What size wooden planter is best for beginners?

For beginners, a small to medium-sized planter (around 4' x 2') is ideal as it's easier to manage and doesn't require as much material. The size of your planter should allow for about an inch of space around the roots, giving them ample room to grow without drowning in excess soil. This size is suitable for growing a variety of herbs, flowers, or vegetables.

What type of wood should I use for my garden planter?

The best wood options are naturally weather-resistant types like cedar or redwood because they contain oils that preserve the wood's quality and resist rot. Pressure-treated wood is also an option but lining it with plastic is recommended to prevent chemicals from leaching into the soil. Using constructional timber suitable for outdoor use is also a good option.

Do wooden garden planters need drainage?

Yes, drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Ensure your planter has drainage holes; a few 1/4 inch holes for a small planter, or several larger holes for bigger planters, will suffice. You can also add a layer of gravel at the bottom to improve drainage.

What are some easy plants to grow in a wooden planter for beginners?

Easy options include herbs like mint, basil, and rosemary, which are relatively low-maintenance. Vegetables like lettuce, radishes, and tomatoes are also good choices. Flowers like petunias, violas, and pansies are easy to plant in your wooden planter.

How do I protect my wooden planter from rotting?

Use weather-resistant wood, apply a sealant or stain designed for outdoor use, and ensure proper drainage. Regularly remove debris, such as leaves or dirt, and ensure proper drainage, and consider lining the planter with plastic to further protect the wood from moisture.

DIY Wood Planter

By Home Sidekick Team May 24, 2025 9 min read 1896 words

woodworkingplantergardeningDIYoutdoorcontainer gardenbeginner project

DIY Wood Planter: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Own Garden Oasis

There's something incredibly rewarding about growing your own plants, whether it's vibrant flowers, delicious herbs, or fresh vegetables. And what better way to showcase your green thumb than with a custom-built wooden planter? Not only are wooden planters aesthetically pleasing, adding a touch of rustic charm to any space, but they are also a fun and relatively simple DIY project, perfect for beginner woodworkers and seasoned gardeners alike. This guide will walk you through the process of building your own wooden planter, from selecting the right materials to planting your favorite flora.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and create a beautiful and functional addition to your home or garden!

Planning Your Wooden Planter

Before you start cutting wood, careful planning is essential. Consider the following factors to ensure your planter meets your needs and complements your space:

Size and Dimensions

Plant Type: What do you plan to grow? Different plants have different space requirements. Herbs and succulents need smaller planters, while vegetables like tomatoes or larger flowers need more room for their root systems.
Location: Where will your planter be placed? Measure the space to ensure the planter fits comfortably. Consider the height as well – a taller planter might be easier to tend to.
Weight: Remember that soil, water, and plants can get heavy! Consider the weight capacity of your deck, balcony, or wherever you plan to place the planter. You may need to build the planter in situ if it will be too heavy or too large to move after construction.

Actionable Advice: Sketch out your planter design with dimensions before buying any materials. This will help you visualize the final product and avoid costly mistakes.

Choosing the Right Wood

The type of wood you select significantly impacts the longevity and appearance of your planter. Here are some popular choices:

Cedar: A naturally durable wood, cedar is resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation due to its natural oils and tannins. It's lightweight, doesn't crack easily, and can last between 10-15 years. Cedar is a favored choice because it doesn't necessarily need to be stained or sealed.
Redwood: Similar to cedar, redwood is naturally rot-resistant and has increased longevity. Redwood is known to last up to 20 years. However, it can be more expensive.
Pressure-Treated Pine: This is a budget-friendly option that has been chemically treated to resist rot and insects. However, if you plan to grow edible plants, consider lining the planter with plastic to prevent chemicals from leaching into the soil.
Cypress: Another durable option that's naturally resistant to decay. Other suitable options include Teak, Accoya and Yellow Balau.
Reclaimed Wood: For a rustic and eco-friendly option, consider using reclaimed wood. This could be anything from old pallets to repurposed decking.

Research: Cedar and redwood are favored due to their durability and natural resistance to decay [3]. Pressure-treated wood is an affordable alternative, but consider using a liner, especially for edible plants [3].

Tip: Consider using constructional timber suitable for outdoor use [1].

Tools and Materials Checklist

Having the right tools and materials on hand will make the building process much smoother. Here's a comprehensive list:

Wood: Based on your chosen dimensions and wood type.
Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements.
Saw: A circular saw or hand saw for cutting the wood. A miter saw is useful for accurate angle cuts [1].
Drill: With drill bits for creating pilot holes and driving screws.
Screws: Exterior-grade wood screws, 1 1/2" or 2" recommended. Get non-rusting screws that are rated for exterior use to prevent rust stains [10].
Wood Glue: Waterproof exterior wood glue for added strength.
Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes from flying debris.
Work Gloves: To protect your hands.
Sandpaper: For smoothing rough edges (optional).
Wood Preservative, Stain, or Paint: To protect and enhance the wood's appearance (optional).
Landscape Fabric or Plastic Sheeting: To line the planter and protect the wood from moisture. Plastic sheeting works well to protect the wood [1].
Staple Gun: To secure the liner (if using).
Level: To ensure the planter is level.
Wood filler: For filling any cracks [24].

Tip: A right angle adapter may be needed for some planters [2].

Building Your Wooden Planter: Step-by-Step

Now that you have your plan and materials, it's time to start building! Here's a general step-by-step guide. Remember to adjust the measurements based on your specific design.

Step 1: Cutting the Wood

Measure and cut all the wood pieces according to your plan. Try to cut the ends as squarely as possible to get a smooth finish on your planter [1]. It is important that all pieces match perfectly [5].

Tip: If you're buying wood at a home improvement store, they can often cut it for you in-store (restrictions may apply). Also, create a cut list to reduce waste [8].

Step 2: Assembling the Sides

Apply wood glue to the edges of the side pieces and clamp them together. Then, drill pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting and screw the pieces together. Assemble the sides of the first layer of the frame, butting the small pieces of wood up to the long pieces [1]. Use a set square to ensure the joints are square, then attach the pieces with screws [1].

Step 3: Attaching the Bottom

Cut the base pieces to the appropriate lengths to cover the base of the frame, then attach them with screws [1]. Insert batoning timber where required, then simply attach the base material to the top of the batons [6]. Ensure there are gaps or holes for water drainage to prevent root rot [6].

Tip: You can use gravel boards for the cladding [8].

Step 4: Adding Drainage Holes

Drill drainage holes in the bottom of the planter. This is crucial to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Space the holes evenly [10].

Step 5: Sanding and Finishing (Optional)

Sand any rough edges or surfaces for a smoother finish. Apply a wood preservative, stain, or paint to protect the wood from the elements and enhance its appearance. Sanding isn't vital, but it gives your planter a nice finish and will prevent splinters [1].

Research: Wood oils nourish and seal the surface protecting the timber from the inside out [24].

Step 6: Lining the Planter

Line the inside of the planter with landscape fabric or plastic sheeting. This will protect the wood from moisture and prevent soil from seeping out. Use a staple gun to secure the liner in place. First, line the bottom with some galvanized steel mesh, to keep dirt from falling out of the gaps in the bottom if the plastic breaks [5].

Tip: For a cheaper alternative, you could use an empty compost bag [1].

Choosing the Right Soil and Planting

With your planter built, it's time to focus on the soil and planting.

Selecting the Right Soil

Don't use garden soil in your planter! It's too heavy and doesn't drain well in containers. Instead, use a quality potting mix that is light and fluffy [35]. Potting soils are formulated specifically for containers [17]. A local garden or home center carries numerous brands and types of potting soil [32].

Look for a potting soil made up of peat moss, pine bark and perlite or vermiculite [35].

Peat moss helps hold water moisture and improves aeration [32].
Perlite and Vermiculite add air space to the soil for better root health and are essential for improving drainage in your gardening containers [32].
Compost provides organic material for your plants containing essential nutrients [32].

Research: Container soil drains more quickly than in-ground soil [15].

Planting Your Garden

Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Water in the morning and near the roots rather than directly over the foliage of the plants [4].
Fertilizing: Container plants need regular fertilization. Use a slow-release fertilizer at planting time and supplement with a liquid fertilizer every few weeks [16].
Sunlight: Place your planter in a location that provides the appropriate amount of sunlight for your chosen plants. Plants that require a lot of sun should receive at least six hours of sunlight a day, so should be placed in a south- or west-facing location [16].

Tip: Place plants with similar needs together [15].

Maintaining Your Wooden Planter

Proper maintenance will extend the life of your wooden planter and keep your plants thriving.

Regular Watering: Check the soil moisture regularly, especially during hot weather. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Fertilizing: Continue fertilizing throughout the growing season.
Pruning: Trim back any dead or overgrown foliage.
Protecting the Wood: Reapply wood preservative, stain, or paint every year or two, as needed.
Winterizing: In colder climates, consider moving your planter to a sheltered location or wrapping it in burlap to protect it from freezing temperatures.

Tip: Snip off spent flowers and unsightly foliage [11].

Conclusion

Building your own DIY wood planter is a rewarding project that adds beauty and functionality to your home or garden. By following these steps and tips, you can create a custom planter that perfectly suits your needs and showcases your gardening skills. Now that you've completed your planter, consider these next steps:

Experiment with Different Designs: Try building planters of various shapes and sizes.
Explore Different Wood Finishes: Explore different stains, paints, and wood preservatives to achieve unique looks.
Share Your Creation: Share photos of your DIY wood planter with friends and family, and inspire them to create their own!

Happy planting!