How to Build a DIY Herb Garden Planter Box — Step-by-Step Beginner Plans
Imagine stepping outside every morning to snip fresh basil, rosemary, and thyme — all from a beautiful wooden planter you built yourself. This DIY herb garden planter box takes just one weekend to build, costs a fraction of store-bought raised beds, and looks stunning on any patio, balcony, or backyard.
Whether you're searching for herb planter box plans, a herb garden planter box DIY project, or just want to grow your own herbs at a comfortable standing height — this guide walks you through everything from the cut list to the final finish.
Why Build Your Own Herb Garden Planter Box?
Store-bought planters are often flimsy, too small, or overpriced. Building your own gives you:
- The exact size you need — this plan is 35" long × 23.75" wide × 32.25" tall (comfortable standing height, no bending)
- Separate growing pockets — 6 divided sections to keep each herb in its own space
- A lower storage shelf — perfect for keeping gardening tools organized right below your herbs
- Total cost control — most beginners build this for $40–$80 in lumber, vs. $150–$300 for comparable store planters
And the best part? It's rated beginner-friendly. If you can cut a straight line and drive a screw, you can build this.
Project Overview at a Glance
| Detail | Spec |
|---|---|
| Skill Level | Beginner |
| Estimated Build Time | 3 to 5 hours |
| Finished Dimensions | 35" L × 23.75" W × 32.25" H |
| Planting Sections | 6 divided herb pockets |
| Extra Feature | Lower tool storage shelf |
| Best For | Patio, balcony, backyard |
Materials & Shopping List
Lumber Required
| Board Size | Length | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1x2 (1½" × ¾") | 6 ft | 2 boards |
| 1x3 (2½" × ¾") | 6 ft | 20 boards |
| 1x6 (5½" × ¾") | 6 ft | 2 boards |
| 2x2 (1½" × 1½") | 6 ft | 6 boards |
Hardware & Extras
- Exterior wood screws — 2" and 2½"
- Wood glue (for added joint strength)
- Sandpaper — medium and fine grit
- Planter liner or plastic sheet (to protect wood from moisture)
- Wood stain or outdoor paint (optional but recommended)
- 2 side handles (optional)
- 4 caster wheels (optional, for mobility)
Tools You'll Need
- Circular saw or miter saw
- Drill and drill bits
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Speed square
- Sander or sanding block
- Clamps
Estimated lumber cost: $40–$80 depending on your local hardware store.
Cost Comparison: Build vs. Buy
| Option | Estimated Cost | Divided Sections | Storage Shelf | Customizable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Build (this plan) | $40–$80 | ✅ Yes (6 sections) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Fully |
| Mid-range store planter | $120–$180 | ❌ Usually no | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Premium cedar planter | $200–$350 | ❌ Rare | ❌ No | ❌ No |
You save $100–$270 and get a better product. That's the power of building it yourself.
The Complete Cut List
Part A — Legs (2×2 lumber)
- 4 pieces × 31.50" long
Part B — Long Braces (2×2 lumber)
- 4 pieces × 32.00" long
Part C — Side Braces (2×2 lumber)
- 4 pieces × 20.75" long
Part D — Planter Side Slats (1×3 lumber)
- 6 pieces × 23.75" long
Part E — Planter Front Slats (1×3 lumber)
- 6 pieces × 36.50" long
Part F — Bottom Slats (1×3 lumber)
- 28 pieces × 23.75" long
Part G — Pocket Separation Slat (1×6 lumber)
- 1 piece × 35.00" long
Part H — Pocket Short Separations (1×6 lumber)
- 6 pieces × 11.50" long
Part I — Side Top Frame (1×2 lumber)
- 2 pieces × 26.75" long
Part J — Front Top Frame (1×2 lumber)
- 2 pieces × 38.00" long
Pro tip: Label each piece with a pencil right after cutting. It saves a lot of confusion during assembly.
How to Build the DIY Herb Garden Planter — 9 Steps
Phase 1 — Assemble the Side Legs
Take 2 legs (Part A) and 2 side braces (Part C). Position the braces between the legs — the upper brace sits 6" from the top, the lower brace sits 3" from the bottom. Attach with wood glue and 2½" screws. Always check for square with a speed square before fastening. Repeat to make the second side frame.
Phase 2 — Build the Main Frame Structure
Stand your two side frames upright and connect them with the 4 long braces (Part B). These run front to back at the same heights as your side braces. Use glue and screws at each joint. This creates the full 3D skeleton of your planter.
Phase 3 — Install the Top and Bottom Slats
Lay the 28 bottom slats (Part F) across the top platform and the lower shelf. For any slat that sits against a leg, cut a small 1.5" × 1.5" notch in each corner so the slat fits cleanly around the leg — this gives the whole build a polished, professional look.
Phase 4 — Install the Planter Side Slats
Attach the 6 side slats (Part D) vertically on each short side of the planter box, creating the walls. Use glue and screws, and keep everything level.
Phase 5 — Install the Planter Front Slats
Attach the 6 front slats (Part E) on the long front and back faces of the planter box to complete the planting box walls.
Phase 6 — Install the Main Pocket Separator
Drop the long separation slat (Part G, 35") down the center of the planting box, dividing it into two long sections. This runs front to back across the middle.
Phase 7 — Install the Short Pocket Dividers
Add the 6 short separation slats (Part H, 11.5") perpendicular to the long separator, creating 6 individual herb planting pockets. Space them approximately 8" apart. Use small angle brackets or a wooden block underneath each divider for extra stability.
Flexible option: Prefer to use plastic pots instead of direct soil? Simply skip the dividers — the planter works perfectly either way.
Phase 8 — Install the Top Frame
Attach the 4 top frame pieces (Parts I and J) around the top edge of the planter with mitered 45° corners. This frame adds a clean, finished border that makes the entire planter look store-quality.
Phase 9 — Final Touches
- Line the inside with a plastic sheet or planter liner to protect the wood from moisture
- Sand all surfaces smooth with medium then fine grit sandpaper
- Apply outdoor wood stain or exterior paint for weather protection and a polished look
- Optional: Add side handles for easy carrying, or caster wheels to the base legs for easy movement
Customization Ideas
Paint or stain options: Natural cedar stain for a rustic look, white paint for a modern farmhouse feel, or dark walnut stain for elegance.
Add a drip tray: Place a shallow waterproof tray under each planting pocket to catch drainage and protect your deck.
Make it mobile: 4 locking caster wheels on the base lets you chase the sun or shelter the planter during bad weather.
Resize it: The plan scales well. Want a smaller version for a balcony? Reduce the length from 35" to 24" and cut your material costs in half.
Which herbs grow best together?
- Section 1: Basil + Parsley (both love sun and moisture)
- Section 2: Rosemary + Thyme (drought-tolerant, great partners)
- Section 3: Mint (keep it isolated — it spreads aggressively!)
- Remaining sections: Chives, Cilantro, Oregano
Why This Plan Is Perfect for Beginners
This build uses only basic lumber sizes you'll find at any hardware store. There are no complex joinery techniques — just straight cuts, screws, and glue. The step-by-step instructions included in the full plan show every measurement and angle with clear 3D diagrams, so you always know exactly where each piece goes.
Most beginners complete this project in a single afternoon. Many have told us it was their first woodworking project ever — and they were proud enough to post it on Instagram the same day.
Ready to Build? Get the Full Plan
The complete DIY Herb Garden Planter PDF plan includes:
✅ Full cut list with every measurement
✅ Optimized cutting diagrams to minimize wood waste
✅ 3D step-by-step assembly diagrams
✅ Shopping list you can take straight to the store
✅ Beginner tips at every phase
👉 Download the DIY Herb Garden Planter Plan — woodplanshop.com
Use code BUILDIT20 at checkout for 20% off your order.
Explore More Garden & Outdoor Plans
Love this project? Here are more plans from WoodPlanShop you might enjoy:
- DIY Raised Garden Bed Plans — build a larger growing space for vegetables
- DIY Outdoor Potting Bench Plans — the perfect companion workstation for your planter
- DIY Wooden Planter Box Plans — simple rectangular planters for flowers or herbs
- DIY Mud Kitchen for Kids — a fun outdoor build the whole family can enjoy
Frequently Asked Questions
What wood is best for an outdoor herb planter? Cedar and redwood are naturally rot-resistant and ideal for outdoor planters. If using pine or other softwood, always apply exterior wood stain or paint plus a liner inside.
Do I need to line the planter before adding soil? Yes. Line the interior with a plastic sheet or a purpose-made planter liner before adding soil. This protects the wood from constant moisture, significantly extending the life of your planter.
Can I build this without a miter saw? Yes. All cuts are straight 90° cuts (except the optional 45° top frame corners). A circular saw with a guide works perfectly.
How much does it cost to build this herb planter box? Most builders spend between $40 and $80 on lumber and hardware, depending on local prices. This is 2–4x cheaper than a comparable store-bought raised planter.
Can I make this planter bigger? Absolutely. Scale the length up or down as needed. The full PDF plan includes guidance on resizing.
WoodPlanShop creates beginner-friendly DIY woodworking plans with clear 3D diagrams, complete cut lists, and step-by-step instructions. Every plan is designed so that even a first-time builder can succeed. Browse all plans at woodplanshop.com.