Monday, August 27, 2012

DIY PLANTER BOX

Last week I gave you a sneak peak here to a project I recently did for the DIY Network. I had so much fun coming up with this project. It's useful and practical...two things I love in a DIY project. Read on for the full instructions.

Materials:
- 5 pieces of wood (maple shown here) (2 measuring 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" for the ends), (2 measuring 20" x 5 1/2" for the sides) and (1 measuring 18 1/2" x 5 1/2" for the bottom)
-wood glue
-3 small finishing nails
-3 metal clips
-hammer
-2 clamps
-neon spray paint
-extra finishing nails for reinforcement (not shown)
-waterproofing tape (not shown, optional)



STEP 1: Take the piece of wood that will be used for the bottom (measuring 18 1/2" x 5 1/2") and place a small bead of wood glue on all four sides. Lay it on your work surface. 

STEP 2: With one of the side pieces (measuring 20" x 5 1/2"), press it against the bottom, lining it up in the center. This will leave 3/4" overhang on each end. 



STEP 3: Place a small bead of wood glue down the side of one of the end pieces and press it onto the bottom and side piece, creating a corner. Repeat this step on the other end of the planter. 



STEP 4: With the final side pieces, place a small bead of wood glue on it, as well as the end pieces and press it gently to complete the box. While the glue is still a little bit wet, shift your box slightly to ensure the pieces match up how you want them. You will need to work rather quickly through this step before the glue dries.



STEP 5: Once your pieces are in place, use a clamp on each end to secure the box. Let the box dry for at least 12 hours. Once dry, I recommend using a couple of finishing nails on each corner to reinforce the box. (This step is not shown)


STEP 6: Using a pencil, mark where you would like your clips to go. For this box, I measured 1" down from the top opening and put one in the direct center (10" in from the end) and then split the difference for the two other clips on either side. Once you have them marked as desired, gently hammer in a nail, allowing it to poke out a bit for the clip to slide onto.



STEP 7: I spray painted the clips, using neon spray paint suitable for metal. With a couple quick coats and drying time, I was ready to customize the planter box. Using trimmed card stock, I wrote the names of the herbs I was going to plant and marked the spaces accordingly.



* If opting to use waterproofing tape, this is where you would line the inside of the box with it. This step will ensure your box will not warp over time. This step is recommended if you are planting items that require regular watering. 

STEP 8: Grab some potting soil and plant your favorite items in a row! Shown here are rosemary, basil and savory. 




I'm curious, what herbs would you plant to have handy in your kitchen for regular use? Right now, I can't get enough rosemary, especially on those little red potatoes. Yum!



12 comments:

  1. I love this! I've been planning on making a planter box for so long - rosemary, parsley and dill would be my top choices!

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    1. stephanie, i agree with you on dill. it's one of my favorites!

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  2. GIRL you never, ever cease to amaze me. Love this project, but love the way you presented/photographed it even more!!!!!! :)

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    1. rebecca, thank you!! you are awfully sweet. thank you for your ongoing support. i must give credit to my husband who is the most gracious, amazing photographer. i'm one lucky DIYer! :)

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  3. Does it need drainage holes? And did you put it on a tray to catch moisture/puddles?

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    1. holly, good point. if you plan on watering your items heavily, i would suggest drilling some holes for drainage. i plan to just spritz mine with a spray bottle of water, so i didn't drill extra holes in the bottom, nor did i see the need to place it on a tray to catch extra water. hope this helps!

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  4. this is freakin' rad. so are you!! amazing!

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    1. hi carissa. thank you so much! i just visited your blog...adorable. keep it up!

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  5. thanks, jami! :) and thanks for your sweet post about me today. hopefully it will inspire the world to become crafty like us.

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  6. Great idea Laura! Lovely to discover your blog :-)

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    1. thank you, caroline! i'm so grateful you have found some projects to love here. :)

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