For some areas of the country, the transition from winter to spring, can be dreary sometimes and we can easily find ourselves growing impatient for spring weather to come. Come learn how we used this time in between seasons, to add form and function with these DiY garden projects.
Even in its dreariness, we can still find PURPOSE and BEAUTY.
We just arrived back from a 5-day spring break church mission trip to Ohio and they are definitely still several weeks away from enjoying the warmer weather and all that the season brings.
During our week up north, we even woke up to snow flurries.
This limbo stage can make for a great time to use our creativity to prepare for the next busy season.
Learn how these simple DiY gardening projects have helped us stay on track around the homestead during one of the busiest seasons in the hollow…gardening season!
ADD FORM AND FUNCTION TO YOUR GARDEN WITH THESE SIMPLE DIY PROJECTS
BUILD A FRENCH TUTEUR
Our French Tuteur is a spin off of my friend, Sarah at SheHoldsDearly.com ‘s tutorial.
We typically try to use what wood we have on hand for projects before buying new supplies. This time, we only had cedar boards & so we had to cut them down to form the poles of the project.
My husband adjusted some of the measurements and tweaked the final project to fit our garden’s current needs.
We didn’t get around to building the other two we had planned on building and with lumber prices so high, they got moved to the back burner.
This prototype worked so well in last year’s garden, it is definitely on our list of things to do this year.
These are great for vining plants. They help to encourage vertical growth and can help save extra space in a small garden.
DIY GARDEN HOD
This little garden hod can be fun and easy to make, BUT even the fun and easy projects can become challenging if you rush.
I tried cutting the pieces myself before my husband came home from doing errands with our youngest and let’s just say my trip to the emergency room and three stitches later was not my idea of a fun DiY project! Kick back on the table saw is REAL! So be cautious if you take on this project.
Use the safety guard. Slow down, and use those push sticks to help minimize kick back. OR better yet, if you are in a rush or not experienced enough with workshop machinery, let the experts do it for you.
The pieces for this project aren’t difficult. You can knock this out fairly quickly and within a day if you have the wood on hand.
You can also purchase wood from the big box stores. But again, with the prices like they are, you may want to use wood from your scrap pile.
We used several online images like this here and here to get the basic shape of the garden hod.
I had previously purchased one from Vermont for over $65, but the handle came cracked. The more I looked at the piece, I thought to myself, “We can build this!”
So, away it went to be returned to its maker.
And thus, began my search for ideas on how to recreate it at home.
There are so many different types that do the job, but since we like to simplify things, we went with this basic type with some basic modifications.
Some folks use the non-coated mesh wire, but even with its vinyl coating, I knew the green coated version would probably last longer.
And since our fresh veggies weren’t being stored in the hod for an extended amount of time, I was ok with the vinyl coating.
We pre-drilled the holes for the dowels we used to hold the pieces together. A quick sanding made it nice and flush.
We opted for placing the handles on the inside.
It turned out well, but one thing I would change is the heaviness of the wood we used. A lighter species would probably be better, but we wanted it to be sturdy and mold resistant.
These garden hods make harvesting and rinsing off veggies so much easier.
ADD A PEA GRAVEL WALK WAY
Pea gravel is not only affordable, but is simple to use. It can quickly help add curb appeal without a lot of fuss.
It has helped to keep our garden walk ways clean and mostly free of weeds.
This was my inspiration picture from the very talented Joanna Gaines’ home garden.
I love her interior designs, but I think her garden designs are my favorite! I share some of them from our Waco trip a couple years ago here.
Aside from laying down the black weed barrier and lugging the gravel over in wheel barrows, this was an easy job with big dividends.
I think the most challenge was deciding on what color and size.
Now, our walk way is easier to roll our utility cart and wheel barrow in and out.
And it gives our little garden a fresh and rustic look.
PIN IT FOR LATER:
I love experimenting in the garden and seeing the simple transformations that take place with each gardening season.
Hope these simple ideas help inspire you in your garden.
FOR MORE GARDENING INSPIRATION TRY THESE
HOW TO KEEP FRESH CUT LILACS FROM DROOPING
RAISED BED GARDENING
GROW YOUR OWN
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