Adding a tall planter to your home or garden is an easy and affordable way to grow beautiful plants, herbs, or vegetables. With a DIY tall planter, you can create a customized planting container from everyday materials like wood, metal, plastics, or fabrics. Building your own tall planter gives you control over the size, shape, and style. Plus, it can be a fun weekend project!
Introduction
A tall planter offers ample space for plant roots to spread out and thrive. The vertical orientation also allows you to grow vining vegetables and trailing flowers. Tall planters work great as privacy screens, living fences, or vertical accents on a patio, deck, or balcony. Depending on the materials, they can handle everything from annuals to perennials, herbs, ornamental grasses, vegetables, and even small shrubs or trees.
When constructing a DIY tall planter, consider factors like:
- Size – The dimensions and height should suit your space and planting needs. Standard widths are 12-24 inches.
- Materials – Choose long-lasting, sturdy materials like wood, metal, plastic, concrete, etc. Avoid treated lumber which can leach chemicals.
- Stability – Add braces, anchors, or a wide base for stability. Weight down the bottom with gravel.
- Drainage – Drill drainage holes and add a drainage layer like gravel, broken pottery, etc.
- Irrigation – Plan for a way to water from the top or add a drip irrigation system.
This guide covers all the essential steps for constructing your own DIY tall planter at home with commonly available materials. Let’s get started!
Choose a Design and Size
First decide on the right size and style tall planter for your needs:
Consider dimensions – The width determines how much you can plant. Standard sizes are:
- Narrow planter – 12 to 18 inches wide. Good for herbs and veggies.
- Medium planter – 18 to 24 inches wide. Fits a row of plants or small shrubs.
- Wide planter – Wider than 24 inches. Can hold large plants, vines, or grasses.
Determine the height – Customize the height to your space:
- Short – 2 to 3 feet tall. Good on patios or against walls.
- Medium – 4 to 6 feet tall. Provides privacy along fences or decks.
- Tall – 6 feet or higher. Makes a living screen or fence.
Think about shape – Tall planters come in all different shapes:
- Rectangle or square – Offers maximum planting capacity.
- Round or oval – Provides a softer, organic look.
- Irregular – Can be custom-shaped to fit corners or edges.
- Tiered – Stackable levels for multiple planting areas.
- Pyramid – Offers both height and width in a small footprint.
Consider material options – Choose long-lasting, durable materials:
- Cedar, redwood – Naturally rot-resistant softwoods.
- Composite woods – Wood mixed with plastic for weather-resistance.
- PVC, polyethylene – Lightweight, budget-friendly plastic options.
- Metals like aluminum, galvanized steel – Sturdy and can be painted.
- Concrete, cement – Heavy but durable; can be tinted or textured.
- Recycled plastic lumber – Made from recycled plastic materials.
- Natural stone – Sandstone, limestone, etc. Very heavy.
- Repurposed items – Buckets, crates, drums, etc.
Once you’ve decided on the optimal size and design, it’s time to gather materials and start building.
Gather Needed Materials and Tools
Building a tall planter is a relatively easy DIY project. You’ll need these basic materials, plus a few standard tools:
Lumber and boards
- 1×6, 1×8, 1×10, or 1×12 boards for the sides (cedar, redwood or treated pine)
- 2x2s or 2x4s for corner posts and bracing (pressure-treated)
- 5/8-inch plywood for bottom panels
Plastic or metal
- Corrugated roofing panels
- Galvanized steel sheets
- Recycled plastic lumber
Hardware
- Exterior wood screws or deck screws
- L-brackets and corner braces
- Finish nails and galvanized nails
Additional materials
- Landscape fabric or weed barrier
- Gravel or crushed rocks for drainage
- Wood glue or construction adhesive
- Exterior wood sealant/stain
Tools
- Circular saw or handsaw
- Power drill and drill bits
- Level
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Safety glasses and gloves
Purchase all materials and make sure you have the necessary tools before getting started.
Calculate Dimensions
Use graph paper or a wood planning worksheet to map out the tall planter dimensions.
- Determine the width and height you want for the planter.
- Draw the shape of the planter from a bird’s eye view.
- Mark the dimensions for the front, back, and side panels.
- Determine the board lengths needed for each side. Account for the thickness of the corner posts when calculating.
For stability, make sure the planter is at least 12 inches deep from front to back. Wider planters may need intermediate support brackets along the back.
Allow an extra 1-2 inches of board length for cutting slack. Remember the bottom and top edges will be narrower than the panel sides after cutting.
Cut Boards and Pieces to Size
Use a power miter saw or circular saw to cut all the lumber and boards to the proper lengths:
- Cut four boards to the height of the front and back panels
- Cut two boards to the width for the left and right side panels
- Cut four 2×2 or 2×4 posts to the full height plus 1-2 inches
- Rip-cut plywood to size for the bottom panel
Use a handsaw to cut any small trim pieces. Sand cut edges smooth.
Make sure boards are cut precisely at 90 degree angles for clean corners. Measure twice before cutting!
Assemble Side Panels
The side panels establish the overall size and shape of the tall planter.
To assemble each side:
- Lay two boards on a flat surface with edges flush. Apply wood glue between the boards.
- Clamp the boards together tightly.
- Drill pilot holes through the boards every 12-16 inches.
- Drive 3-inch deck screws through the pilot holes to join the boards.
- Attach a 2×4 post flush to each vertical edge using wood glue and screws. The posts should be full height.
- Sand or plane boards if needed for an even alignment.
- Repeat to make a matching panel for the opposite side.
Let the glue fully cure before continuing. The side assemblies should be identical and sturdy.
Attach Front and Back Panels
Now join the front and back panels between the completed side assemblies:
- Apply wood glue to the edges of a front/back panel.
- Stand the side assemblies upright, with posts facing inward.
- Place the front panel between the sides, keeping the bottom and edges aligned.
- Drill pilot holes and drive 3-inch screws through the posts into the panel. Sink screws slightly into the posts.
- Attach the back panel the same way, gluing and screwing it into the side posts.
- Use corner braces or L-brackets to reinforce the joints if needed.
- Wipe away any excess glue squeeze-out with a damp rag.
The basic box frame of the tall planter is now complete!
Add a Bottom Panel
Cut a piece of 5/8-inch plywood to fit inside the planter box frame:
- Place the plywood on the ground inside the planter.
- Trace the outline and cut to fit using a jigsaw.
- Drill several drainage holes through the plywood.
Attach the plywood bottom panel:
- Set the planter box over the bottom panel. Attach using glue and screws driven from underneath.
- Alternatively, rest the bottom panel on support strips attached to the sides. This creates a drainage gap underneath.
- Make sure the bottom is level and secure.
Apply Finishing Touches
Apply final touches to complete the tall planter box:
- Sand any rough edges smooth.
- Seal all exposed wood surfaces with an eco-friendly beeswax sealer or water-repellent stain. This protects the wood from rotting. Apply multiple coats.
- Add decorative wood trim pieces, if desired, using finish nails or glue. Get creative!
- Attach rope handles, grid trellises, or other accessories. Be sure attachments are secure.
- Caulk any visible gaps for a finished look. Allow caulk and sealer to fully cure.
Your custom tall planter box is now ready for planting!
Prepare the Planter for Planting
To prepare the tall planter for growing:
- Line the base with landscaping fabric to block weeds.
- Cover the bottom 2-3 inches with gravel, broken pottery, or other coarse material to enhance drainage.
- Install an irrigation system if desired:
- Drip irrigation works well. Run tubing to each corner with drip emitters.
- For hand watering, use a hose with a wand attachment to reach the top.
- Consider adding vertical supports:
- Attach trellises, cages, or plant frames for climbing vegetables and vines.
- Install sturdy wooden stakes next to taller plants as support.
- Fill the planter 2/3 full with a quality potting mix that holds moisture but drains well.
- Use a mix formulated for containers, not garden soil.
- Add compost or fertilizer to enrich the soil as desired.
The tall planter is now ready for planting! Fill out the design with your choice of flowers, plants, or edibles.
Maintaining and Protecting the Planter
To keep your tall planter thriving and make it last:
- Check soil moisture frequently and water as needed, especially in hot weather. The vertical orientation causes soils to dry out faster.
- Apply a timed-release fertilizer 2-3 times per growing season, or use compost tea.
- Prune back overgrown vines and plants to keep them tidy and encourage flowering.
- Remove fallen leaves and debris to prevent pests and diseases.
- Refresh potting mix annually or biannually to replenish nutrients. Gently remove roots when repotting plants.
- During winter, move portable planters to a sheltered area to prevent damage.
- Touch up sealant/stain periodically to protect wood from weathering. Watch for cracking.
- Repair any leaks or damage right away with caulk, paint, or by replacing wood boards as needed.
With proper care and maintenance, a DIY tall planter can provide many years of attractive, vertical growing space!
Tall Planter Ideas and Inspiration
Now that you know the basics of building a tall planter, get creative with your own design. Here are some ideas:
Unique Planter Shapes and Sizes
- Build a narrow planter in a corner to grow herbs or flowers.
- Construct a set of small, modular planters that stack together.
- Make an obelisk-style planter for climbing vines.
- Upcycle old dressers or cabinets into planted shelves.
Fun Materials to Use
- Metal coffee cans, galvanized buckets, or storage tins
- Recycled plastic lumber in bright colors
- Outdoor fabric wrapped around a frame
- Concrete, stone, or terra cotta pipe pieces
What to Grow
- Veggies: Beans, cucumbers, peas, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant
- Herbs: Basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, thyme, sage
- Flowers: Sunflowers, nasturtium, morning glory, moonflower, clematis
- Small trees/shrubs: Mini (dwarf) citrus trees, rosemary standards
Final Thoughts
Adding a DIY tall planter to your yard or garden lets you grow more in less space. This guide covers how to build a tall planter from planning and materials to planting and maintenance. The vertical orientation is great for small-space gardening, patios and balconies, screening, or simply making a statement. Building your own planter box allows you to customize the size, shape, and look. With the right materials and craftsmanship, your custom tall planter can last for many seasons. Be creative and have fun designing your vertical container garden!
FAQ about Building DIY Tall Planters
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about constructing and using tall planters:
How large should the planter be?
This depends on the space you have and what you want to grow. Standard sizes range from narrow (12-18 inches) to wide (24+ inches). Height can be 2 feet up to 5 feet or more. Make sure to account for growth – vegetables and vines will need ample room.
What is the best material to make a planter?
Use weather-resistant and rot-proof materials like cedar, redwood, plastic lumber, metal, or concrete. Avoid treated lumber which can contain chemicals. Wood will require occasional sealing or staining.
Should I put drainage holes in the bottom?
Yes, drainage is crucial. Drill several holes throughout the bottom panel before attaching it. Elevate the bottom slightly or add gravel for even better drainage.
How can I make the tall planter more stable?
Use wider lumber (2x4s instead of 2x2s) for the corner posts. Attach the posts to the side panels using both glue and screws for extra strength. Use L-brackets or triangular corner braces on the inside corners.
What can I use to line the inside of the planter?
Landscape fabric helps block weeds from sprouting but allows water flow. Plastic sheeting can also work. Make sure any lining allows drainage out the bottom.
How much soil mix do I need?
Check the planter’s cubic feet/yards and buy that amount of soilless potting mix. For example, a planter that’s 3 feet high x 2 feet wide x 1 foot deep needs about 4.5 cubic feet of mix.
Should I fertilize plants in a tall planter?
Yes, use a balanced fertilizer formulated for containers a few times each season. Potting soils are nutrition-poor so you need to provide a continuous feed. Organic options like compost tea also work well.
How often does the potting mix need replacing?
Every year or two, depending on use. The mix will become compressed and depleted over time. Remove as much old mix as possible and refresh with new.
Conclusion
Tall planters let you grow more plants, vines, herbs, and vegetables in a condensed vertical space. Constructing your own tall planter box allows customization so you can match your design and planting needs. With smart materials selection and proper construction, a DIY tall planter can provide many years of stylish and productive gardening.