Creating a pallet garden

PLANTS

•  Plants

MATERIALS

•  Outdoor container mix

•  Pallet

•  Weed mat

•  Staples

•  Galvanised screws

TOOLS

•  Garden gloves

•  Mask

•  Garden hand tools

•  Staple gun

•  Drill

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 veges or herbs, choose plants that are quick-growing and shallow rooted. Salad greens and herbs like coriander, basil and chives are good (for pallets made from untreated timber) — 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. Pre-drill holes to avoid any splitting.

•   Line each row with weed mat — this will 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 is 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.