Tools and materials
16mm standard MDF - 600mm x 1200mm
Birdies 1200 x 400 x 300mm Heritage Modular Raised Garden Bed Kit
Cultivator
Drill
Dust mask
Eye protection
Herbs
Move It 50mm 25kg Black Polypropylene Fixed Plate Castor (x4)
Mulch
Plant labels
Soil
Trowel
Watering can
Weeder
1. Select your planter
We’re using a garden bed kit and customising it with some castors. But you can make your portable garden bed from anything. A wheelbarrow, an old pallet, a trolley – anything with wheels will do the job!
2. Assemble your garden bed
If you’re using a kit, like we are, you’re going to need to screw it together. Line up your base pieces on the frame, making sure you leave a gap between the timber so that the soil drains well. Then use the nail gun to attach the timber to the frame of the planter. If you’re buying one already assembled, you can skip this step.
3. Mark up where your castors will go
Once your planter is assembled, use a pencil to mark up where you want your castors to go – you’ll need to do this for every leg.
4. Drill your pilot holes
A pilot hole should be half the length of the screw you’ll be using – in our case, it was about 10mm. Drill four per leg – don’t forget your protective eyewear for this bit!
5. Attach your castors
Line your castors up with your pilot holes and drill them in. Make sure when you’re attaching your casters that they are all pointing in the right direction, otherwise your portable planter won’t move properly (no one likes a wonky trolley!)
6. Plant your plants and herbs!
This is the fun bit! Prepare your bed by half-filling it with some good quality potting mix. Spread it out evenly and lift your plants out of their pots or punnets and place them gently in the soil. If they’re a bit stuck, gently tease out the roots. Fill around the plants with more soil and press down so they’re snugly in position. Remember to leave enough room between plants for them to grow and expand. Once they’re settled, give your plants a generous water and maybe add some seaweed solution to minimise any ‘transplant shock.’
7. Get moving!
Once your garden bed is planted, find a nice sunny spot in your garden and wheel it into position. And you’re done! How easy was that?
Keep watching
Watch the full episode and more D.I.Y. projects from Make It Yours Episode 3: Backyard Makeover by Tim and Mat.