Wood Planter Patterns

Question:

Hardiness Zone:

Nicole from Canada

Answer:

Here are a few good websites for wooden planters and other do-it-yourself garden projects:

• http://www.woodworkersworkshop.com/resources/index.php?cat=449
• http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/article.asp?article_id=60254
• http://www.doityourself.com/stry/buildplanterintro

My advice would be to select long-lasting wood that is known to be rot resistant. Redwood and Cedar both tend to resist rotting better than other woods, they don't require painting and they continue to look attractive as they weather. Scraps of these woods (5/4 decking boards) are also readily available (and usually at a low cost) at most lumber yards because they are popular choices for decking. If using other woods, use non-toxic stains, paints or water-proofers to help extend the life of the wood. Avoid pressure treated woods, as they contain arsenic and other toxins that can leech into your plant's soil and they are not biodegradable. For freestanding planters, consider attaching casters to the bottoms. The planters will need to be elevated for drainage anyway and casters will make them easier to move around for capturing sun and cleaning up.

Ellen