Are you tired of the hassle of carrying fruits and vegetables from your garden inside for washing? Well, there's a solution for you! Thanks to a simple DIY woodworking project on TikTok, you can now craft your own harvest basket, also known as garden hods. These baskets are designed to help you gather your produce and wash them without any fuss, as they are mostly made from hardware cloth, a metal mesh.
A TikTok user, @plantedinthegarden, has shared a video demonstrating how you can quickly and easily create your own harvest basket using basic woodworking tools. To make this basket, you will need scrap wood, plywood or wood boards, hardware cloth, a dowel rod, a staple gun, and a drill. Additionally, you'll require a saw to cut the wood to the right shape and sandpaper to smoothen it out. Instead of spending money on expensive store-bought baskets, why not try making one yourself and even customize it with a stain or paint for a unique touch? This DIY gardening tool from TikTok will not only save you time during harvest but also add a charming element to your gardening equipment.
Create Your Own Custom Harvest Basket with Wood Pieces
To start making your harvest basket, first determine the size you want. Cut two planks of wood for the sides and two wider, curved pieces for the ends. Create the curved pieces by tracing a paint can on rectangular wood pieces to get a smooth curve. Cut 90-degree angle notches at the corners of the end pieces to fit them seamlessly with the side pieces.
DIY Garden Hod: A Step-by-Step Guide
To create your customized garden hod, start by making end pieces shaped like paddles, which will also serve as the anchor for your handle. If you opt not to use paddle end pieces, you'll need to make two holders for the handle instead. Cut a ½ inch thick board to match the height of the basket for each holder, curving one end of each board. Cut out a circle on the rounded ends of the handle holders or the thin ends of the paddle end pieces, with the diameter matching your dowel rod. Finally, cut the dowel rod to fit flush between the holders.
Next, staple hardware cloth to the edges of your side boards, ensuring they are securely attached. Bend the mesh to form the basket's shape by folding it downward and away from the board on a sturdy surface. Apply wood glue to the notches of your end pieces and align them with the side pieces, securing them in place with screws. Staple the mesh to the end pieces to complete your garden hod.
After constructing the base of your basket, it's time to add the handles. If your end pieces do not already have designated spots for handles, drill a hole in the middle of each side board to anchor them. Alternatively, you can attach the handles to the wider ends for a longer grip. Next, secure a dowel rod between the handles, trimming it to size if needed and using wood glue to ensure it stays in place. Now, you have a charming custom basket perfect for gathering, washing, and transporting your homegrown vegetables from the garden.
