A pallet planter is one of the best ways to make use of old pallets that are too good to simply throw away but you have no other current use for. We take a closer look on how to make a box planter which can be used for vegetables, fruits or herbs, that you can enjoy planting after you have put on your womens gardening clothes that you found at https://www.genus.gs/collections/womens.

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Preparation

The first thing you need is the right pallet from your used pallet racking collection. It needs to be easily divided into three, so it should have either six, nine or twelve planks. It needs to be in good condition, without rot, and you need to remove any jutting-out rusty nails. It’s also really important that it has been heat-treated and not chemically treated. Pallets that have been chemically treated can lead to residue getting into your plants. You will also need a hammer, electric drill, nails, staple gun, rust-proof screws and landscape fabric.

Getting Started

First, sandpaper any rough edges, preferably whilst wearing gloves in case of splinters. Then saw it into three equal parts. Turn the pieces over and remove the wood on the back and put to one side. Leave the main joist that ran along the two edges, as this will add support. Then place the middle part on the floor and use the two ends to become the long sides. These can be joined using either nails or screws or even a combination.

Use the sturdier blocks of trimmed wood to become feet and the trimmed back planks to become the short sides at the top and bottom. Then staple landscape fabric to the sides and base and fill with soil.

What to Use It For

A box planter is ideal for fruit, vegetables and herbs, as it keeps plants away from pests. However, raised beds are also ideal for the elderly or those with reduced mobility.

This planter is fairly simple to make, even if you don’t have much carpentry experience, provided the pallet is in good enough condition. If your used pallets are too far gone to turn into a planter, then they can still be cut down to be used on bonfire night, in a wood burner or a garden craft project for kids such as a small bird box or bug hotel.