How to Build a Wheelchair-accessible Raised Concrete Planter

Select a site, and plan the specifications for the planter. Locate the planter in a site that will allow the food crops or ornamental plants to flourish. Typically, planters or raised beds should be in full sun. Make sure the planter is located where it can be easily accessed by wheelchair. If the planter will be accessed from only one side, the planter should be no more than 2 to 3 feet wide. Planters for wheelchair gardening should be between 2 and 3 feet tall.

Dig a trench that reflects the edge of the planned planter walls. Make the trench several inches wider than the wall to allow ample space to work and dig to a depth slightly below the frost line. If the planter is being constructed on top of an existing concrete or other foundation, no digging is necessary, and the forms can be placed directly on top of these materials.

Build forms for the poured concrete. Cut 3/4-inch plywood into sections that reach from the base of the trench to 3 inches above the top of the planned wall. Nail two-by-fours to the plywood wherever plywood edges meet and every 24 inches to serve as studs.

Coat the inside of the plywood with a lubricant like motor oil to facilitate easier removal.

Assemble the plywood form in the trench or on top of the existing foundation. Attach the forms for the different sides, and check the forms to make sure they are level. Brace the forms with stakes to hold them firmly in place, and set interior spreaders made from two-by-fours at the top of the forms.

Pour concrete into the form. Tamp the concrete to release air bubbles as it is being poured. Once the concrete has been poured and has slightly hardened, use a trowel or float to smooth the top. This is less important if decorative capstones will be mortared to the top of the planter walls.

Remove the plywood forms once the planter walls have cured.