Step 1 — Cut the parts
From the pickets cut:
- 8 side boards at 30"
- 8 end boards at 12"
- 5 bottom boards at 28"
From the 2x2 cut four corner posts at 11".
Step 2 — Build the two long sides
Lay two 30" boards edge to edge, place a corner post flush at each end, glue and nail through the boards into the posts. You now have two side panels with posts attached.
Step 3 — Close the box
Stand the side panels up and bridge them with the 12" end boards — glue and nail into the same corner posts. Check for square by measuring the diagonals; adjust until they match.
Step 4 — Fit the bottom
Drop the 28" bottom boards inside so they rest on the lower edge, leaving small gaps between them for drainage. Nail through the sides into the bottom boards. Drill a few extra 1/2" drainage holes if your plants hate wet feet.
Step 5 — Line and fill
Staple landscape fabric inside — it keeps soil in and moisture off the wood. No finish needed: cedar weathers to a silver grey, or oil it with an exterior finish if you prefer the fresh-cut colour.