Easy 5-Gallon Bucket Raised Garden Bed

[@snactivist]

Exactly what I need, very renter friendly, won’t even kill the grass underneath. Thanks!

[@SimonSaysDIY]

I’m glad I could help! 👍🏻

[@BobbieJeanM]

This is my favorite of the different styles of raised bucket frames I have seen! The only change I will make is to have two short ones instead of one long one. With the shade from trees, I can put each one where it will get the most sun and I couldn’t do that with a long one! This will definitely be easier on my 71 year old back and knees. Thank you! PS AND I can grow all the things the wild rabbits like to snack on but they won’t be able to anymore!! 👌👏

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Thanks! I’m glad it was helpful 😁

[@tonybucca5667]

As a fellow 71 year old...CAN CONCUR!!! No DIGGING!!

[@kendranash6130]

My cousin did this but he put wheels on the bottom so he could move the garden around and built graduated tiers , 4 buckets to each of the 3 tiers. Worked really well

[@beckynelson6963]

How many pounds of potatoes will you yield from these buckets ?

[@daveb-d4t]

I made one as well; needs at least two wheels[ good for peppers and such

[@Lookup5784y]

WOW, everyone is SO creative!!! ❤

[@BigCarmine]

The 5 and 7.5 gal plastic bucket is perhaps one of the best inventions every, especially for the gardener. My wife's herb garden is totally made of 5gal buckets and 60gal food grade barrels (cut the top & bottom out and cut it into 3 big rings). Also, we get 3.5 gal square buckets from Sam's Club bakery (icing buckets) that also work fantastic! A tip to save money on material, 4x4 are crazy expensive now days so we use treated landscape timbers in place of them.

[@soniatriana9091]

What a great idea!! And, as we get older, having these buckets in a secure container & at this height is an excellent idea! Even for gardening with kids! It’s great for everyone!! Thanks for sharing your idea & video!!

[@SimonSaysDIY]

You are so welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it! 😁

[@lindahasty1324]

Been using buckets for several years now. We get them for no charge from the bakery of any grocery/big box store. Also, empty and move them into the garage over the winter months. Haven't noticed any signs of breakdown yet. Thanks for a great idea on making them more pleasing to the eye.

[@jenniferduncan4490]

Nice, love the idea,not a lot of bending

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Glad you like it! Thanks!

[@JC-jj6qi]

Finally I find someone doing a garden bed that I'm planning on doing. I've been undecided on how to do a garden bed, and putting them in buckets like this seems for me to be ideal because I'd like the option of being able to move and separate the plants at any given time.

[@darrendempsey3190]

Like the deck board siding, will keep the root balls cool 👍🏻

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Thanks! 😁

[@eastwestmntgirl]

This design is fantastic. It is so functional and really aesthetically pleasing!

[@popdog3703]

Awesome idea! As I am getting older, but still gardening, I am finding it hard to dig potatoes. Definitely giving this a try. Cheers.

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Hope you enjoy! Thanks! 👍🏻

[@faithsrvtrip8768]

I will be camp hosting from April to November in West Virginia. This is perfect solution for me to grow some stuff and not have a permanent installation. Perfect for potatoes, herbs, tomatoes, carrots. For zucchini I would spread apart in single bucket stands.

[@SimonSaysDIY]

That’s great! Good luck with yours 😁

[@vickigonya9432]

I would have dipped the ends of the 4x4 posts into the rubber that you dip hand tools into to water proof the legs where they touch the soil. And water proof all the wood.

[@Jenna1814]

This is such a great idea. Now I just need someone to build me the table LOL

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Haha 😂 thanks!

[@Lyn-io5tx]

I don’t know any guy who doesn’t love roasted garlic mashed potatoes…maybe a trade for making the table.

[@tomikiawells6780]

I will be giving this a try, however, I will put a divider between the rolls for more support and to make it easier to remove and replace as plants need to be replenished. Love this idea, thanks. Oh I see he did divide and put each bucket in it's own square, yay.

[@suzannebeaudry6245]

Very nice. Would have loved more details on how to make , leg cuts maybe.

[@vickiewiggins8899]

Simple construction and very nice looking!

[@brendabaxter9297]

AMAZING DESIGN!😲 I love when you come up with these unique designs! 😊I live in an apartment and this would be great for a small garden spot! As always, I enjoy all your videos! 😃❤ How about putting some type of wheels on it so an old woman who doesn't have a tractor could move it!😂

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Thanks! Yeah, whiles would be perfect for moving around on a patio or porch! I make have to try that.

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

Incredible work, now I can use all those old buckets around the house for something.

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Haha yeah for real! 😁

[@EvoSchecter]

Does Food grade matter?

[@mercedesbenzs600bash]

​@EvoSchecter Any bucket as long as no chemicals were in it...

[@johoney5458]

that was great. thank you for taking the time and energy. just what I was looking for.

[@SimonSaysDIY]

You're so welcome! I’m glad to hear it 👍🏻

[@vickifrakes2761]

Could you share the measurements for the boards? I'd love to have one built for me but I need the board lengths and a list of the supplies needed. Thanks a lot. Love your work

[@bittertruth6575]

Really neat idea. When you harvest take the bucket to an area where you want to fertilise or top up the soil and tip the buckets out there. That way you can take the potato harvest as planned but spread the soil where you need for next season.

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Yeah, that’s what I’m hoping! Thanks! 😁

[@gretchenburton7184]

Great idea❤❤❤Can't wait. Just found you today❤❤❤will be binge watching❤❤❤

[@suzannebeaudry6245]

Love this . Deals with the issue of ugly buckets.

[@NCTXVA]

I've got one of these and It's wonderful. I will say, that for the plants that are more THIRSTY than others: put your holes about 4 inches from the base on the SIDES - rather than placing the drainage holes at the bottom. You can also place trays/troughs of plants BELOW the buckets to water them and provide shade as well (lettuce/beets/herbs).

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Thanks for the tips! These are great!

[@chantelleaymond7224]

I love this idea thank you

[@SimonSaysDIY]

You are so welcome!

[@pnowikow]

Cool idea

[@independentnature295]

Nice project, wondering about longevity. In my experience plastic buckets turn to trash pretty quickly when outside in the sun. The good thing is the side boards should keep a lot of sun off them and I guess you could always get more buckets if they start cracking.

[@francescarr7043]

Planning to make this for my rooftop garden this summer! Wish I could find the "plans" somewhere so I can know what measurements to cut, etc. What amount of wood to shop for, etc. Thank you for this video!

[@SimonSaysDIY]

I have build plans now available on my Etsy. www.etsy.com/listing/1742058250/raised-5-gallonbucket-garden-bed The build plan includes a material list, tool list, cut list, and clear step-by-step instructions and illustrations to make this project as simple as possible.

[@bonniecarlstrom6014]

Love this where can I find the wood shopping list to take with me please??

[@vickigonya9432]

I have been wanting a mobile garden as well. To avoid chemicals sprayed in the air, and to maximize sun light

[@JohnJohn-wr1jo]

Your adding chemicals with a bucket exposed to sunlight. Carcinogens are released from plastic when heated bythe sun. Leaching into the soil and then absorbed by the vegetables.

[@mandymoore4594]

Love this. I was planning to do something similar but i'm doing hydroponics vs growing in dirt. i like that i can easily switch out buckets as I harvest. I'll likely just do a single row though as I plan to line my garden paths with them.

[@rosstheplumber6209]

I'm always on the lookout for your next video and this one really made me smile. I've previously been watching videos on growing potatoes in a bucket, like on the Hollis and Nancy youtube video which is great, but I knew something was lacking. This video just makes the idea of growing things in a bucket a nicer idea. Thanks!

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Thanks! I’m glad the video was helpful!

[@mikemcminn9821]

Just found your channel and subscribed immediately! Lots of great content here! Thanks for sharing your talent and skills with us.

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Awesome, thank you so much!! 😊

[@jannetteguzman1671]

Excellent job. Thanks for sharing

[@stacierichardson4475]

Great idea, love it! We will be making one this year, thank you!👍😁

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Hope you enjoy it! Thanks!!😊

[@JamesSmith-dt3yf]

Looks very nice and neat. Great job

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Thank you!

[@smoothbrain8519]

Great build, good inspo ! I recommend spraying the outside of the buckets with a UV resistant Acrylic spray paint like Krylon so that the buckets don’t deteriorate in the sun. The acrylic is more elastic and will be able to expand and contract better than a more brittle latex paint for example. Good luck !

[@Kuttysinaustralia]

Excellent idea! Does the bucket need holes for drainage? Thank you

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Yes, they will need several 1/2 holes drilled in the bottom to prevent the plants from flooding. Thanks!

[@Warriori2i]

nice project !!! ... can place twp potatoes east west down low add say 4-6 in dirt add two more north an south an cover ...thus double your out put...potatoe tubers grow horz...

[@mssavedin92]

we did that two years ago. Turned our fairly well.

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Thanks for the tips! 👍🏻😁

[@dadthejedi]

Maybe add a layer of small rocks at the bottom to prevent soil from washing out through the drain holes?

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Good idea! 👍🏻

[@nicholasbenedetto6319]

I drill my drain holes on the side 1" from the bottom. I also fill the bottom 3" with 1/2 to 1" diameter sticks with 4" of leaves on top. It creates a small reservoir at the bottom. Then fill the rest of the way with compost. I plant peppers and tomatoes in mine.

[@vivians3696]

Good job! Tks for sharing

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Thanks for watching! 😁

[@atomatom6442]

Good idea!

[@Mr.old-school545]

Let us know how it does after the end of the screwing season. I’ve been thinking about building something like this to downsize from the big garden. I like the easy access and maintenance feature.

[@robertlosasso4222]

Don’t forget to drill holes in the bottom of the buckets and put about two inches of small stones in the bottom for drainage , or your going to have a mud garden .

[@SimonSaysDIY]

I drilled holes in mine but a few held too much water so I’ll try placing some gravel at the bottom.

[@summitshire878]

You can just save your "Tidy Cat" litter buckets and use those. They are also food grade (labelled and everything) also and fit nicely together.

[@SimonSaysDIY]

That’s a great idea. I wasn’t aware that they were food safe, I’ll have to check that out. Thanks for the tip!

[@speakrighttogod]

LOVE...IT!!!!!!

[@ian1957ruth]

Great video, I am having trouble finding the promised follow up video.

[@deecooper1567]

Great idea 👍👵🏻👩‍🌾❣️

[@RandWFarmstead-TonyWalsh]

Enjoyed watching this, thanks for sharing.

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😁

[@s.buckner9301]

How did you measure and cut the legs and what exactly did youndonwith the hand tools. Great idea and executed all, but as far as diy, I need to know how you measured and cut the legs and the extra hand work you performed as well,.please and thank you

[@GisellVe]

I think it would be helpful for beginners if you have same video of building this garden bed without the buckets to see how everything is connected inside

[@cheryllewis-battles7664]

nicely done

[@gonefishing3644]

UV light + summer heat will deteriorate plastic buckets here in the Mojave desert in about a year or two. Learned this the hard way.

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Wow that’s crazy!

[@markmitchell3097]

About 3 to 4 years in south Georgia

[@ntillee]

I don't think any plastic is food grade used this way. No way. Gross.

[@jackielambert7980]

🙄

[@LivingEmpoweredToday]

Same time period in Hawaii. So you have to have a shade cloth covering. Can build onto this installation easily. It gives it a few more years use.

[@kcb5336]

Great idea! I may copy this.

[@luizcalderari3895]

Very nice. Congratulaions

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Thanks!! 😊

[@bonfacemukabwa9105]

Very interesting i will give a try

[@mercedesbenzs600bash]

Use treated wood...

[@vivianpham7291]

Thank you , Love your Design

[@SD-zk2te]

Is there an update on how this system is working?

[@vn2680]

Every good job

[@Tiki-t6m]

This is GREAT! Hope to make one this spring! Tfs😊

[@marcbecker9554]

With a similar construction I had brutal problems with snails!!! They love the wet wood under plastic containers!

[@SimonSaysDIY]

I’ll watch out for that. Thanks! 😊

[@marcbecker9554]

@@SimonSaysDIY welcome! They ate some of my chili 🌶️ super hots!

[@backyardrebel2149]

Can you get ducks? They love slugs and snails!

[@johnvaldes8725]

Looks great. Love it, however cost to build must have been no object. I have seen some raised planters made from old wooden pallets that probably cost next to nothing and probably do as well.

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Thanks! There is always a more economical option however, the main thing for me was the treated lumber. Where I live untreated lumber rots out and termites destroy it within a year or two and I wanted to make this last much longer.

[@WeiseGuy91]

Would love an update in a month! Also stupid question but how do you join the boards that make the square grid? I’m new to this haha

[@mercedesbenzs600bash]

It's never a stupid question if you don't know the answer...

[@marilynm8812]

Very nice idea

[@GardeningwithDave]

Great project for growing food at home. How is the system holding up? Any tips for making a similar system with a floater to self water?

[@SimonSaysDIY]

It’s holding up really well so far and I’m just about to get it ready to use for the second year.

[@Gardenofglory-l6v]

Great idea 👍

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@shep6123]

Nice

[@anitapanchloria3143]

Wow! thanks🎉

[@SimonSaysDIY]

You’re welcome 😊

[@tiger8linny788]

Fantastic!!! Thanks for sharing❣️

[@dachsymom5232]

Like the table a lot! Thanks! Any update on how the pototoes did?

[@SimonSaysDIY]

They grew well but the soil I used had too much clay and wasn’t soft enough and I planted late in the season, so I didn’t get as many potato’s as I had hoped. I’ll try again this year and make an update video.

[@suzanalbright8670]

Looks great! ❤

[@stephencoe5161]

You can fill the buckets to the top straight away. No need for hilling the potatoes will grow just the same.

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Thanks! I’ll have to try that next time.

[@GailH-b4y]

So cool dude

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Thanks!! 😊

[@dpodsful]

Wow! Very nice!

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Thanks! 😁

[@dianecline8422]

You said you'd provide an update video on this. How did your potatoes do using this method?

[@LovelyByNatureBoutique]

Hi what did you place under the legs of the raised bed

[@gen81465]

Have you ever thought of grafting tomato plants onto the stems of the potatoes? Since they are both nightshade plants, they grow well together and you get double the drops out of the same space. Also, to help avoid potato blight and scabs, the buckets should be dark (perhaps spraypainted black). That will add to their heat absorbing capability, and both potatoes and tomatoes love the heat.

[@summerbeemeadow]

Nice work!

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Thank you!

[@backyardrebel2149]

Great way to thwart the stupid moles, too!

[@zoomzoomgt]

Would a 2gallon be sufficient for any planting? I'm new to this gardening stuff. But I think 5g bucket is an over kill

[@bhagyalaxmisirupuram9046]

keep those buckets on the soil, and grow in the bed and grow more in the buckets😀😇

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Thanks for the tips! 😃

[@Diana-me2ie]

Can someone explain the chiseling of the 4x4s? Thanks!

[@mountainshire]

Really Cool Video!! How did you attach both sides to the center 2x4?

[@1realtruthrightnow742]

Can you do a video on how you prepared the potato's prior to planting or do you have a video already?

[@ryanlynch1414]

Great video!!! How much did this cost you?

[@SimonSaysDIY]

I believe the total was around $200 in materials. Thanks!

[@nursekja1]

i would add support boards underneath the buckets

[@dovinhgardenfarm]

Giá thể trồng cây của bạn quá chất lượng

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Thanks!

[@talkinnmedia4535]

Great video

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Thanks! 😊

[@DwightStebner]

did you put anything under the dirt t assist in water drainage?

[@SimonSaysDIY]

I did not and some of the buckets did have some issues with drainage through the rainy season. This next year I may drill a few more holes and then please landscaping fabric on the bottom to keep the soils from blocking the holes.

[@samuelhenry9959]

Nice work and I deal😊

[@lesleyhoban6559]

Do u have link really wud like to know how crop turned out

[@deborahpennington6860]

no mention of the divider size for each bucket...please include measurements for this awesome project!!

[@larryreeves2548]

You didn't give any kind of measurements. I'm building a 12 bucket planter. will I buy 12 ft 2 X 6es? how far apart for all 3 12 footers? and am I cutting the 4 x 4's down on top in 4's and leaving 1/4th to nail too?

[@kimberlyboenig6643]

Nice job but what did you use to move that? Just curious Bec it wasn't shown and you hooked it up to something with the straps. Otherwise it would be difficult to move who would help carry it and approx how much you think it weighs?I'd have to remove all the buckets first and probably walk it but could be a two ir more person job..but then its just the weight of the wood and definitely looks nicer. Im wondering why you wouldnt want them either on the ground for the worms or maybe that is why. There are new terrible invasive worms now that actually don't do anything but destroy the soil and sit on top not like the good worms Now thats 😔ugh they are not from here but are taking over.But i do appreciate the raised bed . I have a similar idea that im making. These buckers dont last but kaybe hiding them will keep them from geting brittle sooner, but it is important to have food safe plastic and they can always changed out. I think i might only use the pressure treated for the legs. Could still contaminate the soil. I did see you put yhe littleblocjs under it, was that regular wood? Good idea to keep it off the soil and you could also use bricks or just put the buckets on bricksm im actually building something similar yo what you did, but a little more squarish in size. I like yours because obviously you can plant more I think the buckets are easier and yes its still easier to move if needed n you could make more sizes and sell these too What zone are you in? State? Oh ok i see the tractor. I miss3d that part. Lovr this and looks wonderful 🎉❤❤❤❤.could certainly be happy with your help. Good man to build this. Im sure your wife is a happy girl. Nice edges and do the fact that you made it all oreseure treated keep the planks fron warping or twisting? Or is it just becquse you want it to last longer and keep it fron rotting? Did you build any other type wood beds and how did they go? I agree with the dumping method is ea8er and a tarp can make putting it back easier too that way youre only adding some. Which potatoes did you plant? Enjoy🎉 you can also just use the organic ones from the store. They do well as long as organic and cut in half if big, let harden off before planting. 😊 The bigger the containers the more you can plant. Is there any other way to attach the legs? Thanks for the video. First time watching your videos

[@Lastfirst333]

You should sell kits for these!!!

[@SimonSaysDIY]

I would but shipping costs are insane and it would make them less affordable. Thanks!! 😊

[@JeffEarnest]

How much do you have time and money invested in this project?

[@equallywrong]

Seems like your planter has a low center of gravity. Any issues with a strong wind tipping the planter? I was considering stealing your idea but using 3-ft legs simply for ease of gardening. I'm afraid a strong wind will blow through and tip the planter if I make it that tall. Any thoughts you can share? Thanks in advance.

[@SimonSaysDIY]

I'm not sure the wind would be able to move this. This garden bed is very rugged and when constructed it was almost too heavy for two people to move. once the soil was added to the buckets it wasn't going anywhere.

[@snactivist]

It would have to be veeeery strong winds, this thing is heeeavy when fully full of soil. If you’re going to go taller though, maybe add a third row of buckets to balance out the height difference!

[@equallywrong]

@@snactivist I decided to build 3-tiered planter instead of a horizontal planter. you were right, a third row balances out the weight better. also, the height keeps the 4-legged hoppy critters in check. but the best feature, imo, is the 16ft trellis off the rear. putting my vining plants in the top buckets allows them to climb as high as they wish. ill use a ladder to the vegetables i cant reach from the ground.

[@mssavedin92]

good idea@@equallywrong

[@kreator-ys1yz]

So how did the potatoes turn out?

[@bamatractor]

I dont find a follow up video of the potatoe harvest.