How to Build a Mobile Garden

Drill six holes in the bottom of an old metal, plastic or rubber wheelbarrow bed using a 1/4 to 1/2 inch drill bit and electric drill. Holes that are smaller will not allow excess water to drain and holes that are larger may allow planting medium to fall through.

Lay a 1-inch layer of gravel at the bottom of the wheelbarrow to ensure good drainage and prevent soil from escaping through drill holes.

Fill the wheelbarrow with a lightweight potting soil until it is 2 inches from the rim. Piling it any higher causes water to run off and out of the garden instead of soaking in. Use commercial lightweight potting soil to make it easier to move the garden whenever necessary.

Plant vegetables, flowers and other plants in the soil. Most plants only need 2 inches of soil to accommodate roots. Excluded plants are those vegetables that produce underground, like potatoes, carrots, onions and beets. Plant lettuce, spinach, chard, dwarf tomatoes, bush squash or beans. Most flowers do well in a mobile garden as do many succulents like sedum and sempervivum.

Water plants in the garden frequently. A wheelbarrow is no different than any other container and moisture will evaporate quickly because of wind and heat. Keep soil evenly moist, watering just enough for it to drain out the drain holes to ensure deep watering. Cover the top of the soil with a bit of mulch to help retain moisture.

Fertilize with water-soluble vegetable or flower fertilizer every two to four weeks to ensure healthy, productive plants.