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Several years ago, I saw a picture of a lettuce table in a magazine and knew it was something that I wanted to eventually make for myself. The idea appealed to both my green thumb and my crafty side. When I started writing my book, Raised Bed Revolution, I decided that this project had been lingering on my garden wish list for long enough. And a new book project provided the perfect opportunity to get my act in gear and finally make the darned thing.
The lettuce table has been a very popular project. It’s one of the main projects brought up in interviews and you can find how-to instructions on Creative Green Living and the DIY Network’s Made+Remade blog.
What’s so special about this particular lettuce table?
Rather than just build a table from brand new lumber, I wanted to add a little style to this DIY in the book. Originally I was on the hunt for vintage legs (I was going to build a box to sit on top of them separately), but as I was strolling through an antique market not far from my home, I came across this lovely little vintage find. The vendor apologized and explained that the table’s top was not nailed down, but could easily be reattached. I suspect the top and bottom were not originally a true pair, but I wasn’t bothered because the lack of a top was actually a bonus! It made it easier to come up with a plan to transform the old piece into my lettuce table. I had my vintage legs, but I also had a great frame to work from to make the top.
My lettuce table proudly sits on the back deck and features all sorts of greens throughout the season: radicchio, Red Sails lettuce, baby pak choy, Lolla rosa darkness lettuce, Tuscan baby leaf kale and ‘Red Garnet’ amaranth. I love being able to snip my own salads! What do you think?
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Joy says
The lettuce table is a great idea. How did you waterproof the inside so the wood won’t deteriorate? I’d like to do something like this for a winter salad bed here in southern Arizona.
Tara Nolan says
Hi Joy, to be honest, I didn’t waterproof the inside. You could line the sides (not the bottom) with plastic as a layer of protection between wet soil and the wood. I brought my table indoors over the winter to store.
Christine says
I was wondering what you put on the bottom of your table. Did you use wood that hale holes in it to allow for drainage or did you line the bottom with something before putting the soil in it?
Tara Nolan says
Hi Christine,
I took the top off the table and attached hardware cloth, which is like chicken wire, but with smaller holes, to the bottom. Then I flipped the table over and lined this “basket” area with landscape fabric and filled with soil. Hope this helps!
Tara
MEDINA GRILLO says
Hi Tara
Could I use this in a roundup on my blog with one photo and a link back please?
Thanks
Tara Nolan says
Hi Medina, I will email you!
Thx,
Tara
Gerry Buck says
It is now August of 2016, has your book been published and where can I find it?
I’ve been trying to find a book of ideas for DIY projects, and raised garden beds is just the thing, after 25 years behind the wheel, I can no longer bend over to work in a garden and I miss that.
Tara Nolan says
Hi Gerry, my book is available at local bookstores, as well as on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Lowes. In Canada, you can find it at Chapters/Indigo stores, as well as in local bookstores. Here are some links: https://www.quartoknows.com/books/9781591866503/Raised-Bed-Revolution.html?direct=1
Donna Ross says
It looks great, but can you be sure the table does not contain any lead paint or other harmful chemicals which may affect the produce?
Tara Nolan says
Hi Donna,
That’s a good question… what I usually recommend is if you’re unsure what the wood has been coated with, then line the inside of your table with plastic!
~Tara
bee says
This is a cool project and I have the perfect table. But, I’m disappointed that you have detailed instructions (put on your gloves?! HAHA), but nothing at all about how to finish the table for outdoor use. . . especially because the moist soil will quickly rot the wood from the inside.
Tara Nolan says
Hi Bee,
I mentioned the following to another reader: You could line the sides (not the bottom) with plastic as a layer of protection between wet soil and the wood. I brought my table indoors over the winter to store. As for the outside, if you are looking to add a layer of protective coating to the wood on the outside of the table, I would be sure to use something non-toxic.
Tara
rocci Ledoux says
Awesome idea. Thank you for your inspiration.
Corinne Webb says
What an inspiring idea! I plan to take on this project with the children who live next door. It’s a great intro to gardening for a busy young family!
Tara Nolan says
Thanks, Corinne! You’ll have to send a photo to show me how it turns out!
Tara
Alexis says
love this idea and can NOT wait to create my own! Thanks for this awesome inspo!
Pratishtha says
It is a great idea. I am trying to do the same sort of thing with my wooden drawer. Thanks for this lovely idea.
Tara Nolan says
Ooh, that’s a good idea, too! Good luck with your project. 🙂
linda says
this is a great idea, i have an old organ bench i plan to use, but Im gonna leave the top on and brace it so I can put netting on it to keep the critters out.
one question…what is the best depth for the lettuce?
Tara Nolan says
That’s a great idea! I’d say at least 3.5 inches depth for lettuce.
Ryan P Casey says
What is the length and depth of your table?
Ryan P Casey says
At that size, could you grow spinach, lettuce (2 or 3 types), arugula, radishes, parsley, and basil? (enough for 2 people)
Can you harvest the entire spring and fall growing season?
How many days between harvests?
Tara Nolan says
My table is about 3 feet long and about 4 inches deep. I can grow lettuces, spinach, and other greens. I could also grow herbs if I kept plants small. It’s not quite deep enough for root veggies. You’ll have to plant lettuce more than once to enjoy it in the spring and fall. When summer temperatures get too hot, it tends to bolt. Herbs you’ll be able to harvest throughout the spring, summer, and fall until they go to see. Keep pinching basil to prevent it from flowering.
Paula says
I love my table that was repurposed last year. I’m sad I can’t get anything to grow. How often and how much water for the lettuce? I overwatered and ended up with mildew. I wheeled outside and ended up with bugs when I brought it back in. I want to try again so do you have pointers? I live in Las Vegas,NV zone 9a and my windows do not have direct sunlight.
Tara Nolan says
Hi Paula, what’s along the bottom of your lettuce table? It sounds as though the water isn’t draining well. I usually water daily in the summer because of the heat, it’s a shallower garden, and because the water drains quickly from the bottom.
Lori says
I did this one year in my window boxes when it was too early to plant flowers. Harvested salads from inside and when the plants were spent I removed and planted my flowers!
Tara Nolan says
Great idea!
Ellen Christina Southern says
Hi, could you post a photo of your table before winter storage? If the dirt has been removed of course.
Thanks
Tara Nolan says
Hi Ellen, There are photos in this article that may be helpful. https://photos.hgtv.com/content/diy-com/en/made-and-remade/make-it/2016/e/elevate-your-salad–make-a-raised-bed-lettuce-table.html