Deer-proof Just Add Lumber Vegetable Garden Kit - 8'x12'

This is my very first wood working experience and it worked so well. I had to cut the wood boards myself, nobody in my area wanted to cut that many parts. No problem, I just went and bought a circular saw. I'm very sure I will use it more often now. I had so much fun doing this project, I will start my next wood project soon.The instruction were very easy, just follow them step by step. There are plenty drawings, too. I'm a 54 year old female with two left hands and if I can do it, you can do it. I had only one time a problem in understanding the instruction, I contacted the company and in no time they responded and helped my out.I have only one advice, instead of the long 3" screws I bought 2-1/2" screws. They were so much easier to use. You will need some help, especially when you have to screw the top part to the bottom you'll need a helping hand, but mostly I did it myself.

Easy to assemble as long as you follow the instructions and prep the site. The holes in the corner brackets are a little big. I sank a couple screws through the holes.

This was an excellent product in all areas. I am very pleased how it turned out and how much space it offers, all while protected from wildlife.I built the whole thing myself over a few weekends ( I am a dad with two kids and other projects).. I am reasonably handy and was up to the task. Looking back on the build, and the thing that bit me most in terms of lost time, was to identify the spot where this thing will go. If it will be largely flat, then you will be in good shape and there may not be much work to do. If you plan to build this into a small incline or ridge, add another two feet in the incline areas so that you have clearance to use your drill and drive screws on the lowest boards. I had to remove a considerable number of rocks and dig into clay soil – issue may not affect you. Having this area flat and free of stones will be a huge timesaver later when you start putting boards on the ground, checking for level, and assembling things together.Cutting:You need to keep track of your cuts by labeling each with a pencil – there are quite a few pieces involved here. The instructions clearly lay out what boards should be cut to what length or width. Some of them are assembled together to make the upper trellis sections. Read the instructions carefully – not all sections are depicted in the guide with dimensions. Instead, it effectively states to “build another section like the above.”Wood and Tools:I acquired pressure treated pine lumber locally per the list supplied in the online description for the kit. Recommend you do this as it is a lot of wood and delivery to your driveway is recommended. As for tools, I had most of the tools available to rip 2×4 lumber into 2x2s. I chose to rent from Home Depot a 12″ sliding mitre saw station for about four hours to cut up the long lumber. It was a real timesaver because I could load a whole 2×10 or 2×4 and have it supported to measure and cut. My 10″ drop saw did not have the cutting capacity either. The last thing you will need for assembly is a framer’s square and a set of four squeeze/quick clamps (e.g. Irwin) to help with assembling the trellis sections, and then to build the base in your preferred location. It would not have been possible without it.You will be cutting a lot of pressure treated lumber – invest in a better-than-foam breathing mask and you can cut for hours without any effects.Assembly:The supplied screws and brackets are of good quality and finish. I will state again to read the instructions carefully to ensure you are cutting boards to the proper length per the cut list, labeling them, and assembling them in the right order. Some of your boards will be warped and you have to do your best when stacking them. Labeling every board, while an extra step, will help you later.After assembly of the base 2x10s at your site location, measure the diagonals to check for square. This is an important step because it is perhaps the last opportunity to do so and it will assist you later when installing the upper sections. It was here that I also took the action to line the inside with a heavy duty plastic with staples. I had to do a tradeoff here between pressure treated chemical leaching or plastic.This is not an issue with cedar or redwood but you have to pay for it. The side benefit of the plastic was that it closed any gaps that existed because of the warped wood.I would recommend putting your soil in BEFORE you attach the upper sections of the garden. It just makes it harder to actually get the soil into the garden with the sides installed. However, you should install the “BR” parts before the soil goes in. I completely forgot to install the BR pieces.Post assembly:Site prep:In addition to leveling the area, and as recommended in the instructions, I elected to put down a 1/2″ galvanized hardware cloth/net on the ground to prevent moles from digging underneath, perhaps extreme as my clay soil is harder than concrete. I used galvanized garden stakes to hold down the net. I currently have the garden filled with a mix of vermiculite, compost, and peat moss per SFG Mel’s Mix. I did not purchase the auto watering kit so I cannot comment on the installation or use of that.Additional items for the kit that would be nice:– Some sort of bird netting to drape over the top – and perhaps some structure to support it. I went with BirdX – you need at least 96 sq ft. Another approach would be to pull fishing line across the top spaced about a foot or so apart.

This was a lot of work. The instructions are technically accurate, but hard to follow. Illustrations are terrible. Looking back, it would have been easier to design and build from scratch. Plastic mesh? Weak and cheap. I replaced it with wire fence. Hardware was pretty good but can be purchased elsewhere. I though something pre-designed would save time. Wrong. But by the time I decided that, I was already committed to the project. End result? Very nice looking and my wife loves it. Would I repeat it? NO.

It is a challenge to put together, but the instructions were excellent! Try to get someone to help you who has some construction knowledge.

Great product. I used red cedar which was a little more expensive, but hopefully last a long time. It took a weekend to lay the rock base and another one to complete the assembly

I am very happy with the finished product! The fabric mesh provided was very flimsy so we replaced that with wire mesh... especially after spending a small fortune to purchase the cedar to build it. I hope this garden lasts for many years to come. I am disappointed with the company, however. I contacted them regarding potentially getting a partial refund for the fabric mesh that we didn't use, which we still have. I never even heard back. I will not be purchasing from them in the future.

Easy to use kit. Male sure you follow the instructions for cutting and marking all boards first, then the assembly is much easier.