This DIY Pallet Planter will be the talk of the neighborhood. It’s easier than you think, so scroll down for the full tutorial and let’s get started!

This easy DIY Pallet Planter is a beautiful way to add a pop of color to your yard and it really makes a bold statement. We chose a bright paint color, and cheerful blooms to help dress up our outdoor living space. I really love the way it came out. 

Using old pallets to create beautiful and functional decor might be one of my favorite things to do!  (Have you seen my DIY Pool Pallet Storage?)  I made this planter a few years ago, and it has held up really well, which is saying something since it has had to endure New England winters!  However, it is now 3 years old and will need a little touch up on the paint this year.

Is pallet wood safe for a garden?

Some pallets may be treated with chemicals which can leach into the soil. It is important to know what to look for to ensure you’re using a safe pallet.

Pallets now require an IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) logo which certifies that the pallet was heat-treated or fumigated with Methyl Bromide. If you see MB on the pallet, do not use it! It means it was treated with Methyl Bromide.  If you don’t see an IPPC logo then you know not to use it.

Basically, this what you want to look for:

• HT marking (heat treated)
• clean pallet with no spills or stains

You may also see a DB marking but that means that the wood was debarked and it has no impact on the safety of the pallet. 

What kind of plants work best?

I used calibrachoa in this planter. I love the variety of colors, but you can use any sprawling flower.  Here are my favorites to use:

• calibracho
• petunia
• lobeli

If you choose to add more than one type of plant, be sure that they are compatible in the amount of sun and water they each prefer.

Can I plant herbs or vegetables in a pallet planter?

If you keep the pallet somewhat upright like I show here, it’s a bit more difficult to grow herbs or vegetables, although thyme, oregano and other legging plants will work alright.  Instead, use this as a raised bed and lay it flat to plant peppers, basil, strawberries, or rosemary for instance.

DIY Pallet Planter

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Materials:

• pallet
• hammer and 1/2″ nails or heavy duty stapler
• screw gun and 1/2″ screws
• scissors
• plywood for backing
• outdoor spray paint such as Krylon Colormaster Indoor/Outdoor Aerosol Paint Satin
• top soil and plants*

*The amount of soil and plants you will need will depend on the size of your pallet.

Directions:

• Remove every other slat on the pallet to make more room for planting. (Skip this step if you’re planting very small plants).
• Remove or pound in any loose nails and discard.
• Secure the landscaping paper to the back of the pallet using nails or heavy duty stapler.
• Add a thin sheet of plywood to the back of the pallet and secure with screws.

• Position the pallet on top of two saw horses. Brush off any dirt to prepare it for painting.
• Spray paint and let dry. Repeat a second coat if needed.

• Fill the pallet with top soil.
• Plant the flowers and let the garden settle for 24 hours before moving.
• Using two people (this will be heavy!), move the pallet into position, tilted against a secure wall or fence.
• Water as needed and enjoy!

If you make your own, we’d love to see it! Tag @jugglingactmama on Instagram with the hashtag #DIYPalletPlanter.

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