Recycle a Box Into a Planter

Pam Smith
by Pam Smith
5 Materials
$15
2 Days
Medium

Here is one project I was able to complete this summer. My husband brought this big box home from work. It took me a bit to figure out how to recycle it into something useful, but I finally did. I knew it would be a great planter for the back yard.

The first thing I did was to remove any nails and stickers. I then patched the holes where the nails had been.

I painted all the edges of the box, the ends, and the top of the inside with white paint. I knew I was going to cover up the middle sections on the sides with wood, so I didn’t worry about the middle.

Once the paint was dry, I drilled two holes in both ends of the box.

I ran rope through the holes and tied knots on the inside.

I found a bunch of pieces of scrap wood and cut them all the same length. I painted them with all the different colors I already had in my garage. Then I sanded them a bit to give them a worn look.

I laid the pieces out to make sure they would be randomly placed and then nailed them on both sides of the box.

I didn’t want all the dirt and water to rot the wood, so I cut a piece of plastic to line the box with. It took two of us, but we stapled the plastic to the inside of the box. I don’t have a picture, but I filled the bottom of the box with plastic bottles and then filled the rest with potting soil.

Next I filled it with some plants and a few other decorations.

Pieces of driftwood, seashells and rocks fill in some of the empty spaces until the plants start to grow.

I like adding a few special touches to my patio and enjoy spending time out here! I have more ideas on my blog. Please come by for a visit!

Suggested materials:
  • Wood box
  • Paint
  • Scrap wood
See all materials
Pam Smith
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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