Pretty pallets

Flowers on a box made of wooden palLet

A pallet garden is easy to make and looks really effective hanging on a fence in the backyard, or simply sitting on a patio. Pallets are pretty easy to get hold of (for free) and look great with just about anything planted in them, whether it be succulents, flowers or herbs and veges.

If you’re short on space for a garden, then why not up-cycle an old pallet and create a vertical garden. Pallets are pretty easy to get hold of, and you can grow a lot of different plants in them. This guide will show you how to build and plant your very own pallet garden.

TIMING

You can build a pallet garden any time you want. But what you decide to plant in it will depend on the season.

It’s also really important to note that because pallets are usually made from treated timber, you don’t want to be growing any edible plants - due to all the nasty chemicals. If you’re wanting to do that – then you’ll need to source a pallet made with untreated timber.

LOCATION

Fix your pallet garden on any wall or vertical area – but take into account what you’re growing in it, and how much sun your plants will require.

PLANT TYPE

If you’re growing veggies or herbs, choose plants that are quick-growing, and shallow-rooted. Salad greens, and herbs like coriander, basil and chives are good, as are flowers like marigolds and lobelia, for colour.

In this guide, we’re planting succulents.

PREPARE PALLET

Create pockets to plant into by screwing a base of timber or plywood to each row. Predrill holes to avoid any splitting.

Line each row with weed mat — this’ll help keep the soil and moisture in.

Use a staple gun to secure your lining to the pallet and trim away any excess with a craft knife.

If you’re wanting to paint your pallet – now’s the time to do that.

Fix your pallet to your wall or fence before planting.

PLANTING

Fill pallet section with some outdoor container mix. Don’t fill it to the top, as you’ll have soil from the plants as well.

Dig small holes, position each plant, and firmly press the soil around each plant.

WATERING AND FEEDING

Water and feed according to your plant type.