Bucket garden stand - 2x6 configuration

[difalkner]

This is quite a bit different from what I normally build but here goes anyway.

A few months ago we bought 12 five gallon food grade buckets to build a bucket garden.  At first we were going to build it in a 3x4 configuration but decided to build it in a 2x6 configuration instead.  I bought the treated 2x4's and engaged our 14-year old grandson to assist.  

We cut the 10' 2x4's to the proper length for the long stretchers and since he had limited time that's all we did for a few days.  But he wanted to help build it so I waited until he could help again.  When he was available his best friend wanted to help, as well.  So Monday afternoon, the day before Valentine's day (critical info for later) I picked them up from school and we hit the shop.  

Three hours later we had a finished bucket stand!  And they learned a lot about working in a shop environment as well as using tools brand new to them, so it was a good day.  When my wife got home from work I showed her the bucket stand and told her that since I'm a guy and the next day was Valentine's Day, then Happy Valentine's Day!   

It didn't matter to her that I should have built this months ago so that was a good thing.  Now we have to get dirt and begin planting whatever she wants to grow.

 

[wtnhighlander]

That looks like a great project to get the kids involved with, and not just the construction!

I've never seen an entire garden made in containers that way, but it looks much easier to care for, up near waist level. Do yo plan any fixed irrigation plumbing, or just using a hose?

[Coop]

I’m sure this goes without saying but be sure and drill holes in the bottoms of the buckets. Also, 60 gallons of dirt is pretty heavy so you may want to add some feet or pads under the legs to keep it at that level. I love Tractor Supply! 

[difalkner]

On 2/15/2023 at 6:41 PM, wtnhighlander said:

That looks like a great project to get the kids involved with, and not just the construction!

I've never seen an entire garden made in containers that way, but it looks much easier to care for, up near waist level. Do yo plan any fixed irrigation plumbing, or just using a hose?

I was just pleased that he not only agreed to help but he asked if he could help - excellent, by all means, yes!  We'll probably start out just using a hose but may go to fixed irrigation.  I'll have to get some netting to keep the birds from getting the strawberries before I do, though.

On 2/15/2023 at 6:42 PM, Coop said:

I’m sure this goes without saying but be sure and drill holes in the bottoms of the buckets. Also, 60 gallons of dirt is pretty heavy so you may want to add some feet or pads under the legs to keep it at that level. I love Tractor Supply! 

We did, Coop, thanks.  I made a template and he drilled four holes in the bottom of each bucket.  Yes, I thought about the weight and may use some of the short cutoff pieces to make feet for this.  Yes, Tractor Supply is a pretty cool place!

[Ronn W]

Send this pic to my wife.  She has been using raised beds but the lumber routs out in about 3 years.

[BonPacific]

On 2/16/2023 at 8:22 AM, Ronn W said:

Send this pic to my wife.  She has been using raised beds but the lumber routs out in about 3 years.

I remember my grandfather cast concrete raised beds for my grandmothers garden.

[difalkner]

On 2/16/2023 at 10:22 AM, Ronn W said:

Send this pic to my wife.  She has been using raised beds but the lumber routs out in about 3 years.

These are treated 2x4's so I hope they last more than 3 years, we'll see.

On 2/16/2023 at 10:42 AM, BonPacific said:

I remember my grandfather cast concrete raised beds for my grandmothers garden.

That probably lasted a long time!

[difalkner]

Just finished the video that goes along with this build. There's some good banter between all of us and I think the boys had a good time and learned a few things in building this stand.

 

 

[wtnhighlander]

Cool video!

[difalkner]

On 2/22/2023 at 7:15 PM, wtnhighlander said:

Cool video!

Thank you!  I have a lot of fun producing these.  DaVinci Resolve newbie but loving it - about 11 videos in the last two months!  

[Coop]

A neat video and an experience that the three of you will never forget! 

[difalkner]

On 2/22/2023 at 9:55 PM, Coop said:

A neat video and an experience that the three of you will never forget! 

Thanks, Coop!  Sometimes the quick and simple projects can be fun and this one definitely was. 

[difalkner]

Here's an update with plants in the buckets - 

 

[wtnhighlander]

Cool time lapse!

[difalkner]

On 5/19/2023 at 12:00 PM, wtnhighlander said:

Cool time lapse!

Thanks!  I had no idea it would happen in just 15 minutes - pretty cool, I thought.

[Coop]

That’s amazing! I’ve watered wilted plants before and later noticed their approval but didn't realize it occurred that fast. Thanks for sharing. 

[difalkner]

On 5/19/2023 at 9:47 PM, Coop said:

That’s amazing! I’ve watered wilted plants before and later noticed their approval but didn't realize it occurred that fast. Thanks for sharing. 

Right there with you, Coop!  I charged my phone completely figuring it would take hours.  When I checked on it 15 minutes later, more to make sure my phone was still recording, I was completely surprised.  Had to share it in a video. 

[difalkner]

Just a little update with some veggies in the buckets; we've gotten zucchini and cucumbers so far.  Carrots, garlic, and onions will be ready soon.  Basil, peppermint, and tomatoes are looking good, too.  Potatoes in the bin are doing well but still have another month or so before they're ready.

[curlyoak]

I enjoyed this thread. A great idea that I expect I will build one. The boys might be addicted to woodworking and growing veggies. Well done!

I see you have added concrete pads under the legs. That helps. To add help to the equation I add HDPE. A very durable plastic to the bottom of the legs. That breaks the chance of water being sucked up. Makes it a 50 year garden. Thanks for sharing!

[difalkner]

On 6/18/2023 at 4:18 AM, curlyoak said:

I enjoyed this thread. A great idea that I expect I will build one. The boys might be addicted to woodworking and growing veggies. Well done!

I see you have added concrete pads under the legs. That helps. To add help to the equation I add HDPE. A very durable plastic to the bottom of the legs. That breaks the chance of water being sucked up. Makes it a 50 year garden. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for watching!  Those are just 2x4 cutoff pieces under the legs, not concrete.  Figured it would help with trimming the grass.

[Coop]

David, on Labor Day weekend, plant a couple of Early Girl tomato plants which will almost guarantee you tomatoes for Thanksgiving dinner. Also, plant at least one Big Beef it’s a fairly large great tasting tomato but takes a little longer to mature but protected from the first frost, it’s amazing for Christmas dinner. 

[Butterfield22]

I used a similar setup last summer and had good luck bracing the legs with pocket screws and glue. Also added a center stretcher underneath to keep it from racking when loaded.

For anyone getting plants delivered straight to their door, indoor plant delivery is super handy, you can measure pot sizes ahead of time and make sure your stand fits everything with no surprises.

[BillyJack]

So your not putting a bucket in a bucket and wicking?

[difalkner]

On 8/15/2025 at 11:46 AM, BillyJack said:

So your not putting a bucket in a bucket and wicking?

No, not that I know of but I'm not certain I understand what you're asking - wicking?

[BillyJack]

When I ran bucket tomatoes here, a bucket is put in a bucket with a hole.it automatically wicks up if needed.We had good success with this , but decided it wasn’t worth the space..