How to Make a Pallet Garden

Use the space you have on hand, recycle stuff that’s free and grow a garden. This DIY vertical planter project is the perfect solution for a hard to fill space.

It’s also a better design. In part because you’re filling only the pockets you’re planting with soil, not the entire pallet. The method I use means your finished project is lighter and easier to support and care for in the long run. Most pallet planter plans require you to fill the entire structure with soil, imagine how heavy they become.

Plus it will look amazing when finished. So, let’s get started.

Make your garden with just 8 supplies:

• Landscape fabric. You can find this at your hardware store or here: Easy Gardener 21041MJ 3-Foot by 50-Foot 15 Year Landscape Fabric
• A screw gun and screws. Again, find these things are your hardware store, borrow from a friend or here: Makita LXFD01CW 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-Inch Driver-Drill Kit
• A staple gun. You need one that is strong enough to staple into wood but on the smaller side so it can reach into tight spaces. Borrow or keep one on hand for future projects. I have this one: Stanley TR45K Light Duty Staple Gun Kit
• Exacto knife or scissors for cutting the landscape fabric.
• Choose soil that is suited for what you’re planting. I’m using a mix of coconut coir, for increased water retention, and potting soil. If you’re growing succulents, use a cactus mix and if you’re growing veggies consider adding worm castings and even a bit of composted chicken manure or an organic, balanced fertilizer to your planting mix. I like the coir bricks that come in smaller sizes like this: Plant!t JSCCB Coco Coir Chip Brick set of 3
• Find a pallet nearly anywhere. Once you start looking you’ll start seeing them every where you go. Ask and ye shall receive.
• Plants, preferably smaller stature plants with shallow roots. But, as always, grow what you love.
• *Optional, a saw. I ran a circular saw down mine to cut it in half.

Once you’ve gathered your supplies and cleared your schedule for about 20 minutes you’re ready to build, plant and grow your garden. Follow the steps demonstrated in the video and you’re on your way.