This is a solution I came up with for planting a garden above my septic system leach field. I didn't want to plant directly on the field, or even create a raised bed. I had access to 55 gallon juice drums and thought I would make use of 3 of them. The stand features the 3 drums cut in half lengthwise, supported by a series of assemblies connected by 2x4 stringers. A good solution for the leach field issue, plus it's easier on my back.

Step 1: Assemble the Assemblies

To begin, I created the 4 support assemblies that will be connected by the 2x4 stringers later on. For simplicity, I made them all identical and symmetrical. The two legs are made from 4x6 pressure treated (PT) lumber, and in my case, they measured 26-1/4" long (high). The cross members that connect each leg are 2x4 PT and connect to the legs via dadoes cut in the legs. To create the dadoes, I carefully laid them out and hogged out the material using my table saw with the blade set to 1-1/2" high and the miter gauge. With a series of kerfs cut, I turned to my chisel and hammer and cleaned the dadoes up, making sure a 2x4 would fit in snugly. Note that the legs are connected by 2 cross members. Structurally, 1 would be sufficient, but I like the symmetry of using 2 (plus I had the material handy). When the dadoes are done, cut a couple of cross members to length (31" in my case, which produces a perfect fit for the drums later on), lay on some construction adhesive and put a couple screws in each connection point. For my 6 half drums, I needed 4 assemblies. There is one more thing each assembly needs: a couple of pieces of wood that will straddle the longitudinal 2x4 that supports the underside of the drums. The inside of each piece go 3/4" off the centerline of the cross members, so as to create a 1-1/2" pocket that will hold the longitudinal piece.

Step 2: String Them Together

With the assemblies constructed, it's time to connect them. I started by placing the first one where it needed to be, and temporarily staked it to the ground so it wouldn't move. Using 2 string lines and precise measurements, I established the correct location for the last assembly. With the end assemblies in place, I used a string line so the intermediate assemblies would line up. Now place the intermediate assemblies and level them all up. Next lay a 2x4 on the tops of the legs longitudinally, and screw them down. When 1 side is done, proceed to do the other side. Lastly, lay a 2x4 in the straddles that are on the leg assembly cross members and screw them into place. I didn't use any construction adhesive in the field just in case I ever have to move it.

Step 3: Create a Snug Fit

The next step is to screw on some 2' lengths of 2x4's to the inside of the 2x4's you attached to the tops of the legs. These are designed to hold the half drums snugly so they don't roll. Just lay out the mid point of each drum and center the 2x4 on each mark. Two screws on each is enough.

Step 4: Drum Roll Please

Now it is time to cut the drums. Just carefully lay out the lines, and use a circular saw with a sharp carbide tipped blade. They cut very easily. Wash out the barrels, and lay them in place. I then drilled a few holes in the bottom of each one (slightly off centerline because of the 2x4 stringer that supports the drums), and then it's time to fill with soil.

June 2013 Update:
It has been a few months since I finished construction. I liked this project so much that I built another - this time for a 7' long plastic culvert that was 24" in diameter. The plants are growing well, and I'm experimenting with different ones since this is my first attempt at vegetable gardening. One benefit to this design that I hadn't planned on was the ability to easily add a trellis anywhere you need it. The 2x4 stringers that run along the top of the leg structures provide plenty of options for adding a trellis. I also added a planter box at the end of one, made from a pallet I salvaged and took apart.