If you’d rather purchase cedar wood planks in person, visit a home improvement store like Lowe’s or Home Depot.

If you don’t have a saw or other cutting tool, ask for your cedar planks to be cut by a professional at a home improvement store. [4] X Research source After making these cuts, save the remaining cedar wood to use as your support pieces and bottom slats.

To make sure the box is straight before securing the long side planks in place, use a speed square.

If you plan on eating the veggies in your garden, go for a non-toxic, water-based polyurethane stain. [12] X Research source For paint, choose exterior acrylic paint to be extra safe. [13] X Research source After the stain or paint dries, consider adding a second coat.

To give your plants all the nutrients they need, consider adding a layer of compost over the soil.

To ensure a thriving garden in the spring and summer, try planting after the last frost. If you’d like to plant flowers in the fall or winter, try planting Hellebore. [17] X Research source