Making a big planter box is a great way to add beauty and functionality to any outdoor space. Here are the steps to take to make a big planter box:
1. Decide on the size of your planter. This will depend on the size of your outdoor area and the plants you plan to put in the planter.
2. Gather your supplies. You will need wood boards, screws or nails, a saw, a drill, and any other supplies needed to assemble your planter.
3. Measure and cut your wood to the desired size. When cutting, take into account any edges or corners.
4. Assemble your planter. Start by attaching the two long sides and the two short sides together. Secure with screws or nails.
5. Attach the bottom slats. Measure and cut your slats to the desired size. Secure with screws or nails.
6. Add a drainage system. If desired, drill or carve holes in the bottom for drainage.
7. Add soil and plants. Finally, fill the planter with soil and plants of your choice and enjoy.
What is the cheapest way to build a planter box?
The cheapest way to build a planter box typically involves using materials that you have on hand, such as scrap lumber, old pallets, or any other pieces of wood you have available. You can easily construct a basic planter box from scrap wood and screws, or use nails and a hammer to make a simple planter box from two pieces of lumber.
If you want to add a bit of style or color to your planter box, you can also use scrap wood to build a decorative frame that wraps around your planter box. Depending on the type of wood you use, you may want to add a protective sealant or varnish to further protect the wood from moisture and sun damage.
Additionally, if you don’t already have soil on hand, you can purchase some potting soil from a local gardening store.
What do you put in the bottom of a large planter box?
If you are looking for the most effective way to ensure the stability and longevity of a large planter box, it is important to fill the bottom of the box with some type of material. The best material to use for the bottom of a large planter box is drainage material.
This type of material will increase the drainage of the soil, helping to keep your plants healthy and ensure that water does not become trapped, which can lead to root rot. A combination of gravel, pumice, clay, sand, and organic material like coarse mulch or even chopped leaves can be used to create the most effective drainage layer.
Additionally, you could also add a layer of pea gravel to the bottom of the planter box to improve airflow. Once the bottom of the planter box is filled with drainage material, it should be topped with nutrient-rich soil, which will form the perfect environment to help your plants flourish.
Does a planter box need drainage?
Yes, a planter box needs drainage. Without proper drainage, water can build up and sit in the soil, leading to diseases and root rot, even killing the plants in the box. When installing a planter box, holes should be drilled at the bottom of the box before it is filled with soil to provide drainage.
Additionally, soil selection should be taken into consideration, using a light and airy, well-aerated soil mix, as opposed to a dense clay soil. When filling the box, it may be a good idea to add a layer of gravel, rocks or other drainage material at the bottom of the box to further improve drainage.
Over time, drainage holes or channels can become blocked, so it is important to regularly check them and clear any blockages. Finally, be sure to water the box frequently, but not too much, taking care not to overwater.
With drainage and proper water management, a planter box can be a great addition to any garden or outdoor space.
Do you fill tall planters with soil?
Yes, tall planters typically require soil in order to grow and thrive. Depending on the type of plants you are growing, you may need to use special soils or a mixture in order to provide the right balance and nutrients.
When filling a tall planter, it is important that you fill from the bottom, using a shovel to move the soil and ensuring that it is evenly distributed. Once the soil is in place and tamped down, you can move on to adding fertilizer and compost, if desired.
It is important to remember not to fill a tall planter to the top, as you need to leave room for water and oxygen to reach the roots of the plants. Despite being tall, planters still require proper care and attention, such as watering regularly and pruning back when necessary.
Should I put gravel in the bottom of my planter?
Whether you should put gravel in the bottom of your planter depends on the type of planter and the type of plant you are planting. Generally, gravel is not necessary for planters, as it provides little to no benefit to the plants themselves.
However, if your planter does not have drainage holes, then it might be helpful to add a layer of gravel in the bottom of the planter to help with drainage. Adding a layer of gravel at the bottom of a planter will provide an additional layer for the water to pass through, and will also help to prevent soil compaction and the build-up of excess water in the bottom of the planter.
If you are adding gravel to the bottom of a planter, it is important to choose a type of gravel that is clean and won’t add any additional chemicals or nutrients to the planter. Additionally, the size of the gravel should be small enough to ensure that it won’t become lodged in drainage holes, if your planter has them.
What can I put in my planters for drainage?
Appropriate materials for drainage in your planters can vary depending on the size and location of the planter. In smaller pots, it is best to use a combination of both organic and inorganic materials.
Organic materials such as broken pottery, terracotta shards, or small stones can help keep the soil loose and promote drainage. Inorganic materials such as perlite, coarse sand, or gravel can also be added to aid in drainage.
If you have a large planter or raised bed, you can use larger materials like broken concrete pieces or landscape fabric at the bottom of the planter to provide added drainage. Once you’ve added the desired drainage material to the bottom layer of your planter, be sure not to forget about the top layer of soil.
Adding compost or aged manure to the top layer of the soil can help to retain moisture but also ensure that water can quickly drain away. Lastly, it is always a good idea to add a top layer of mulch to the top of the planter.
This will help to keep the moisture in the planter and prevent weeds from growing.
What materials do I need to make a planter?
In order to make a planter, you will need several materials, including some tools and supplies.
Tools:
– Drill and drill bit
– Saw (any type)
– Hammer
– Phillips head screwdriver
– Level
Supplies:
– Wood (for the planter itself – use whatever type is most suitable for the purpose)
– Nails and/or screws
– Stain, paint (optional)
– Potting soil
– Plants and/or seeds
– Drainage material (such as pebbles or rocks)
Optional Items:
– Plant food
– Sandpaper
– Plastic or waterproof fabric
– Fabric glue
– Treatments to protect the wood from water damage or temperature changes
What is the wood to use for an outdoor planter?
When looking to create an outdoor planter, it’s important to choose a wood that can handle its specific environment. While cedar and redwood are popular choices due to their natural rot-resistant properties, cypress, teak and ipe are also commonly recommended for outdoor use.
The best option is typically determined by the planter’s size and its placement – for example, whether the planter will be placed in direct sunlight or under some shade.
Cedar and redwood are both Softwood species, making them relatively lightweight and easy to work with. They’re naturally resistant to insect infestation, weather-proofing, and functional outdoors in any season.
In addition, cedar has a natural insect repellent that helps protect against wood-boring creatures. However, these woods must be treated with a sealant every few years to protect against rot and further weathering.
There are also Hardwood species that make excellent outdoor planters. Of those, teak is a rot-resistant wood and is also quite durable and easy to maintain. Similarly, woodworkers can use ipe or tropical hardwoods such as mahogany and jarrah as well.
Ipe is noted for its exceptional strength and durability, making it a very reliable choice for planters.
Finally, cypress is another highly versatile and durable Hardwood species ideal for outdoor use. It can age to a silver-gray look, making for an attractive outdoor planter. cypress is also known for its natural water-resistant properties, and can stand up to both moisture and high temperatures in any season.
It’s also easy to work with and treated with a sealant every few years can make it last even longer.
In short, when looking for the best wood to use for an outdoor planter, cedar, redwood, teak, ipe, cypress, mahogany and jarrah are good choices due to their rot-resistant, heavy duty and low maintenance properties.
Each of these woods provides reliable long-term performance, but the ideal choice depends on the environment and size of the planter. As such, it’s always important to do some research and determine which wood will work best in a given situation.
How can I make cheap planters look expensive?
A simple and cost-effective way to make cheap planters look more expensive is to paint them. Choose a high-quality outdoor paint that fits with the style of your home and garden, such as a glossy black for a modern look, and use a paintbrush or roller to apply an even coat.
You could also mix colors to create an ombre effect, or use a stencil to add a design to the planters. In addition, you can use gold or silver leaf or paint to create a metallic look, or add sparkle or glitter to the planter.
After painting, you can then seal the planter with a clear coat of waterproof sealant to make it last.
On the inside, adding a layer of landscape fabric at the bottom of the planter will help contain soil and keep moisture out while allowing water and air to pass through. Moreover, adding a layer of drainage rocks or pebbles to the bottom of your planter will help prevent waterlogging, which also adds an aesthetically pleasing finish.
Consider using a potting soil specifically made for planters as well, and be sure to feed and water your plants regularly for a lush and healthy look. Finally, adding extra aesthetic touches such as a layer of moss, a pile of small stones, or even a handful of colorful marbles to the top of the planters will make them look more luxurious and expensive.
Can I make my own plant pots?
Yes, you can make your own plant pots! Making your own planter is a great way to save money and get creative with your garden projects. Here are a few tips for making your own plant pots:
1. Start by choosing the type of container you want to use. You can use anything from a tin can to a terracotta planter to a recycled container. Just make sure the container is clean and has proper drainage.
2. Next, choose potting soil. Make sure to pick a soil that is specifically made for containers. Potting soil is lighter and better draining than regular garden soil, so it will make your container plants healthier.
3. Drill a few holes into the bottom of your container for drainage. This will help ensure your plants don’t get waterlogged.
4. Add the potting soil to the container and press it down lightly. Take care to not compress the soil too much, as this will make it less able to retain water and nutrition.
5. Finally, add your plants to the pot. Make sure you space them out evenly and give them enough room to grow.
That’s it! With a few simple steps, you can turn nearly any container into a beautiful planter for your garden.
Can large plastic containers be use as a planter?
Yes, large plastic containers can be used as a planter. While plastic containers may not have the classic look of traditional terra cotta, clay, or ceramic pots, they have plenty of advantages to offer.
Plastic containers are often more lightweight than other planters, making them easier to move and reposition in your garden. Additionally, because plastic is non-porous, it’s less prone to waterlogged soil.
Plus, opting for a plastic planter can help protect your plants from colder temperatures. While plastic does not generally insulate soil as well as other materials, it does provide some protection from drastic temperature changes.
Plus, you won’t have to worry about cracking or splintering when you use plastic. Depending on the planter you choose, you can also find options with drainage holes and self-watering systems. Plastic containers make a durable, functional, and attractive addition to your outdoor space.
How do you make a planter out of a plastic container?
Making a planter out of a plastic container is a great way to recycle items that may have otherwise gone to waste. It’s also an inexpensive and fun project. To begin, you’ll need to get ahold of a plastic container that is big enough to hold soil and whatever type of plants you would like to put in it.
Be sure to use a container that isn’t brittle or cracked.
Once you have acquired a suitable container, the next step is to determine what type of drainage holes your container needs. If you’re making a planter for indoors, drainage is not required; however, if you plan on putting the planter outdoors, drainage is essential.
To make the drainage holes, use a drill bit or a utility knife to make holes in the bottom of the container.
Next, you’ll need to cut a piece of landscape fabric to fit the bottom of the container. This will keep the soil from seeping out of the drainage holes while still letting water drain through.
Now you’re ready to fill the container with soil. It’s best to use potting soil if you’re planting flowers and vegetables, but you should use soil specifically mixed for succulents and cacti for those types of plants.
Finally, you can plant your chosen plants. Make sure to put something on the bottom of the soil to visually spruce up the container. This could be something as simple as pebbles, a few pieces of driftwood, or pieces of pottery.
Once the planter is complete, move it to the desired location and make sure to water it regularly. Congratulations, you’ve created a DIY planter from a plastic container!
How do you prepare a plastic container for planting?
Preparing a plastic container for planting requires several steps. First, be sure the container is clean and free of any debris. Small stones can be embedded in the bottom of the container for added drainage but be sure to rinse them first.
Next, place a layer of gravel or small stones in the bottom of the container for extra drainage. This layer should be about 1 inch thick. Then, add a layer of soil to the container. Be sure to use a potting soil that is specifically designed for containers.
Fill the container to about two-thirds full with the soil. You can then choose to add a layer of fertilizer such as organic compost to the top of the soil. Finally, add seeds or transplants to complete the planting process.
Water sufficiently and keep an eye on your plants as they grow!.