Build a simple raised garden bed for vegetables and more
Building a pallet planter is an easy DIY project.
When laying down flat, they look like wooden platforms.
It can also be mounted as a fence pallet planter in your backyard.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
Pallet planters typically last for three to six years.
Also, pallet planters are a very affordable option compared to purchasing raised container garden planters.
Use a second pallet to match the size, color, and texture.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
If you do not have a second pallet for parts, use 1 x 4 lumber.
Remove every other slat, keeping the slat at the top and the bottom.
(These will form the bottoms of the boxes.)
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
The slats should rest on the interior stringers.
The top slat and the just-added board should form a sort of box shape.
If necessary, use wood from another pallet or 1 x 4 lumber instead of the slats you removed.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
Nail the slats in place using the galvanized nails and a hammer.
Pre-drilling the holes will eliminate the risk of splitting the wood.
You should now have four finished planter boxesthree inside the planter and one on top.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
Sand and Finish the Wood
Sand the wood to remove any rough spots.
If desired, sand less vigorously to achieve a rustic appearance.
Line the inside of each planter box withlandscape fabric, stapling it in place.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
Cut off a section of landscape fabric large enough to cover the entire back of the pallet.
Staple it into place from the outside.
you’ve got the option to mount the pallet high on a sturdy wall for a planter.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
If you prefer to leave the planter standing alone, ensure it’s stable.
Add wedges or stabilizers to the base to keep it upright if necessary.
The planter will be very heavy once the soil and plants are added.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
Before proceeding, ensure it is positioned where you want it and stable or securely fastened to the wall.
Add Soil and Plants
Addpotting soilto theplanter boxes.
Plants such aspetunias, plants with trailing flowers, or herbs are recommended.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
Heat ordrought-tolerant plantsare also recommended.
Pallet planters are also easy to move around.
Pallet planters are also quite inexpensive, and the materials can sometimes be free.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
Repurposing recycled pallets also reduces environmental waste.
Pick plants that stay small, even at maturity, so they don’t outgrow the planter.
(For example,mintwould outgrow its surroundings within a year.)
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
Use sealants that won’t hurt your plants, such as non-toxic wood preserver and non-toxic silicone varieties.
It’s safe to plant in pallets that have fresh clean wood.
Avoid pallets containing oil marks or broken pieces.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
Look for pallets containing an “HT” stamp which stands for heat-treated.
Other resources include Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or other online swap or sell groups.
Avoid pallets with oil marks, broken pieces, and other signs of aging.
Also, pass on pallets that were chemically treated or stamped “MB.”
