Upcycled crate

DIY project from NZ Gardener magazine

Rose Hughes’ latest project gives an old wooden crate a charming second life.

Make an hanging planter from a wooden box

You will need

Old wooden box or crate
Nails
Handsaw
Drill / drill bits
Fine sandpaper
4 x 22mm (or similar) hooks

2.5m x 16mm chain
Black polythene
Staple gun and staples
Potting mix and plants
Resene test pots
Paintbrushes

Cost: $20 excluding crate, paint and plants.

How to make an upcycled planter box

Step one
Mark and cut the box down to size if required. I had an old wooden nail box and cut it down to 120mm high using a handsaw. I used spare timber from the sides to repair the bottom boards. Drill drainage holes in the base.

Step two
You can leave the box as it is or paint it. I found an image online and traced it onto one side of the box. I used Resene Half Spanish White for the background and Dynamite, Waiouru and Black for the detail. Allow to dry thoroughly and sand to recreate a vintage look

Step three
Attach a hook in each corner making sure they are screwed into solid timber. Cut the chain to length and attach to the hooks.

Step four
Line with polythene, poking holes for drainage. Plant up and hang.

Photos: Rose Hughes

› Download a PDF of this project

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