 2′ to the inner side of the 2×4’s connecting the legs of assemblies. These will serve as spacers giving the drums a snug fit and preventing them from rolling.

Cut And Install Drums

Carefully draw lines on the drums where the cut will be made. Cut the drum using a circular saw with carbide tipped blade. Once the drums are cut in half, wash them and let dry. Drill holes for drainage. Lastly, install the drums and fill with soil. You can use the 2x4s that connects the legs of the assemblies to add a trellis.


Source: RushFan on Instructables

Updated on 2024-03-25 - Images from Amazon API. Logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 1001Gardens is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

1 thought on “Raised Plastic Barrel Planter Tutorial”

  1. I have been trying to come up with a way to do this, now this weekend, I have. But yours is the best, Love the one for two barrels or four halves. Thank you for the inspiration. I have one question{ what amount of soil do the plastic drum hold, that is each half section. I currently have four barrels in a double stacker tumbler for composting, with manure,leaves,alfalfa to create fast heat and last seasons container soil recipe for the clay conversion mix. I need to add peat moss, garden sand, kelp, and some other additives once done. This would help me greatly. Thank you.
    A senior beginning to enjoy retirement, in my garden
    WOW

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