Do you want to exercise your green thumb, but don't have the space?Is it possible that your soil is too harsh to be easily cultivated?A planter box is an effective way to solve these problems.A variety of materials can be used to make planter boxes.With little damage to your wallet, you can learn how to build one of these planters.
Step 1: The planter box should be large or small.
Your decision should be based on how many plants you want to have in each planter, as well as the size of the area where you will be putting your planter.We will build a small box that is about 4 feet by 2 feet.
Step 2: Purchase wood.
Untreated wood or cedar will work well for this project as they are easy to work with and can hold up against the natural elements your planter will be exposed to.For a small 4x2 ft (121.9x60.9 cm) planter, you can buy a 12-foot board, which you will cut down to form the sides of the planter.If your planter is going to be used on a deck or similar surface, you will need a piece that will act as the bottom or floor of the planter.If you place a layer of flattened cardboard boxes on the bottom of the box, it will act as a weed barrier.Plants will be killed in the box if pressure-treated lumber is used, and arsenic can be found in your food if you are growing vegetables.ACQ-treated wood is a process which does not use toxic chemicals.
Step 3: The wood should be cut down to the right size.
Measure out each side with a measuring tape.Use a pen or pencil to mark the places where you will make your cut.Use an electric saw or standard hand saw to cut the pieces to size, taking care to make the cuts as straight as possible.If you don't want to make the cuts yourself, you can ask the workers at the store where you bought the wood to cut it for you.Some lumber and hardware stores will cut your planks down to size for free if you pay a small fee.
Step 4: Pilot holes can be created in two of the boards.
The pilot holes are drilled into the wood to make sure it won't splinter when you put the screws into it.The shorter boards are where you need to do this.Three pilot holes should be made from the end edge of the board.The middle hole should be in the middle of the board.
Step 5: Bolts are used to fasten the boards.
The galvanized metal is better for planters because it can stand up to the elements.The boards with the pilot holes should be positioned on the outside corners.Make sure the screws go through the holes and into the adjoining board by using a drill and drill bit.You can use a screwdriver instead of a drill and drill bit.
Step 6: Measure the inside length and width to see how large the bottom of the box is.
Use a saw to cut your bottom board.The board should be inside the box.Attach the bottom board through the sides of the box with a drill and screws.This is only necessary if you plan to put the planter on a deck.
Step 7: There are holes in the box.
You can use your drill to create drainage holes in the bottom of the box by turning it over.Plants will develop diseases if they get soggy feet, meaning that their roots sit in very wet soil for too long.Adding a few more drainage holes is something that should be considered for a larger planter box.This is not necessary if your planter will be over soil.You can use flattened cardboard as the bottom of your box.
Step 8: A layer of nylon or vinyl is placed inside the planter.
The wood of your planter will be protected if you do this.The screen should be the same size as the board you used for the bottom of the planter.Attach it to the planter with some small nails.If your box has a bottom, make sure you drill drainage holes in the screen and bottom board.
Step 9: Any rough edges should be sanded.
It is not necessary to do this in order to give your box a nice finished look.The edges and corners of the box can be sanded with a piece of sandpaper.Run it along the sides of the boards.
Step 10: You can stain or paint the planter.
If you want to bring out the wood's colors, stain your planter or pick out paint that matches the decor of your home or backyard.cedar is a beautiful wood and you can leave it alone.If you treat the inside of your planter, it may cause problems with the soil and plants.To protect the wood, use a plastic liner.
Step 11: Add a thin layer of gravel and compost.
The gravel can be used to drain the planter box.The types of plants or flowers you want to add to your planter box will affect the type of soil or compost you use.
Step 12: You can add flowers, plants, or seeds.
Don't forget to drink water.You can add flowers and plants to a planter box by clicking here.