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Note: This section is now in the archives and the advice service has finished but feel welcome to look over these previously posted questions and answers.
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Question:
Hi, I was curious to find out what would be necessary to make plant holders out of wooden boxes -Nail boxes with the name Hurricane stamped over them, nails and the nail measurements.Had for years and I thought they would be a little different if used as planters! Also could you use leather cases for planting?
Would very much appreciate some advice and perhaps the steps to obtain this.
Thanking you. Jan F.
Answer:
Nail boxes and other wooden containers make ideal planter boxes - there are just two things which have you have to bear in mind -
As with any container, there needs to be adequate drainage, so first thing is to drill several holes in the base - not too large or the potting mix will escape (I would say no bigger than 1cm in diameter). It's a good idea to decide what plant you will be growing in the container, as their water requirements may vary. (Cacti, for instance, like dry, well drained soil conditions, so it might be a good idea to drill a few extra holes!)
Once the drainage is sorted, then the wooden box needs water-proofing. There are a number of products on the market, but I have found the best range to be produced by 'Kiwicare' (available at all major hardware stores.) As well as clear wood sealers, they do one especially for terracotta - which I have used on numerous occasions.
Follow the directions carefully, making sure that both the insides and outsides of the wooden boxes are completely sealed (especially where the drainage holes have been drilled and around the wood joints). Once the sealant has had time to properly dry the container can be filled with a suitable potting mix (never use ordinary garden soil) and planted up with your chosen plants.
As with the leather containers, I would say, give it a go. Although not as sturdy as wood, as long as the leather is properly sealed against water (again, use the right 'Kiwicare' product), and avoid placing in extreme sunlight (to prevent possible UV damage), I can't see why the leather containers shouldn't look great!
In the past I have used all manner of objects to create unusual planters, from an old metal hat-tin to an enamel tea-pot - again, the only two points to remember are drainage holes and weatherproofing! Consider too customising ordinary terracotta pots with a good quality exterior paint (waterproofing the inside first with the above sealer).
Lastly, I always advise raising the base of planters slightly to allow for proper drainage. This can be done with specially purchased terracotta 'feet' - or just four small flat pebbles placed at each corner.
Good luck!
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