It seems that the older I get, the harder gardening gets. Don’t get me wrong, I still love gardening – it’s just that’s it getting tougher with each passing year to bend over or get down on my knees to toil in the soil. Instead of pining for the return of my youth or succumbing to the travails of old age, I did something that could actually remedy this problem – I seized the opportunity to try a 2′ x 6′ CedarLast Elevated Planter Box from Gardener’s Supply Company with an accompanying 6′ CedarLast Trellis.
Just stop for a moment and take in that smell. Well, not what you’re smelling – that may not be a good idea. I’m talking about the smell in my personal space emanating from this planter box. The smell of cedar. Ahhh”¦I love the smell of cedar. Cedar not only has a pleasant aroma, it’s also very ideal for outdoor planter boxes, as it tends to be naturally insect and rot resistant, which will allow you to enjoy your planter box for years to come. The western red cedar is untreated, however, so if you wish to protect it and extend the life of the box (versus letting it naturally weather to silver), you can apply a coat of Gardener’s Supply Food-Safe Clear Waterproofer. I thought I would mention this, as I personally was not aware that food-safe sealants existed for planter boxes.
With regards to the assembly, two people on deck would be highly recommended, although you could install this by yourself with just a bit more manipulation. Armed with only a power drill, the box and trellis can easily be put together in 30 minutes or less. This planter box was engineered with mortise and tenon joints, which are considered to be the strongest woodworking joints for attaching two pieces of wood at 90 degrees. The pieces simply slide and interlock into one another, then are shored up with long screws. It was relatively easy to put together.
With a 2′ x 6′ planter box size and planting depth of 13″, the growing area is quite large and spacious to accommodate several plants and deep-rooted plants at that. And, with the trellis, you also have the option of planting vining flowers and vegetables as well as accommodating tall producers. So, the bottom line is that you should not feel limited in the types of plantings you wish to do.
This elevated garden box will not only allow you to garden in style (it is very attractive in the backyard) but it will also allow you to garden in comfort, as it is easy on the eyes, knees and back! No more stooping over or contending with the strain of getting down on your hands and knees and up again. Everything you need to do is now easily within sight and reach, from filling it up with potting soil to harvesting your crops. Your body will not only thank you during gardening but afterwards!
In conclusion, let age only be a number and not hold you back from what you do best – which is gardening! Get a planter box and get growing!
