Introduction: 99.7% Reclaimed Mobile Raised Herb Bed
This is a Mobile Raised bed garden for Herbs. Note this is not 100% complete as I am posting this Instructable because there are lots of creative people out there that might want to chime in on how to change around something or give some insight on how to tweak it before I implement it in my back yard.
I always try to Repurpose stuff and found lots of wood in my crawl space, I also found a several bed frame including a Trundle Bed frame. So I was trying to think of how to utilize it.
Please keep in mind that all of this wood was surplus and found in my home there fore this Instructable is more of a guide to inspire you for a similar project and not a detailed plan on how to make it as everything was slapped together for the most part.
At the end of this I ask that if you have read through it and seen something not right or could be changed for the better that you please let me know. My Instructable are to give people Ideas and what to do with what they have at hand not to duplicate.
I always try to Repurpose stuff and found lots of wood in my crawl space, I also found a several bed frame including a Trundle Bed frame. So I was trying to think of how to utilize it.
Please keep in mind that all of this wood was surplus and found in my home there fore this Instructable is more of a guide to inspire you for a similar project and not a detailed plan on how to make it as everything was slapped together for the most part.
At the end of this I ask that if you have read through it and seen something not right or could be changed for the better that you please let me know. My Instructable are to give people Ideas and what to do with what they have at hand not to duplicate.
Step 1: Supplies and Tools
Supplies needed :
Wood
I utilized-
2 sides of a bed frame
1 old table with fold out legs
Some 2x4's
some scrap Pressed board Panels
1 2x2
A Trundle Bed Frame
Screws
L Brackets
Paint ( Optional )
Mesh Screen
Tools Needed:
Screw gun / Drill
Saw
Stapler ( not a desktop stapler )
Staples
Pencil
Right Angle
Tape Measure
Wood
I utilized-
2 sides of a bed frame
1 old table with fold out legs
Some 2x4's
some scrap Pressed board Panels
1 2x2
A Trundle Bed Frame
Screws
L Brackets
Paint ( Optional )
Mesh Screen
Tools Needed:
Screw gun / Drill
Saw
Stapler ( not a desktop stapler )
Staples
Pencil
Right Angle
Tape Measure
Step 2: The Bed Frame
So the bed frame was pulled from the one upstairs crawl space and was being kept in my Zombie Shelter until I could figure out what to do with it.
Higher ground is always best in dealing with a Zombie Apocalypse! This information is not critical to this Instructable but could someday save your life.
I had to take the bed down two sets of stairs to get it to my garage. If your bed is located far away from your work area get another person to help you. It is not heavy just awkward and can easily damage walls.
Once in your work space remove the springs and wire on the bottom. This is not actually necessary, but you are not really utilizing the wire or springs for this project so it's extra parts for a future project.
Next was finding boards or a large board to to fit in the bed frame.
Although I had all the wood that I got from the crawl space there was still more boards on a storage rack in my garage, so I decided to pull the wood down and see if there was anything else I could utilize.
DOUBLE SCORE! found an old table with fold out legs that just happened to be the perfect fit! Also after removing the wood , I found a extra light fixture. You can never have to much light in a garage!
Removed legs from table and actually reclaimed 2 additional pieces of wood as well that get used later inn this project. The last image shows the table on the frame with an IKEA shelf unit on it. The shelf unit will not get used for this project I was just trying to get ideas. I actually end up utilizing a Range Hood that I had replaced and ripped apart.
Higher ground is always best in dealing with a Zombie Apocalypse! This information is not critical to this Instructable but could someday save your life.
I had to take the bed down two sets of stairs to get it to my garage. If your bed is located far away from your work area get another person to help you. It is not heavy just awkward and can easily damage walls.
Once in your work space remove the springs and wire on the bottom. This is not actually necessary, but you are not really utilizing the wire or springs for this project so it's extra parts for a future project.
Next was finding boards or a large board to to fit in the bed frame.
Although I had all the wood that I got from the crawl space there was still more boards on a storage rack in my garage, so I decided to pull the wood down and see if there was anything else I could utilize.
DOUBLE SCORE! found an old table with fold out legs that just happened to be the perfect fit! Also after removing the wood , I found a extra light fixture. You can never have to much light in a garage!
Removed legs from table and actually reclaimed 2 additional pieces of wood as well that get used later inn this project. The last image shows the table on the frame with an IKEA shelf unit on it. The shelf unit will not get used for this project I was just trying to get ideas. I actually end up utilizing a Range Hood that I had replaced and ripped apart.
Step 3: Paint the Frame
This part is Optional depending on condition and how much you care about the looks.
I had some Green Engine Paint that I got for $1.50 a can at a local Surplus Outlet. So figured I would paint it.
I was very pleased with the results , It's so JOHN DEERE!
I also painted the Range Hood that I intend to use an additional planter on the end.
All opening in the Hood were taped up inside so the paint is only on the outside.
Not shown but I also painted the edges of the table a dark green with regular spray paint that I had laying around.
I had some Green Engine Paint that I got for $1.50 a can at a local Surplus Outlet. So figured I would paint it.
I was very pleased with the results , It's so JOHN DEERE!
I also painted the Range Hood that I intend to use an additional planter on the end.
All opening in the Hood were taped up inside so the paint is only on the outside.
Not shown but I also painted the edges of the table a dark green with regular spray paint that I had laying around.
Step 4: Base ( How Low Can You Go )
I put the table on the bed frame.
If you are using a new piece of wood some of this wont be necessary, However This is an old door and the paint might be lead paint so I didn't want it leaching into my soil. A liner of some sort would probably do the trick but again this is utilizing what I have on hand.
I measured out the opening in the middle actually from the one strut to the other. the space above the top strut is exactly 2" perfect for a 2x4!
I grabbed what scrap wood I could that was unpainted that would meet the specs. I cut them to size. If it was a single piece it would be ideal, however I had to use two pieces and one happened to be Pressed Board. I know this will not stand the test of time but I hope to get at least 2 growing season out of it before I revisit the project and make corrections although since I can move it in after this growing season, if I have time I could make the corrections after this growing season.
I drilled large holes in table
I affixed the wood on the table with screws and drilled med size holes in rows in the wood. I then put mesh screen that I has over the holes and stapled it to the wood.
If you are using a new piece of wood some of this wont be necessary, However This is an old door and the paint might be lead paint so I didn't want it leaching into my soil. A liner of some sort would probably do the trick but again this is utilizing what I have on hand.
I measured out the opening in the middle actually from the one strut to the other. the space above the top strut is exactly 2" perfect for a 2x4!
I grabbed what scrap wood I could that was unpainted that would meet the specs. I cut them to size. If it was a single piece it would be ideal, however I had to use two pieces and one happened to be Pressed Board. I know this will not stand the test of time but I hope to get at least 2 growing season out of it before I revisit the project and make corrections although since I can move it in after this growing season, if I have time I could make the corrections after this growing season.
I drilled large holes in table
I affixed the wood on the table with screws and drilled med size holes in rows in the wood. I then put mesh screen that I has over the holes and stapled it to the wood.
Step 5: Building the Raised Bed
I then tried to find wood for the sides that I could use. I decided on one of the bed frame sides I had. The other is going to be used for the Raised Vegetable Garden.
One of the sides still had steel Hooks the other side one was gone. I tried with cut off wheel and tried to drill out the studs. No Go! I then decided to try to utilize the hooks .
First I used the L brackets ( $2- BIG LOTS ) and drilled to the base board. I then attached one side. The sides were too thin to use my standard Drywall Screws ( I use them for everything ) So I had to use the ones that came with the brackets. These were non Magnetic and cheesy! So if you use these go slow and then pulse they strip easily! If you have an assortment at hand then your good.
I then cut a 2x4 and put it in the top slot. I used a mallet to knock it down tight.
I then moved to the next side. In this project the sides do not overlap the ends. This is to utilize the hook. However there is no hook on this side. Run the side up to the end piece and the use the L brackets to attach to the side.
I then went back to the 2x4 at the top end attached it to the previous side with a screw the the hole in the hook.
I used the 2 scrap pieces of wood that were taken when I removed the legs from the table and screwed the to the 2x4. Since there was a slot the 2x4 is lower than the wood on top that I screwed previously. These 2 pieces accomplish 2 things. 1) they remove and side gaps where dirt can leech through. 2 ) the attach the upper 2x4 to the lower.
After this the top 2x4 was cut and put on. It was screwed to the 2 scraps and I utilized another L bracket to attach it to the new side.
So Left side attached to lower 2x4 via hook hole, Right side attached to upper 2x4 via L Bracket , both 2x4 attached via 2 scrap pieces.
The other end was just a cut 2x4 wedged in the end where the cut base board ends. Another 2x4 was cut and affixed to the base board via screws and then screwed into the wedged 2x4. I probably screwed into the 2x4 from the sides as well. I will have to check but that sounds like something I would do. On top of that I cut a 2x2 that fit nicely on top. I also cut to scrap pieces of Pressed board to attach bottom 2x4 and top 2x2 together.
One of the sides still had steel Hooks the other side one was gone. I tried with cut off wheel and tried to drill out the studs. No Go! I then decided to try to utilize the hooks .
First I used the L brackets ( $2- BIG LOTS ) and drilled to the base board. I then attached one side. The sides were too thin to use my standard Drywall Screws ( I use them for everything ) So I had to use the ones that came with the brackets. These were non Magnetic and cheesy! So if you use these go slow and then pulse they strip easily! If you have an assortment at hand then your good.
I then cut a 2x4 and put it in the top slot. I used a mallet to knock it down tight.
I then moved to the next side. In this project the sides do not overlap the ends. This is to utilize the hook. However there is no hook on this side. Run the side up to the end piece and the use the L brackets to attach to the side.
I then went back to the 2x4 at the top end attached it to the previous side with a screw the the hole in the hook.
I used the 2 scrap pieces of wood that were taken when I removed the legs from the table and screwed the to the 2x4. Since there was a slot the 2x4 is lower than the wood on top that I screwed previously. These 2 pieces accomplish 2 things. 1) they remove and side gaps where dirt can leech through. 2 ) the attach the upper 2x4 to the lower.
After this the top 2x4 was cut and put on. It was screwed to the 2 scraps and I utilized another L bracket to attach it to the new side.
So Left side attached to lower 2x4 via hook hole, Right side attached to upper 2x4 via L Bracket , both 2x4 attached via 2 scrap pieces.
The other end was just a cut 2x4 wedged in the end where the cut base board ends. Another 2x4 was cut and affixed to the base board via screws and then screwed into the wedged 2x4. I probably screwed into the 2x4 from the sides as well. I will have to check but that sounds like something I would do. On top of that I cut a 2x2 that fit nicely on top. I also cut to scrap pieces of Pressed board to attach bottom 2x4 and top 2x2 together.
Step 6: End Piece
So I figured I would use the Range Hood as an Additional Planter Box.
I actually had a few ideas but I will save that for the Closing NEXT STEP.
Since there was a ledge I cut some fiber board and filled the bottom space and screwed it in to make the frame level . I then moved the hood to the edge.
I removed all painters tape from the inside and screwed it to the base.
I actually had a few ideas but I will save that for the Closing NEXT STEP.
Since there was a ledge I cut some fiber board and filled the bottom space and screwed it in to make the frame level . I then moved the hood to the edge.
I removed all painters tape from the inside and screwed it to the base.
Step 7: Closing and Request for Suggestions
I am very pleased with the end result.
While it does kind of resemble a John Deere Xmas Sleigh, It still serves a purpose. This is to be used for herbs only, vegetables would require much deeper soil.
The hood at the end might be used for Basil because as it grows tall and should require deeper support with roots or used for Oregano as it is pretty invasive. I am not a big oregano fan so most likely Basil!
There is a hole in the hood for electrical. I plan on making that the drain hole and just drill through everything and use PVC pipe.
While it does kind of resemble a John Deere Xmas Sleigh, It still serves a purpose. This is to be used for herbs only, vegetables would require much deeper soil.
The hood at the end might be used for Basil because as it grows tall and should require deeper support with roots or used for Oregano as it is pretty invasive. I am not a big oregano fan so most likely Basil!
There is a hole in the hood for electrical. I plan on making that the drain hole and just drill through everything and use PVC pipe.