Pallet planters are a fantastic way to upcycle used wood pallets into beautiful planters for your garden. Not only are they inexpensive and easy to make, but they also give your garden a rustic, homey feel. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of making your own pallet planter, from choosing and preparing the wood to filling it with soil and plants. With just a few simple tools and materials, you’ll be on your way to creating stunning pallet planters to display outdoors.
Choosing and Preparing the Pallet
The first step is selecting a suitable pallet for your project. Here are some tips for choosing the right wood:
- Opt for untreated, non-toxic pallets. Avoid using pallets that transported chemicals or other hazardous materials. Stick with clean, sturdy wood.
- Look for pallets with thick, untreated wood planks so they last longer outdoors. The wood should also be free of rot, warping, or other damage.
- Measure the dimensions needed for your planter to find a pallet of the appropriate size. Standard pallets are usually 48″ x 40″.
- Disassemble the pallet by prying off the boards with a hammer and crowbar. Be sure to remove or pound down any protruding nails.
Once you’ve chosen a suitable pallet, the boards will need some light prepping before assembly:
- Wipe down the wood with a damp cloth to clean off any dirt or debris. Let the boards dry completely.
- Sand the boards with medium-grit sandpaper to smooth any rough spots and prep the surface for painting/staining.
- Cut the pallet boards to your desired lengths if needed. Make sure edges are smooth and even.
- Apply a natural wood sealant to protect the boards from rot and mildew. Let the sealant dry per the product instructions.
The prepped pallet wood is now ready for assembly into a planter!
Assembling the Pallet Planter
Pallet planters can be assembled in a variety of shapes and sizes. Here are some tips for putting the boards together:
Tools Needed
- Power drill and drill bits
- Wood screws, 2-3″ in length
- Wood glue or exterior adhesive
- Hammer
- Sandpaper
- Saw (if additional cutting is needed)
Plans for Assembly
- Decide on the size and shape of your planter, then cut boards to size if needed. Rectangular and square planters are most common.
- Apply wood glue to the ends of the boards and clamp them together so the interior dimensions of your planter are created.
- Pre-drill holes through the boards then screw them together by driving wood screws into the pre-drilled holes. Use at least 2 screws per seam.
- Sand down any rough edges for a smooth finish. Wipe away any excess wood glue.
- Use scrap boards and small corners of wood to reinforce the corners and attach any side boards to create your desired shape.
- Drill drainage holes in the bottom boards every 4-6 inches using a 1/4” drill bit.
- Apply an exterior wood sealer or stain if desired for extra weatherproofing and color.
And that’s it – you now have a customizable, sturdy wood pallet planter ready for soil and plants!
Preparing the Planter for Soil and Plants
Before filling your pallet planter, a bit more prep work is needed to create ideal drainage and growing conditions for plants:
Materials Needed
- Gravel or pebbles for drainage
- Landscape fabric to line the planter
- Potting soil or garden soil mix
- Compost or fertilizer (optional)
Steps for Preparing the Planter
- Place a 2-3 inch layer of gravel or pebbles in the bottom of the planter for drainage.
- Cut landscape fabric to fit the dimensions of your planter, leaving some extra to drape over the sides. This will help contain the soil while allowing water to drain out.
- Add a layer of lightly moistened potting mix approximately 1/3 the height of your planter box. Mix in compost or fertilizer if desired.
- Lay the landscape fabric over the soil, folding any extra over the sides.
- Fill the remaining 2/3 of the planter with more lightly moistened soil mix. Pack it down gently with your hands as you go.
- Consider adding vertical supports like wood stakes or plant trellises if you’ll be growing vines or tall plants.
The pallet planter is now ready for plants! Just follow proper planting techniques for the specific plants you choose.
Choosing the Right Plants
One of the joys of gardening in pallet planters is you can grow a wide variety of plants in these versatile containers. Here are some tips for choosing the best plants:
Consider the Planter Location
- Is it in full sun or partial shade? Choose plants suited for the light conditions.
- What hardiness zone is your climate? Select plants that can tolerate hot/cold temps in your zone.
- Is the planter exposed to wind? Sturdy, compact plants hold up better than delicate ones.
Select Appropriate Sized Plants
- Avoid large trees or shrubs which need much deeper soil. Stick to small vegetables, herbs, flowers.
- Choose plants that will fit the planter once mature without overcrowding.
- opt for dwarf or miniature versions of plants when available.
Pick Plants with Compatible Needs
- Group plants with similar light and water requirements for easier care.
- Combine shallow-rooted plants together. Deep rooted pairs like tomatoes and peppers won’t compete as much.
- Mix fast-growing annuals with slower perennials or ornamental grasses.
Great Options for Pallet Gardens Include:
- Herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano, sage, basil, parsley
- Salad greens and vegetables – kale, lettuce, carrots, radishes
- Annual flowers – marigolds, zinnias, petunias, nasturtiums
- Succulents like sedum, echeveria, sempervivum
- Dwarf fruit trees or berry bushes – blueberries, dwarf citrus
Use your creativity and mix colors, textures, and plant heights for a beautiful and bountiful pallet garden!
Caring for Plants in Pallet Planters
Pallet planters allow for easy, raised gardening but plants will still need proper care and maintenance to thrive. Here are some tips:
- Check soil moisture frequently, watering when the top inch becomes dry. Pallet planters tend to dry out faster than in-ground beds.
- Fertilize plants according to package directions, usually every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
- Prune or trim plants as needed to prevent overcrowding and maintain desired shapes/sizes.
- Weed pallet planters gently by hand to avoid damaging shallow roots. Apply fresh mulch around plants to help reduce weeds.
- Reposition planters to provide adequate sunlight and rotate for even growth as seasons change.
- Replenish potting soil or compost each year as nutrients get depleted over time.
- Repair or replace any boards that become damaged or rotted over years of use.
- Overwinter less hardy plants by moving planters to a protected area or greenhouse.
With the right care and maintenance, pallet planters can provide many years of bountiful gardens on a budget!
Common Questions about Pallet Planters
Do pallet planters last?
Pallet planters can last 3-5 years or longer if made of thick, good quality wood and properly cared for. Avoid rot by using wood sealant, lining with landscape fabric, providing good drainage, and keeping soil from direct contact with the boards.
What can damage pallet planters?
Sun, moisture, soil, weather exposure, and insects/pests can damage pallet planters over time. Using treated wood and protective finishes helps protect the planter. Proper drainage and dryness between waterings prevents rot and wood warping.
How do you water pallet planters?
It’s best to water pallet gardens by hand to control the amount, or use a drip irrigation system or soaker hose to slowly deliver water. Water when the top inch of soil is dry until it runs through the drainage holes. Avoid overwatering which causes wood to rot.
Should you line pallet planters?
Lining pallet planters with landscape fabric can help prevent soil from direct contact with the wood which causes rot over time. The fabric also helps retain moisture while allowing excess water to drain out.
How deep should soil be in pallet planters?
For most small plants, a 6-12 inch soil depth in pallet planters is sufficient. Make sure to provide adequate drainage holes in the bottom. For larger plants, consider a double layered pallet planter for deeper soil capacity.
Can you put pallet planters on grass or dirt?
Yes, you can place pallet planters right on top of grass or dirt temporarily. For a more permanent setup, put down a stone, gravel, or paver base to prevent the pallet from settling into soft ground over time.
Final Thoughts
Upcycling old shipping pallets into planters is a wonderful, eco-friendly way to grow plants and beautify your outdoor space on a budget. With a few simple tools, materials, and proper preparation you can create stunning pallet gardens to enjoy for years to come. The possibilities are endless when it comes to size, shape, and types of plants you can grow. Just be sure to use good quality pallets, prep them thoroughly, and give your plants the care they need to thrive. Get creative with your pallet designs and soon you’ll be reaping both beautiful and edible results from these rustic, handy wood planters!