Carpenter Nathan Gilbert tells us about the time he spent as a Boy Scout and the life lessons he learned along the way. Starting as a Cub Scout, Nathan says the earlier part of his scouting career revolved around the basics, like how to cook safely and handle knives. Then he progressed to Boy Scouts, culminating in the coveted Eagle Scout honor.
Next, host Kevin O’Connor and general contractor Tom Silva take us back to the shop to take on a many-sided project. The two work together to build a new herb planter from cedar, but this is not an ordinary raised bed. Tom shows Kevin all of the complicated math that goes into producing a hexagonal planter.
Finally, we meet Jenn and Nathan as they help a group of Girl Scouts breathe new life into their old garden. The team works together to safely remove the old raised beds before replacing them with cedar boxes and topping them off with new plants.
Why Nathan Loved Being a Boy Scout
Carpenter Nathan Gilbert grew up in the Boy Scout program. Starting as a Cub Scout and finishing as an Eagle Scout, he has fond memories and a lot of life lessons. To this day, the Scouts are still near and dear to his heart.
Build It | Hexagon Herb Planter
As part of a special episode, the cast partner with a local Girl Scout troop to rebuild garden beds at their local library. To help, Tom and Kevin build a hexagon-shaped, divided herb planter out of cedar boards.
Where to find it?
Tom uses a miter saw to cut the cedar boards.
Tom and Kevin assemble the planter and secure the boards with wood glue and screws.
All supplies used for this project can be found at most home centers.
Building Garden Beds with Local Girl Scouts
Landscape contractor Jenn Nawada and carpenter Nathan Gilbert help a troop of Girl Scouts bring their raised bed gardens back to life with fresh wood, some replanting, and Tom Silva’s one-of-a-kind planter.
Where to find it?
Nathan uses a miter saw to cut the cedar boards for the garden beds.
He then assembles the boards and secures them by drilling pilot holes for each hole to
allow the screws to go in more easily. Once the main base is put together, Nathan then
stacks the second level on top of the first and secures them together with screws.
To prep the garden beds, Jenn and the Daisies will roll out, cut, and place landscape
fabric at the bottom of each planter. They then mix garden soil, compost, and fertilizer into the beds.
Girl Scouts of America, National Lumber, and R.A. Smith DBA J.J.’s Mulch provided special assistance.
Original Air Date: Sep 28, 2023, Season 22; Ep. 1 23:42
Products and services from this episode
- Special assistance: