Christmas Gift Idea: DIY Planter Box
What you will need. • 5 pieces of wood: 2 measuring 5-1/2" x 5-1/2" (end pieces); 2 measuring 20" x 5-1/2" (sides); and 1 measuring 18-1/2" x 5-1/2"(bottom) • wood glue • finishing nails • metal clips • hammer • two clamps • neon spray paint • extra finishing nails for reinforcement • waterproofing tape, such as Tyvek
Step 1: Lay the bottom piece of wood (the 18-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ piece) on a work surface and apply a small bead of wood glue all away around the edges. Adhere one of the side pieces (20″ x 5-1/2″) to the bottom, lining it up in the center. This will leave 3/4″ overhang on each end.
Step 2: Place a small bead of wood glue down the side of one of the end pieces (5-1/2″ x 5-1/2″) and adhere it onto the bottom and side piece, creating a corner. Repeat this step on the other end of the planter. Place a small bead of wood glue onto both the final side pieces and end pieces and press gently to complete the box.
Step 3: While the glue is still a little bit wet, shift your box as needed to ensure the pieces match up how you want them. 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. When dry, use a few finishing nails on each corner to reinforce the box.
Step 4: Use a pencil to mark where you will attach the clips. Once you have them marked as desired, gently hammer a nail, letting it poke out a bit for the clip to slide onto.
Step 5: We painted the clips with neon spray paint suitable for metal. Then we used trimmed card stock to write the names of the herbs in the box.
Step 6: (Optional) You can line the box with waterproof tape or plastic. This will keep your box from excessive warping if you are planting items that need regular watering.
