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Railing planters

To gain extra growing space, hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing.

How to make railing planters
As seen in kiwigardener

You will need

Materials:

  • 150mm x 25mm macrocarpa cut to the following lengths:
    • 900mm (x 2) for the side panels
    • 850mm (x 1) for the base
    • 200mm (x 2) for the end pieces
  • 800mm x 75mm x 25mm timber batten
  • Potting mix
  • Resene FX Blackboard Paint
  • Screws
  • Selection of plants (we planted lettuce strawberries, primulas and herbs)
  • Weed mat

Tools:

  • Chalk
  • Drill
  • Paintbrush
  • Saw
  • Scissors
  • Staple gun
  • Tape measure

French cleat:  This method of hanging a planter provides secure support, can be used almost anywhere and means the planters can easily be lifted off for repotting.

Here's another idea:  To hang planters over metal/thin railings, attach hook brackets to the back instead of using the French cleat so you can hang planters over the rail.

Instructions

How to build railing planters:

How to make a railing planter - Step 1 Step one
Create each planter by screwing the end pieces onto each end of the macrocarpa base timber. Then, screw the side panels to the long sides of the base and the affixed end pieces to form the planter. Repeat to create as many planters as you require. (If you have one, you can also use a nail gun to attach the planter timber together.)


How to make a railing planter - Step 2 Step two
Paint a large brush stroke onto the front of each planter using Resene FX Blackboard Paint and allow to dry.


How to make a railing planter - Step 3 Step three
Drill drainage holes in the base of each planter. Cut the weed mat to size using scissors and staple the weed mat to the inside of each planter to stop the soil falling through.


How to make a railing planter - Step 4 Step four
Cut the timber batten(s) in half lengthways at 45 degrees, as shown.


How to make a railing planter - Step 5 Step five
To hang each planter, you will use a method called the ‘French cleat’. Screw the cut batten halves into position on your fence or railing, cut side up and facing in, as shown.


How to make a railing planter - Step 6 Step six
Screw the other halves of each batten to the back of each planter, cut side down and facing in, as shown.


How to make a railing planter - Step 7 Step seven
Hang the planter(s) in place, slotting the two battens together, as shown.


How to make a railing planter - Step 8 Step eight
Fill each planter with potting mix and plant your selection of plants. Water well.


How to make a railing planter - Step 9 Step nine
Use chalk to label your planters.

Words and photos by Klaudia Krupa

 

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