Grow a Garden 2 Wheelbarrow Guide

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide explains how to use a 2-wheelbarrow system to grow a productive vegetable or flower garden, covering what it is, how to set it up, what to plant, and common pitfalls. You will learn the practical steps for soil preparation, planting, and maintenance using two wheelbarrows as mobile raised beds or as a compost-to-garden transport system. The focus is on realistic, low-cost methods that work for small spaces.

Why Two Wheelbarrows?

The “2 wheelbarrow guide� usually refers to two different strategies. The first is using two wheelbarrows as mobile raised beds: you fill each with soil and plant directly in them, allowing you to move the garden to follow the sun or protect from frost. The second is a workflow method: one barrow for moving soil/compost to the garden, and a second for hauling weeds, trimmings, or finished compost away. Both approaches save time and reduce strain on your back.

The mobile-bed idea is especially useful for renters or people with limited yard space. A standard wheelbarrow holds about 80 liters of soil, which is enough for a few tomato plants or a mix of herbs. You can drill drainage holes in the bottom, add a layer of gravel, and fill with potting mix. The wheels allow you to reposition the garden as needed, though you must be careful not to tip it.

How to Set Up a Two-Wheelbarrow Garden

Follow these steps to create a functional mobile garden using two wheelbarrows:

Choose the right barrows: Look for models with a capacity of at least 60 liters and a sturdy frame. Pneumatic tires handle rough ground better than solid ones.
Prepare the drainage: Drill 4–6 holes (1 cm diameter) in the bottom of each barrow. Cover the holes with a piece of landscape fabric or a coffee filter to prevent soil loss.
Add a base layer: Put 3–5 cm of gravel or broken pottery at the bottom for drainage.
Fill with soil: Use a quality potting mix or a blend of 50% compost and 50% topsoil. Fill to about 5 cm below the rim.
Plant: Choose shallow-rooted plants like lettuce, radishes, herbs, or strawberries. Avoid deep-rooted vegetables like carrots unless the barrow is very deep.
Position wisely: Place the barrows where they get 6–8 hours of sunlight. Rotate them weekly to equalize sun exposure.
Water and feed: Barrows dry out faster than ground soil, so check moisture daily. Add a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks.

If you are using the two-barrow workflow (not as beds), simply designate one barrow for clean material (soil, compost, plants) and the other for waste (weeds, trimmings). This prevents cross-contamination and saves trips.

What to Plant and When

The confined soil volume of a wheelbarrow limits what you can grow. Good choices include:

Leafy greens: Lettuce, spinach, arugula – they have shallow roots and grow quickly.
Herbs: Basil, parsley, cilantro, thyme – compact and productive.
Small fruiting plants: Strawberries, bush beans, dwarf peas.
Root vegetables (short varieties): Radishes, green onions, baby carrots.

Plant in early spring after the last frost, or start indoors and transplant. In temperate climates, you can succession-plant every 2–3 weeks for a continuous harvest. Avoid large plants like squash or corn, as they need more root space than a barrow provides.

Maintenance and Common Problems

Wheelbarrow gardens require more attention than in-ground beds. Common issues include:

Drying out: Soil in a metal or plastic barrow heats up and loses moisture fast. Water daily in hot weather, and consider adding a layer of mulch.
Nutrient depletion: Frequent watering washes out nutrients. Fertilize every 10–14 days with a balanced liquid feed.
Root binding: As plants grow, roots may fill the barrow. Harvest regularly and thin seedlings to avoid crowding.
Rust: If using metal barrows, ensure drainage holes are clear and consider lining the inside with a plastic bag (with holes) to protect the metal.
Mobility issues: A full barrow is heavy (80 liters of wet soil can weigh over 100 kg). Move it when empty or semi-filled, or use a wheelbarrow with a larger wheel for easier pushing.

If you notice yellowing leaves, it could be overwatering or lack of nitrogen. Adjust accordingly.

Costs and Alternatives

The cost of a two-wheelbarrow garden is relatively low. A basic wheelbarrow costs $50–$150, depending on size and material. Soil and compost add another $20–$50. In contrast, a raised garden bed kit can cost $100–$300, plus soil. The wheelbarrow approach is cheaper and portable, but it holds less soil and requires more frequent watering.

Alternatives include:

Buckets or grow bags: Even cheaper and easier to move, but smaller volume.
Raised beds: More permanent, better for deep-rooted plants, but not movable.
Container gardening with pots: Flexible but can be expensive if you buy many pots.

For most people, the wheelbarrow method is a great compromise between cost and mobility.

Safety and Ergonomics

Using wheelbarrows involves physical labor. Follow these safety tips:

Lift correctly: Bend at the knees, not the back, when lifting a full barrow.
Balance the load: Keep the center of gravity over the wheel. Do not overload – a heaped barrow is unstable.
Use two hands: Always grip the handles firmly, and keep your feet clear of the wheel.
Wear gloves: Protect hands from blisters and soil-borne irritants.
Be mindful of slopes: On hills, keep the barrow in front of you and control the speed. Do not let it run away.

Also, if you are using the barrow as a planter, be aware that the metal edges can be sharp. Tape or cover edges with foam pipe insulation if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow tomatoes in a wheelbarrow?

Yes, but choose determinate (bush) varieties that stay compact. Use one barrow per plant, provide a stake or cage, and water consistently. The limited soil means you must fertilize more often, about every 10 days.

How much soil do I need to fill a wheelbarrow?

A typical wheelbarrow holds 60–100 liters. To fill it to the brim, you need about 80 liters of potting mix. That is roughly 40–50 kg of dry soil, which becomes heavier when wet.

Do I need to drill holes in the wheelbarrow?

Yes, if you are using it as a planter. Without drainage, water pools and causes root rot. Drill 4–6 holes about 1 cm in diameter in the bottom, and cover them with landscape fabric to keep soil from washing out.

How often should I water a wheelbarrow garden?

In warm weather, daily watering is usually necessary. Check the top inch of soil – if it feels dry, water until it runs out the bottom. During hot, windy days, you may need to water twice.

Can I move a wheelbarrow garden once planted?

Yes, but it is heavy. Move it when the soil is relatively dry to reduce weight, and push slowly. If the barrow is too heavy, empty the soil, move the barrow, and refill.

What is the best way to keep weeds out of a wheelbarrow garden?

Use a weed-free potting mix and avoid introducing garden soil that may contain weed seeds. Pull weeds as soon as they appear, and consider a layer of mulch on top of the soil to suppress growth.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.