Build Your Own Modular, Critter-Proof Vegetable Garden

Are you tired of sharing your hard-earned harvest with unwanted garden guests? Rabbits, squirrels, deer, and other critters can turn a thriving vegetable patch into an all-you-can-eat buffet. But fear not! We have the ultimate solution: a modular, three-tiered enclosed garden that will safeguard your plants and maximize your growing space.

Don’t be intimidated by the project’s size. With basic tools and a weekend to spare, you can build this attractive and practical vegetable garden system. It’s broken down into manageable steps that anyone can follow, regardless of your carpentry skills!

This project is brought to you by JoAnn Moser of DIY Maven.

Table of Contents

• Materials and Tools You’ll Need
• Building the Tiered Garden Beds
• Assembling the Modular Garden
• Constructing the Critter-Proof Fence

Materials and Tools You’ll Need

Materials:

• 2×12 exterior-grade lumber boards
• 2×2 exterior-grade lumber boards (for fence panels and cleats)
• 3″ exterior wood screws
• Poultry fencing (chicken wire), hardware cloth, or wire mesh
• Fencing staples
• Hinges (for doors)
• Hasp and carabiner (for door closure)

Tools:

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Saw (circular or miter)
• Drill with drill bits for pilot holes
• Speed square
• Clamps
• Staple gun

Creating the Tiered Garden Beds

The foundation of our critter-proof garden lies in the construction of the tiered planter boxes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to building each level:

Prepare Your Materials

Let’s begin by cutting the wood to the required sizes. For the three-tiered planter boxes, you’ll need the following:

• 2 pieces of 2x12x72″ (for the long sides of the bottom planter)
• 8 pieces of 2x12x36″ (for the ends of the long planter and three sides of the smaller planters)
• 3 pieces of 2x12x33″ (for the center brace of the long planter and one side of each smaller planter)
• 8 pieces of 2x2x11″ (for the corner cleats)

We recommend cutting all the pieces at once to streamline the process. Having all the materials prepared will also keep you motivated!

Build the Bottom Planter

We’ll start with the foundation, the bottom planter. Take the two 72″ boards (the long sides) and attach the 36″ pieces flush to their ends using 3″ screws. Drill pilot holes first to prevent the wood from splitting, especially near the ends.

Once the rectangle is assembled, reinforce it by attaching one of the 33″ pieces as a center brace. Position the brace inside the rectangle at the center point (36″ from either end) and secure it with 3″ screws from the outside. The center support will prevent the long sides from bowing outward when the planter is filled with soil.

Create the Two Smaller Planters

Now, let’s move on to building the two smaller planters that create the tiered effect. For each planter:

1. Take three 36″ boards and arrange them in a U-shape, ensuring the inside opening measures 33″.
2. Secure the joints with 3″ screws, pre-drilling pilot holes to prevent splitting.
3. Slip the 33″ board inside the open end, making it flush with the edges.
4. Secure it with 3″ screws through the side boards.

Complete each small planter box by inserting a 33-inch board inside the open end of the U, aligning it flush with the edges, and securing it in place with 3″ countersunk screws. Repeat these steps to create the second small planter.

Use a speed square during assembly to ensure everything is perfectly perpendicular. A wonky planter will rock when placed, so take your time and ensure precision.

Add Critter Protection (Optional)

If the bottom planter will sit directly on the ground, adding a layer of protection can deter burrowing rodents and animals. This step provides an extra barrier to safeguard your garden from below.

Simply cut a piece of poultry fence to fit the bottom of the planter and staple it securely. This step isn’t necessary for the upper planters, as they’ll be stacked on top of the other boxes.

This extra step can save your carrots and radishes from being stolen from below!

Assembling Your Modular Garden

Now comes the exciting part – assembling your three-dimensional garden!

Position Your Planters

Place your planters in their permanent location.

1. Flip the smaller boxes over so any screen on the bottom of the bottom box is facing down.
2. Place one smaller box next to the larger box to create an L-shape. The 33″ board of the small box should align flush with one end of the larger box.
3. Secure them together with 3″ screws, angling them slightly to prevent them from protruding through the other side.

Add the Upper Tier

To create the third tier:

1. Position the second small box on top of the larger bottom box.
2. Attach four 2×2 cleats to the inside corners of the smaller box.
3. Secure the cleats with 3″ screws, angling them to prevent protrusion.

For the remaining corners, install four more cleats to stabilize both the large planter and the adjacent smaller planter. This creates a sturdy structure capable of holding the weight of garden soil and your future harvest!

Building the Optional Critter-Proof Fence

If deer and other persistent wildlife frequent your area, adding a protective fence is highly recommended. This additional effort pays off when your lettuce makes it to your salad bowl instead of becoming bunny brunch!

Create the Fence Panels

For the fence panels, you’ll need to cut:

• 13 pieces of 2x2x36″ (for tops, bottoms of panels, and roof braces)
• 12 pieces of 2x2x60″ (for sides of panels)
• 6 pieces of 2x2x33″ (for center braces of panels)

For each panel:

1. Attach two 36″ lengths to two 60″ lengths to create a rectangular frame.
2. Add a 33″ crossmember to the center of each frame for added stability.

Build the Access Doors

What’s a garden enclosure without a way to get inside? Let’s construct two different-sized doors:

For Door A:

• 2 pieces of 2x2x59½” (sides)
• 2 pieces of 2x2x35½” (top and bottom)
• 1 piece of 2x2x32½” (center brace)

For Door B:

• 2 pieces of 2x2x59½” (sides)
• 2 pieces of 2x2x34″ (top and bottom)
• 1 piece of 2x2x31″ (center brace)

Assemble each door just like the panels – sides first, then top and bottom, and finally the center brace.

Add the Fencing Material

Now, let’s make these frames truly critter-proof:

1. Unroll the poultry fence over each panel frame.
2. Cut the fencing so it’s 1½” longer on one end (this will be the bottom).
3. Staple the fence to the frame, ensuring the fence faces the inside of the garden.
4. Fold the extra 1½” of fencing under the bottom 2×2 and staple it. This reinforces the bottom and covers any sharp wire ends.

For the doors, follow the same process, but cut the fencing flush with the bottom of the door frame (no folding under needed).

Pro tip: These panels are designed to be 36″ wide specifically to match the standard poultry fence width. This means you’ll have finished edges on the sides that don’t require cutting—much easier on your hands and tools!

Install the Panels

With the boxes in place and the panels ready:

1. Position each panel with the fencing facing inward.
2. Screw the bottom of each panel to the top of the boxes below, except for the inside corners where the doors will go.
3. Clamp adjacent panels together and secure them with 3″ screws. Angle these screws upward slightly to prevent water from collecting in the holes.

Add the Top Bracing and Doors

Almost there! To create the roof structure:

1. Install the 71″ board opposite your door opening.
2. Connect the 36″ and 38″ boards to create a U-shape across the top.
3. Install the hinges on the doors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Use shims to center the doors in their openings, then attach them to the side panels.
5. Adjust as needed for proper door alignment, and trim any excess 2×2 material.
6. Install the hasp and add a carabiner to prevent clever critters from opening your garden doors.

Enjoy Your Protected Garden Space!

Congratulations! You now have a beautiful and functional garden that keeps your vegetables safe while creating an attractive focal point in your yard.

Remember, this project is modular, so you can adapt the design to suit your space. Need a smaller version? Simply adjust the dimensions. Want to add more growing space? Create additional tiers or extend the bottom planter.

Share your experiences! Have you tackled a similar project or found other ways to keep critters out of your garden? Share your tips and stories in the comments below!