This step by step diy woodworking project is about potato box plans. This article features detailed instructions for building a nice and cheap potato box. Growing potatoes when you have limited space is possible, if you use the lack of space to your advantage and grow them vertically. This is the ideal project for a beginner, as it requires common tools and basic carpentry skills.
When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
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Potato Box Plans
Building a potato box
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- A – 4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 33″ long LEGS
- B – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 21″ long, 2 pieces – 24″ long 6xFRAME
- 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
- 6 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8 ft
- 1 1/4″ screws
- 1 5/8″ screws
- 2 1/2″ screws
- filler, stain
- glue
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Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
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One day
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How to build a potato box plans
Building the frames
The first step of the woodworking project is to build the frames for the potato box. Use 2×6 slats to build the square frames for the planter box. Drill pilot holes at both ends of the 24″ long components and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the perpendicular ones. Make sure the corners are square before inserting the screws and check if the edges are flush.
Assembling the planter box
Next, you need to build the corner posts for the potato box. Cut four pieces of 2×2 lumber at 33″. Fit the frame to the bottom of the posts, drill pilot holes through the 2×6 slats and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the vertical components.
Fill the box with soft soil or with mulch. Then, plant the potatoes 4-5″ deep into the soil.
Fitting the next boards
Water the potatoes and watch their evolution carefully. When the plats are 12″ above the soil, you need to place another frame to the potato box. Afterwards, secure the frame to the posts with 2 1/2″ galvanized screws. Fill the frame with soil, making sure that the plant is about 8″ above it. Repeat the process, util you place the last frame into place.
Start harvesting the potatoes by removing the bottom slats. After taking the potatoes, fill the gap with dirt and place the slats back to the posts. When you need more potatoes, repeat the process with the second layer and so on, until you harvest all of them.
Potato box plans
One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the pilot holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-150 grit sandpaper.
Top Tip: If you want to enhance the look of the project and to protect the wooden table from decay, we recommend you to cover the components with paint or stain for exterior use.
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