Planter box plans are the perfect starting point for anyone who wants to grow a garden without digging up their yard. Whether you’re planting vegetables, herbs, or flowers, a raised planter box offers a clean, accessible way to garden with less weeding, better soil control, and easier harvesting. It’s one of the most practical ways to bring life to patios, decks, or small outdoor spaces—especially when you’re working with limited room or poor soil.

Building your own raised planter isn’t as complicated as it may seem. With a few simple tools and a free afternoon, you can construct a sturdy, good-looking box that fits your space and style. From rolling beds to sub-irrigated boxes, there’s a wide variety of planter box plans that cater to different needs—some even double as compost bins or trellises for climbing plants.

In this guide, you’ll find a curated list of DIY-friendly planter box plans designed for all skill levels. Each one offers something a little different, whether it’s portability, built-in storage, or a unique design twist. Let’s take a closer look at the best options you can build at home.

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How to Build a Planter Box (Inspired by Chatfield Court)

This beginner-friendly planter box plan is perfect for anyone looking to start gardening without straining their back. Designed to sit at counter height, it eliminates the need for bending, making it ideal for patios, porches, and decks.

The structure is built from durable, weather-resistant wood—typically cedar or pine—and features a rustic, farmhouse-inspired look. A lower shelf adds both stability and function, giving you a convenient spot to store small tools, watering cans, or decorative pots.

One of the best parts of this design is its simplicity. With basic tools and clear instructions, even those new to woodworking can confidently tackle the build. The process involves cutting the boards to size, assembling the frame, and finishing it with a protective seal or stain. Once complete, the elevated height makes it easy to tend to your plants without discomfort.

Use this box for herbs, lettuce, or compact flowers—and when the seasons change, it’s easy to clean and prep for the next round of planting. A practical and stylish choice, this planter box plan is a great entry point for any home gardener.

1. Raised Planter Boxes With Sub-Irrigation (Inspired by Home Made by Carmona)

If you’re tired of daily watering or constantly checking soil moisture, this planter box plan with sub-irrigation is a total game changer. Designed with a built-in self-watering system, it allows your plants to draw moisture from below as needed—helping them grow healthier while saving you time.

Constructed primarily from cedar for durability, this raised box includes a water reservoir at the base and uses perforated pipe or containers to distribute moisture upward. This design helps maintain consistent hydration and reduces the risk of overwatering.

Another great feature? You can cover the top with plastic sheeting during cooler months to create a mini greenhouse effect, extending your growing season well into fall. It’s perfect for gardeners who want to grow herbs, leafy greens, or even tomatoes in a more controlled environment.

With clear steps and a few extra materials, this planter box plan elevates not just your garden but your entire gardening experience. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to garden more efficiently with less hands-on maintenance.

2. Raised Vegetable Garden with Compost Bins (Inspired by Lazy Guy DIY)

This multi-functional planter box plan combines a raised garden bed with built-in compost bins—giving you everything you need to grow and nourish your plants in one compact structure. It’s a smart setup for anyone serious about sustainability and maximizing small-space gardening.

The design features three distinct planting sections, offering room to grow a variety of vegetables, herbs, or even flowers. On either side, enclosed composting chambers allow you to recycle kitchen scraps and yard waste directly into nutrient-rich soil. As the compost breaks down, it naturally feeds the surrounding plants—creating a closed-loop system right in your backyard.

For added efficiency, the top of the structure includes rails or hooks where you can hang small planters or decorative pots. This not only adds more growing space but also makes the garden more visually appealing.

Built from cedar or treated lumber, the structure is designed to withstand the elements while keeping composting odors contained. This planter box plan is perfect for gardeners who want a functional, eco-friendly solution that supports a thriving vegetable garden with minimal waste.

3. Rolling Planter Box (Inspired by Kleinworth & Co.)

Mobility meets functionality in this clever planter box plan that’s built on wheels. Ideal for patios, balconies, and small yards, the rolling design lets you move your plants with ease—whether you’re chasing the sun, protecting them from a storm, or just reconfiguring your outdoor space.

The structure itself is a rectangular raised bed made from weather-resistant wood. Heavy-duty caster wheels are attached to the base, allowing for smooth movement across hard surfaces. Despite its mobility, the planter remains sturdy enough to hold a full bed of soil and mature plants.

This type of raised box is especially useful if you need to rotate crops, change your garden layout, or bring plants indoors during the colder months. It also gives renters or apartment dwellers the freedom to garden without committing to a permanent installation.

Finished with a weatherproof stain or sealant, this planter box plan balances practicality with clean, simple design. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants flexibility without sacrificing planting space.

4. Raised Garden Planter Box (Inspired by Jennifer Meyering)

This tall, slim planter box plan offers a compact yet stylish solution for small-space gardening. Designed to sit at about desk height, it provides easy access to your plants without any bending or kneeling, making it especially appealing for those who want comfort and convenience.

The box itself features clean lines and a modern look, often enhanced with a rich wood stain that makes it attractive enough to sit by your front door or on a sunny balcony. Despite its slender profile, it offers enough depth to grow herbs, lettuce, or even shallow-rooted flowers with ease.

One unique feature of this design is its versatility. When not in use for planting, the sturdy structure can double as a potting bench or outdoor side table. That multi-use functionality makes it ideal for small patios or entryways where space is limited but style still matters.

Quick to build and budget-friendly, this planter box plan works well for beginners who want a polished, professional-looking result without advanced carpentry skills.

5. Stand Up Planter Box (Inspired by Jon Peters)

If you’re looking for a large and sturdy gardening setup that’s still easy on your back, this planter box plan is a top contender. Measuring roughly 60 inches long by 36 inches wide and standing 32 inches tall, it offers ample space for growing a wide variety of vegetables or flowers—all while keeping your posture upright and comfortable.

This stand-up design is ideal for gardeners who want to reduce strain from crouching or kneeling. The planter includes a wire mesh bottom supported by a wood frame, which allows for excellent drainage while still holding soil securely in place. This makes it especially useful for plants that prefer fast-draining soil, like herbs or succulents.

It’s built using pressure-treated lumber or naturally rot-resistant wood like cedar. The large surface area means you can section off areas for companion planting or dedicate portions to specific crops throughout the growing season.

With straightforward assembly steps and an optional video tutorial, this planter box plan is great for DIYers ready to expand their growing space in a practical and durable way.

6. Raised Planter Box With Trellis (Inspired by Jen Woodhouse)

This elegant planter box plan adds vertical flair to your garden by incorporating a built-in trellis—perfect for climbing plants like peas, beans, or flowering vines. It’s both functional and decorative, designed to sit flush against a wall, fence, or the side of your home, adding symmetry and style to any outdoor space.

The base is a classic raised planter box, made from weather-resistant wood and elevated for easy access. The attached trellis rises behind the planter, offering sturdy support for vertical growers and maximizing space in small gardens or patios. It’s ideal for gardeners working in narrow areas or looking to create natural privacy screens with greenery.

Beyond its utility, this trellis design also enhances curb appeal. Jen Woodhouse’s original concept aligns the trellis height with nearby windows, creating a balanced, architectural look. You can tailor the size and shape to your own home’s exterior for a seamless fit.

This planter box plan is a standout option if you’re growing vine-loving plants or simply want to elevate your garden’s design—literally and aesthetically.

7. Window Planter Boxes

Short on ground space? These planter box plans are designed for windowsills, balconies, and even apartment living—allowing you to enjoy fresh herbs or vibrant flowers just outside your window. Ideal for urban gardeners or anyone with limited outdoor space, window boxes make gardening accessible at any level.

Constructed from primed trim boards or lightweight cedar, these planters are built to handle the elements while remaining lightweight enough for mounting. They can be attached beneath a window, placed on a railing, or set on a narrow ledge, depending on your available space.

Despite their compact size, window boxes can grow a surprising variety of plants. They’re perfect for culinary herbs like basil and parsley, decorative flowers such as petunias or pansies, and even trailing vines that spill over the sides for added charm.

Simple to build and customize, this planter box plan is a great way to bring greenery closer to your home—literally. Add paint or wood stain to match your exterior, and enjoy fresh scents and colorful blooms right at eye level.

8. Wooden Pallet Raised Planter

This rustic planter box plan transforms a simple wooden pallet into a multi-tiered growing bed—perfect for gardeners who want to upcycle materials while saving time and money. Instead of disassembling the pallet, the structure stays mostly intact, making this one of the fastest DIY builds on the list.

To create the planter, landscaping fabric is stapled to the back and underside of the pallet’s slats, forming planting pockets that securely hold soil while allowing for proper drainage. This layered design means water from the top trickles down to the lower levels, reducing waste and keeping everything hydrated with less effort.

You can leave the pallet unfinished for a rustic look or cover it with outdoor-safe paint or stain, especially if there are unsightly stamps or markings. It’s an ideal option for vertical gardening on walls, fences, or leaned upright against a structure—particularly useful when floor space is limited.

Quick, affordable, and eco-friendly, this planter box plan is a great weekend project that adds character and functionality to any garden setup.

9. Raised Garden Bed (Inspired by Simply Easy DIY)

This straightforward planter box plan is perfect for anyone looking to build a large raised bed quickly and on a tight budget. Made from inexpensive furring strips, the finished box measures just over 50 inches square—providing plenty of planting space for vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

It’s a ground-level design, which means there are no legs or elevated supports. That makes it ideal for gardeners who don’t mind working closer to the ground but still want the benefits of raised planting—like better drainage, improved soil control, and reduced weed pressure.

Assembly is quick, requiring only basic tools and about an hour of your time. The plan also includes guidance on choosing the right location, preparing the soil, and installing the box for maximum stability and sun exposure.

This design is especially good for new gardeners, kids’ gardens, or anyone expanding an existing setup. Affordable and easy to customize, this planter box plan makes it simple to grow more with less hassle.

10. Raised Garden Bed with Legs (Inspired by Angela Marie Made)

Compact, elevated, and easy to access, this planter box plan is ideal for small patios, porches, or backyard corners where space is limited but gardening ambitions are high. With sturdy wooden legs attached to a classic raised bed, it offers ergonomic planting height and keeps your garden off the ground—great for reducing strain and deterring pests.

The frame is constructed from untreated cedar for natural rot resistance, and its clean, modern design blends seamlessly into most outdoor settings. Despite its simplicity, the box is strong enough to hold several inches of soil and support root-heavy plants like tomatoes, leafy greens, or dwarf peppers.

This DIY project is beginner-friendly, requiring just a few basic cuts and fasteners. There’s even a helpful video tutorial to walk you through each step, making it easy to follow even if you’re new to woodworking.

Cost-effective and stylish, this planter box plan is perfect for anyone wanting a raised garden bed that fits tight spaces without compromising on growing potential.

11. Tiered Raised Garden Bed with Legs (Inspired by Hydrangea Treehouse)

If you’re short on space but still want to grow a variety of plants, this planter box plan with a tiered design offers a smart, space-saving solution. With three stacked growing boxes built into a single frame, it’s perfect for strawberries, herbs, or shallow-rooted vegetables—all in one compact footprint.

Each tier is slightly smaller than the one below it, creating a cascading effect that not only looks attractive but also allows for efficient sunlight exposure. The entire structure stands on legs, keeping it elevated and easier to access while also improving drainage and airflow around the planter.

With a total width of just under 35 inches and a height of 23 inches, this garden box fits easily on a deck, balcony, or tight backyard corner. Despite its small size, the growing capacity is surprisingly generous thanks to the layered layout.

Built using affordable lumber and requiring only a few hours of work, this planter box plan is a clever way to maximize yield in minimal space—ideal for urban gardeners or anyone looking to grow more without going wider.

Conclusion

No matter your space, skill level, or gardening goals, there’s a planter box plan that can help you grow smarter—not harder. From elevated beds that save your back to sub-irrigated systems that water themselves, these DIY options offer practical solutions for creating a beautiful, productive garden at home.

The best part? Each of these planter box plans can be built in a weekend or less, often with affordable materials and minimal tools. Whether you’re planting herbs on a balcony, vegetables in your backyard, or flowers on your windowsill, a well-built raised box gives you greater control over soil quality, drainage, and layout.

Ready to start building? Choose the design that fits your space, gather your supplies, and let your garden take root—one board at a time.

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