How to Turn Old Drawers Into Raised Garden Beds

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Well hey there, sugar!

Welcome on in to Granny B’s porch where the sweet tea’s cold, the tomatoes are vine-ripened, and we believe not a single drawer should go to waste. Today, we’re gettin’ our hands dirty (in the best way) with a darling DIY that’ll turn heads and grow greens — Raised Garden Beds made from old drawers!

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You know those busted-up dressers you’ve got sittin’ out in the garage or peekin’ out by the curb on trash day? Well honey, don’t you dare toss ’em. We’re fixin’ to turn that tired furniture into a backyard beauty that’s perfect for herbs, lettuce, and a whole lotta Southern sass.

Let’s get to transformin’, shall we?

Supplies Needed:

Old wooden drawers (as many as your little heart desires)
Old wooden chair legs or Spindles (for the bottom of the drawers) Optional
4-2 inch woodscrews per drawer to attach legs or 4-leg mounting plates per drawer.
Landscape fabric or heavy-duty weed barrier
Potting soil or raised bed garden mix
Compost (Granny’s secret weapon!)
Plants or seeds (think herbs, greens, flowers, or even strawberries)
Exterior wood paint or stain (optional, but oh-so-cute)
Handles, knobs, or drawer pulls (optional for flair)
Gravel or small stones (for drainage)

Optional Southern Touches:

Stencils for labeling herbs like “Basil, Y’all” or “Sweet Mint”
Porch-worthy gingham ribbon or burlap trim
Little garden flags or painted signs

Tools Needed:

Drill or screwdriver
Scissors or utility knife
Staple gun
Small hand shovel or trowel
Sandpaper or sander
Paintbrush (if you’re feelin’ artsy)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Pick Your Drawers, Darlin’

Sassy Tip: That lonely dresser in the attic? She’s beggin’ for a second chance at life. Don’t over look garage sales or trash to treasure finds.

Picture This: A stack of vintage drawers in chippy paint, each just waitin’ to be filled with fresh soil and sprigs of thyme and rosemary.

Step 2: Sand ‘Em Smooth

Give those drawers a little TLC. A quick sanding will remove any splinters or flaky paint.

Sassy Tip: Smooth drawers make happy hands, sugar. Ain’t nobody got time for a splinter under the nail.

Picture This: You, workin’ away on your porch with your apron on and a gentle breeze blowin’ through the trees.

Step 3: Add Drainage Holes

Drill 4–6 holes in the bottom of each drawer so your plants don’t drown when it rains.

Step 3-A: Attach chair legs (Optional)

Sassy Tip: Plants don’t like wet feet—just like Granny B doesn’t like soggy biscuits.

Picture This: A close-up of your drill goin’ to town on a drawer bottom, a puff of sawdust catching the sun.

Step 4: Line the Bottom

Staple in some landscape fabric to keep the dirt in and the weeds out. Leave a little overhang so she tucks in nice.

Sassy Tip: Think of it like pantyhose for your planter—keeps everything snug and classy.

Picture This: The inside of a drawer dressed in black fabric, all neat and tidy, ready to hold precious soil.

Step 5: Paint and Decorate (Optional, but Fabulous)

Slap on a coat of weatherproof paint or wood stain to give your drawers personality—or leave ’em rustic if that’s more your flavor.

Sassy Tip: Match your garden’s personality. Granny likes her drawers bold and her herbs even bolder.

Picture This: A row of colorfully painted drawers with fun stenciled names and curly little herb leaves pokin’ out.

Step 6: Add Gravel + Soil

Place a handful of gravel at the bottom for drainage, then fill with nutrient-rich soil and compost.

Sassy Tip: Think of it like buildin’ a casserole—layer it right, and it’ll be chef’s kiss perfection.

Picture This: A heaping scoop of rich brown soil being poured into a drawer like granny used to fill her pie crusts.

Step 7: Plant Those Babies!

Tuck in your favorite herbs, lettuces, or flowers. Water them gently and whisper sweet nothings to encourage growth (Granny swears by it).

Sassy Tip: Talk to your plants, baby. They grow better with compliments and gossip.

Picture This: Fresh basil and baby spinach leaves peeking up from the soil, with painted signs reading “Sassy Sage” and “Blessed Basil.”

Finished Product:

You’ve now got yourself a charming raised garden bed with Southern flair, ready to make your porch, patio, or backyard sing hallelujah! Whether you went rustic or glam, these drawer beds are practical, adorable, and a downright conversation starter

Love, Granny B ❤️