DIY New Planter

On our patio are two old and decrepit planters. They are falling apart and too rotten to mend so we decided to replace them. Over the glorious weekend I set about building a new one from scratch. With a length of 2x2, two decking boards cut in half for the sides and a sheet of plywood I was ready for action.

Getting things set out

Four lengths of 2x2 were sawn to join the decking boards at the corners, with the screws offset from each other on each side. After a while I had the main frame completed. This proved a little more tricky than it looked as it was quite hard making sure everything lined up straight. The paved patio is not perfectly level so I couldn't really use that to get square.

The outside frame is complete

Once the frame was done it was time to cut the sheet of plywood and screw it into place. Due to the dimensions of the board, there was a slight gap down the center but this was good as it will be used for drainage. Honestly, it was planned that way.

The plywood base is on

I cut the remaining length of 2x2 into 4, mitred at 45°. These were attached to the corners of the base. An additional length of spare plank was cut and added across the base to support the plywood. I also mixed up some PVA primer with water to make a sealant and coated the plywood and any cut surfaces of wood. Hopefully this will help extend the life of the planter.

Added feet to keep planter off the ground

The decking boards had been pre-treated with preservative so to stop whatever chemicals are in there from leeching out and potentially getting into the plants I lined the whole inside with plastic. I then made a few cuts in it to allow excess water to drain out. Hopefully the plastic will help retain water too.

Lined with plastic

So with the planter completed, I started to fill it with earth reclaimed from one of the others that was being replaced. After a few bucketfuls had gone in it dawned on me that I should put in in situ before filling it any more! I'd never be able to move the thing when full!

Nearly there - filled with earth

Once in place and filled I added some bonemeal and mixed it in well, then gave it a good soaking. Then it was off to the greenhouse to transfer some of the lettuces that had been growing. I also put in the bell peppers than needed a bigger home. Phew! So there it is, woodworking lesson #2. It looks great and I'm very pleased with it.

Done! Instant lettuces too!