How to build a vertical planter

This upright planter is ideal for where space is limited, or as a wall of planting on a deck or patio.

Build a vertical planter

As seen in kiwigardener

You will need: 1.8m treated fence palings (x 7), 8g x 65mm exterior screws, coarse sandpaper, drill with 10mm drill bit, offcut of fence paling, paint stirrer, paintbrush, pencil, Resene Waterborne Woodsman tinted to Resene Limed Gum, saw, screwdriver, tape measure.

Top tip: For safety reasons, ensure the unit is securely fixed into its final position at the base and sides to prevent it from blowing over in strong wind.

To get the look: Mark filled the planter boxes with good quality potting mix and planted them with a selection of spring colour including cyclamens, pansies and marigolds.

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Instructions

 
Step 1 Step one
Measure and mark five of the fence palings into equal 600mm lengths.
Step 2 Step two
Use the back of the saw, as shown, to rule perpendicular cutting lines.
Step 3 Step three
Using each pencil line as a guide, cut the fence palings into the 600mm sections.
Step 4 Step four
Assemble these sections to form five planter boxes, as shown, fixing with 65mm screws.
Step 5 Step five
Drill 10mm drainage holes in the bottom of each planter box.
Step 6 Step six
On a flat surface, fix the first of the planter boxes to the two remaining fence palings – use an offcut of fence paling to ensure the bottom box is raised approximately 20mm from the base of the two side palings. Fix with 65mm screws.
Step 7 Step seven
Fix the second planter box into position with 65mm screws, ensuring it’s spaced approximately 180mm from the first box.
Step 8 Step eight
Repeat step seven with the third box.
Step 9 Step nine
Repeat step seven with the fourth box.
Step 10 Step ten
Repeat step seven with the fifth box.
Step 11 Step eleven
Sand the unit with coarse sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
Step 12 Step twelve
Carefully stir the Resene Waterborne Woodsman tinted to Resene Limed Gum.
Step 13 Step Thirteen
Apply one coat of Resene Waterborne Woodsman tinted to Resene Limed Gum to the unit and allow to dry.
Step 14 Step Fourteen
Apply a second coat of Resene Waterborne Woodsman tinted to Resene Limed Gum to the unit and allow to dry.
Finished planter detail Detail of finished planter box.

Words & photos Mark Rayner

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