If you’re looking for a creative and inexpensive way to add some greenery to your home or garden, a vertical pallet planter might be just what you need. This DIY project is a great way to upcycle an old pallet and turn it into a beautiful planter that can hold a variety of plants. 
To get started, you’ll need to find a pallet and sand it down to remove any rough edges. Once you’ve sanded it, you can paint or stain it to match your personal style. Then, it’s time to create the planting pockets. There are a few different methods you can use to create these pockets, including using a pocket tray or creating your own using simple shelving. Once you’ve created the pockets, you can fill them with soil and plants of your choice. With a little bit of creativity and some basic DIY skills, you can create a beautiful and functional vertical pallet planter that will add some greenery to any space. Whether you’re looking to grow herbs, vegetables, or flowers, this project is a great way to get started. So why not give it a try and see what you can create?
Choosing the Right Pallet
When it comes to choosing the right pallet for your vertical pallet planter, there are a few things to consider. First, make sure that the pallet is in good condition and has not been treated with any harmful chemicals. You can check the pallet for markings that indicate it has been treated with chemicals, such as “MB” for methyl bromide. If you are unsure, it is best to avoid using that pallet. Next, consider the size of the pallet. A standard pallet is 48 inches by 40 inches, but you can also find smaller or larger pallets. The size of your pallet will determine how many plants you can fit in your planter and how much soil you will need. Another thing to consider is the type of wood used to make the pallet. Hardwoods like oak and maple are more durable and will last longer, but they can also be more difficult to work with. Softwoods like pine and spruce are easier to work with but may not last as long. Finally, think about the design of the pallet. Some pallets have wide slats that make it easy to attach planters, while others have narrower slats that may require more work to attach planters. Additionally, some pallets have a solid bottom, which can make it difficult to add drainage holes for your plants. Overall, choosing the right pallet is an important first step in creating a successful vertical pallet planter. By considering factors like the condition, size, type of wood, and design of the pallet, you can ensure that your planter is both functional and attractive.
Preparing the Pallet
Before starting the construction of a vertical pallet planter, it is important to prepare the pallet properly. This includes cleaning and sanding the wood to ensure it is ready for use.
Cleaning the Pallet
The first step in preparing a pallet for use as a planter is to clean it thoroughly. This is important to remove any dirt, debris, or chemicals that may be present on the wood. Here are the steps I follow to clean a pallet:
- Remove any nails or staples that may be sticking out of the wood.
- Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the pallet, paying special attention to the corners and crevices.
- Rinse the pallet with a hose or pressure washer, making sure to remove all dirt and debris.
- Allow the pallet to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Sanding the Pallet
Once the pallet is clean and dry, it is time to sand it. Sanding is important to smooth out the rough edges and splinters that may be present on the wood. Here are the steps I follow to sand a pallet:
- Start with a coarse grit sandpaper (such as 60-grit) to remove any rough spots or splinters.
- Switch to a finer grit sandpaper (such as 120-grit) to smooth out the wood and prepare it for staining or painting.
- Sand the entire pallet, paying special attention to the edges and corners.
- Wipe down the pallet with a damp cloth to remove any sawdust or debris.
By following these steps to clean and sand the pallet, you can ensure that it is ready for use in your vertical pallet planter project.
Constructing the Planter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgbDYq22-Yk&embed=true
Cutting the Pallet
To begin constructing the vertical pallet planter, I first need to cut the pallet into various pieces. I used a reciprocating saw to cut the pallet into three sections: the top section, the bottom section, and the middle section. The top section was cut to a length of 12 inches, the middle section to a length of 24 inches, and the bottom section to a length of 36 inches. Once I had the pieces cut, I sanded down any rough edges to ensure they were smooth and safe to handle.
Assembling the Planter
With the pieces cut and sanded, I began assembling the planter. I started by attaching the bottom section to the middle section using screws and a drill. I made sure to pre-drill holes to prevent the wood from splitting. Next, I attached the top section to the middle section in the same manner. Once all three sections were securely attached, I added a piece of landscape fabric to the back of each section to prevent soil from falling out. To finish the planter, I added a layer of gravel to the bottom section to aid in drainage, then filled each section with potting soil. I planted my desired plants in each section and watered them thoroughly. And there you have it, a simple and affordable way to create a vertical pallet planter for your garden or home.
Planting and Maintenance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtk3evuxm8o&embed=true
Choosing the Plants
When choosing plants for your vertical pallet planter, consider the amount of sunlight and shade the planter will receive. Select plants that are appropriate for the amount of light they will receive. You can choose a variety of annual edible flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Some good options for edible flowers include nasturtium, pansy, and pot marigold. For herbs, consider lemon verbena, rosemary, and thyme. For fruits and vegetables, you can choose strawberries, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Planting the Plants
Before planting your plants, make sure the pallet planter is securely mounted to a wall or fence. Fill the pockets with multipurpose potting compost, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Arrange your plants in the pockets, making sure to space them out evenly. Once you have arranged your plants, fill in any gaps with additional compost.
Watering and Fertilizing
Water your plants regularly, making sure not to overwater or underwater them. The amount of water your plants need will depend on their specific needs, so be sure to research the watering requirements for each plant. You can also fertilize your plants with a slow-release fertilizer or by adding compost to the soil. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer or compost packaging. By following these simple steps, you can create a beautiful and functional vertical pallet planter that will provide you with fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs all season long.
