As the days grow longer and the afternoon becomes perfect for outdoor time, revisiting your garden and sprucing up the backyard fall into the natural order of summer weekends. Repurposing, up-cycling and turning the vintage into the ultra awesome are all the rage these days, so why not take that theme to the garden with your very own repurposed herb pallet garden?
DIY Herb Pallet Garden
1 hour project
Materials Needed
- Pallet
- Herb plants (whichever you like best)
- Potting soil
- Water
- Drill
- Screws
- Safety glasses
- Worm clamps
- Flat head screw driver
- Small shovel
- Paint/stain, if desired
- Hanging signs
- Chalk pen
- Tacks
Getting Started
Wooden pallets can be found around small businesses, grocery stores, restaurants and the like. They are pretty easy to spot, and they can generally be found near dumpsters or by loading docks. Always ask before taking, but generally stores are happy for you to take them off their hands.
Check for Chemical Exposure
According to Naturalnews.com, some U.S. pallets may be treated with methyl bromide, which is used as a “fumigate to control fungi, nematodes and weeds.” Pesticides can have negative effects on humans and plants alike, so if you see the letters “MB” on your pallets, discard them appropriately with waste authorities, and wash your hands. Make sure your pallets have an “HT” stamp, which indicates that they are heat treated.
Once you have your selected pallet, decide whether you are going to create a vertical or horizontal garden.
Steps
1. If you are going to paint/stain the pallet, do this first. Let dry.
2. Stand pallet up, and (with a pencil) draw a small circle where you think you would like your pots to be. Stand back and take a good look at the placement to make sure you approve of the setup. This can be as creative as you want — just make sure to give your plants room to breathe and grow.
3. Pot your plants.
4. Unscrew worm clamp, so it is open. This is easily done with a flat head screwdriver
5. With the pallet lying on the ground, carefully drill your screw into the worm clamp where you drew the circle. It will go in easily, but do it carefully and with safety goggles on.
6. Once attached, screw the clamp back together. Keep it loose.
7. Once you have all your clamps in place and reattached, stand your pallet up.
8. Carefully place pots one-by-one in desired spaces, tightening clamps as you go along to secure the pots.
9. Use your chalk pen to label your tags. Attach to pallet with decorative tack.
10. Place in sun or desired spot and enjoy.
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