How to Build a Self-standing Vegetable Planter

Find a site for your planter where the plants will get sunshine all day and good air movement. Build the planter in this location.

Lay out five pieces of lattice for your planter. Use 4- to 5-foot-long pieces for the sides, with heights of 12 to 24 inches. Use a 4- to 5-foot-square piece for the bottom of the planter, depending on the length of the sides.

Measure and cut pieces of wire mesh for each piece of lattice. Staple the wire mesh onto the lattice pieces as a lining to contain soil. Use staples every 3 to 4 inches for stability.

Stand up two pieces of lattice, mesh side in, with their ends at 90-degree angles. Use 4-inch-long pieces of wire to secure the ends together. Repeat this process with the other two sides to build the frame of your planter.

Put the bottom on the planter, mesh side in. Set the bottom piece on the sides, and use wire to attach it at every inch.

Turn the planter over, and fill it to within 4 to 6 inches of the top with an equal mixture of organic compost and garden loam, to provide a rich, moist and crumbly foundation. Add 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 fertilizer for best starting nutrition.