Planter From Pallet Timber

I wanted a planter so I could grow a few vegetables - as my new garden consists of concrete and very old shrubs. They were surprisingly expensive from a well-known seed supplier. So I decided to make my own for (almost) free, starting with a pallet. This is an ideal project for a novice woodworker like me - and I think the result is amazing!

Pallet timber - I used one smallish pallet, which yielded 9 slats, two of which had blocks attached - remove all the nails using a claw hammer

Scrap timber battens (2" by1")

Screws

Thick plastic sheet - I used two rubble sacks

Garden furniture paint or wood preservative

Pry bar (to dismantle pallet)

Claw hammer (to remove nails)

Jigsaw or handsaw

Impact driver or drill and screwdriver

Paintbrush

Staplegun

Craft knife

The base was made from two slats which had blocks attached, I used these as feet for the planter. I put a third slat in between, then attached two battens to hold the base together (see right of first photo).

The long sides were made from two slats each, which I joined onto the corner battens first (see second photo). Then I attached the side to the base.

To make the short sides I cut two slats in half to make four short pieces. These were screwed onto the base and the corner battens. So I ended up with a rectangular box.

I used some garden furniture paint I had around. I gave the entire box (including underneath) a coat of paint, then put a second coat on the outside and top edges. You could use wood preservative instead, but the paint made it look smart.

I lined the planter with two opened-out rubble sacks to hold the compost and protect the wood. I used a staple gun to staple the plastic to the base and sides, then trimmed the top edge off with a craft knife. Don't forget to make some drainage holes in the base.

Here it is, filled with compost and planted with lettuce, carrot and leek plants.