Constructing your own garden is both relaxing and rewarding. Whether your goal is to plant award-winning roses or succulent vegetables, a DIY fence will protect your coveted creations from unwanted guests. All you need is a free day and a few common tools to build your own garden fence, with the total cost coming to approximately $800.
Tools Needed:
• Hammer
• Leveler
• Shovel OR Hole Digger
• Wire Cutter
Supplies Needed:
• 4 boxes of nails
• 39 1″ x 4″ x 16′ boards
• 9 4″ x 4″ x 6′ boards
• Field fence
• Gate latch & handle
Plotting Hole Placement & Digging
Begin by scoping out a flat, 30′ x 30′ piece of land to place the garden. Next, dig nine holes for the fence posts, creating a square. Each hole should be 12 inches wide by two feet deep. You should separate the holes by 14.5 feet on each side. On the side where you’ll want the entrance to the garden, dig one additional hole halfway between one of the 14.5-foot lengths. Place one 4″ x 4″ x 6′ boards in each hole and pack dirt to fill it.
Cutting the Wood & Fence
Next, cut 32 of the 1″ x 4″ x 16′ boards to measure 14.5 feet in length. Cut the remaining seven boards to four feet minus two board lengths, or about eight inches (using board length for this will save time measuring). Then, cut two of the sixteen, 14.5-foot boards in half and trim an additional two inches off of each piece. To finish, cut the field fence using a wire cutter. Make eight 14.5-foot sections, and then cut one of those eight sections in half.
Creating the Fencing
Build a side of fencing by nailing two, 14.5-foot 1x4s to two of the smaller-cut 1x4s to create a rectangle. Repeat this process until you have seven sides of fencing total. The long sides will overlay the two smaller sides.
Next, nail a 14.5-foot section of field fence to one side of each rectangle. Finally, place a respective 1×4 over each side, covering the edge, and nail it in.
Repeat this entire process with the two smaller sections for the garden entrance. Now you’re ready to put everything together!
Constructing the Fence
Flush each fence side onto a fence post (4×4) and nail it into the top and bottom of each side. Use a level and mark each post to ensure accuracy before nailing it in. If possible, get the help of some friends or family, as the overall construction process may be daunting for a single individual.
Finishing Touches
For your garden entrance, leave one side of the fence unattached to the fence post. Pick an attractive, partial overlay hinge to complement your garden aesthetic. Install the hinge and latch where the handle feels most natural. You can add additional touches like paint to take your garden fence to the next level, or simply enjoy the beauty from your garden.
Now that you’re done, give yourself a pat on the back. This garden fence will help keep your garden intact by preventing animals from invading the space and sabotaging weeks of growth. Best of all, you built it yourself!
