DIY: Build Your Own Garden Cart

Garden carts are part of spring, summer and fall gardening. Carry heavy loads by having the weight centered over the wheels and the axle, instead of trying to carry and push the load at the same time as with a wheelbarrow.

This cart allows the user to tip it forward and place the front side on the ground. You can sweep leaves and garden debris inside, or rake and shovel dirt or gravel out.

The following design is inspired by a design made by David Stiles in the book, “Garden Projects You Can Build.” His cart is larger, but by following a few simple guidelines, you can build a cart any size you need.

You will need:

• · Two pneumatic wheels, at least 26.” These should be made for garden carts. If using bicycle wheels, keep in mind they may not hold as much as garden cart wheels.
• · An axle- ¾” in diameter. The length should be the width of the cart bed plus double the width of the wheel hubs plus one inch. This leaves a half- inch protruding from each end. Garden cart axle kits are available online that have hubs with bearings for better performance and load capacity.
• · Pipe clamps for attaching pipes to walls- two each for ¾” pipe.
• · One sheet exterior- grade plywood
• ·:

  Let’s begin by marking the plywood. This cart will measure 40″ long on the base, 14″ high and 56″ long from the back to the front. It will have angled front that will allow it to sit on the ground for easy filling and emptying.

  It’s going take a few words to describe how to mark the board, so let’s go slow. We’ll begin at the top left hand side, and mark down that side first.

  Measure 13 ¼” down from the edge and 28 ½” across the side. This fist box will make up the back of the cart.

  Mark 40″ down from the first mark and 28 ½” across the side. This second box will be the bottom.

  Mark 21″ down from the 40″ mark and 28 ½” across the side. This third box will be the front.

  You should have a straight line 28 ½” down the board. Continue it to the end. Mark the last box on the left side as waste.

  Moving to the right of the marks, measure 14″ across from the 28 ½” mark and continue the mark all the way down the board. It should be even all the way- this is imperative.

  Now for the fun part. On the left side of the 14″ strip, measure and mark 56″ down from the top. On the right side of the strip, measure 56″ up from the bottom. Connect the two marks. It will be a diagonal mark. Ensure the angles are 40º with the protractor.

  Step Two:

  Carefully cut out the pieces and lay them out next to each other for reference.

  It helps greatly to have a table saw with a miter attachment. You will be cutting a 40º bevel on each of the following boards: the bottom of the front piece and the front side of the bottom piece. This allows the two boards to be joined so the top is level.

  Step Three:

  Using deck screws, attach the back to the back end of the bottom piece. Use a butt joint with the back piece on top. Attach the sides to the sides and the back piece with the sides on the outside. The long pieces of the sides will be on top. Attach the front piece to the front edges. The beveled edge will allow the front to fit evenly.

  Step Four:

  Turn the cart over and mark for the axle placement. It should be in the middle of the cart, 20″ from the backside and the front. This is the secret to centering the weight. Attach the pipe clamps and insert the axle rod.

  Step Five:

  Cut the 1-by-4 in half and drill a hole 1″ from each end and centered for the dowel rod.

  Turn the cart back over and make a mark from the axle to the top of the back corner on each side. Hold each handle at the side with the top of the board lining up with the marks. Mark the excess hanging off the bottom of the cart, and cut this off. Attach the handles to the cart side. Insert, glue in place and trim the excess off the dowel.

  Step Six:

  Attach the wheels.

  Apply water seal or primer and paint to protect your garden cart.

  Using this design, you can make larger or smaller carts for your needs. Make child-sized garden carts and fill with children’s garden tools for a wonderful gift. Include seeds, potting soil and pots for their gardens.

  Notes:

  • ·. The custom- made axles will have screw-on hubs for the wheels.

  While everyone else in the neighborhood is struggling to oil wheelbarrow wheels, or remove rust from garden carts, yours will be new and carrying everything you need.

  Source: David & Jeanie Stiles (1995), “Garden Projects You Can Build,” Shelburne, Vermont, Chapters Publishing Ltd.

  See also Tips for Working with PVC