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DIY: Planter box

<p>Whether you want to grow a herb garden or are looking for a nifty way to house a few flowering pots, planter boxes are a great way to present your greenery in a neat, space-saving and decorative manner. And the good news is, you can easily make a planter box yourself.</p> <p><strong>Supplies:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Cedar wood (at least 3mm thick)</li> <li>Jigsaw</li> <li>Galvanized screws</li> <li>Wood glue</li> <li>2 clamps</li> <li>Drill</li> <li>Primer</li> <li>Paint (colour of choice)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Instructions:</strong></p> <p>1. Depending on the space in which you want to place your planter box – be it a windowsill, table or wall outside, the best way to determine the length of your planter box is to match the width of the box to the width of the space you are making it for.</p> <p>2. With a jigsaw, cut three pieces of cedar approximately to the length and width you have measured. These pieces will form the base, front and back of your planter box. For the sides, cut two 20cm square pieces.

</p> <p>3. With the help of wood glue, assemble the planter box by fitting the pieces together in a rectangle shape. Use the clamps to hold together until dry.

</p> <p>4. Drill holes into the four corners and along the bottom of the front panel – making sure to drill right through to the bottom and side boards.

</p> <p>5. Insert the galvanized screws into the holes on the front, back and side boards.

</p> <p>6. Drill a few small holes into the bottom of your planter box to allow for adequate drainage which will help your plants to grow healthily.

</p> <p>7. To finish, apply a primer and either a wood stain or paint to the outside of the window box.</p> <p>Image: </p>

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DIY cubic planter tower

<p>Cool cacti and symmetric succulents are good choices for small pots and as easy-care indoor plants. They need little water and their chunky structural shapes are striking.</p> <p><strong>What you need:</strong></p> <ul> <li>9 pots – the ones used here come from EziBuy and are made of an artificial polymer cement</li> <li>Concrete primer (or similar)</li> <li>Masking tape</li> <li>Paint brush and small roller set</li> <li>Test pots in your choosen colours – we used Resene 'Black', 'White', 'Copper Fire', 'Bullion' and 'Silver Aluminium' and the relevant undercoats for each of the metallics.</li> <li>Concrete sealer (available in flat, satin or gloss)</li> <li>6 plastic pots of a suitable size for your plants</li> </ul> <p><strong>Method:</strong></p> <p><strong>Step 1:</strong> Mask the painted areas in your chosen design. </p> <p><strong>Step 2:</strong> The correct undercoat will depend on the composition of your pots (eg: For cement-based pots, use a concrete primer) </p> <p>Apply the undercoat using a small roller or brush, allow to dry. </p> <p><strong>Step 3:</strong> Top coat with your chosen colours. I used masking tape to create the striped effect.</p> <p><strong>Step 4:</strong> Allow to dry, carefully remove the masking tape. Coat with sealer to provide a more durable finish. </p> <p><em>Written by Rosie Hughes. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a></em>. <strong>Image credit: Rosie Hughes/Stuff.co.nz.</strong></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2017/01/diy-sprays-to-protect-your-roses-from-aphids/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>3 DIY sprays to protect your roses from aphids</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/12/how-overflowing-waste-affects-you-and-the-environment/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>How overflowing waste affects you and the environment</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/12/organic-gardening-myths/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>5 myths about organic gardening</strong></em></span></a></p>

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Tree stumps turned into beautiful planters

<p>Old tree stumps in the garden don’t have to be an eye sore; in fact, with a few simple steps, you can turn it into a rustic planter to be filled with beautiful flowers. Simply hollow out the stump, fill with compost, add plants and presto, you’ve got yourself a unique looking planter! If you need some inspiration, look no further than these impressively re-purposed tree stumps.</p> <p><img width="500" height="594" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9739/2_500x594.jpg" alt="2 (77)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><img width="500" height="470" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9740/3_500x470.jpg" alt="3 (73)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><img width="500" height="354" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9741/4_500x354.jpg" alt="4 (68)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><img width="500" height="513" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9742/5_500x513.jpg" alt="5 (66)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><img width="500" height="579" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9743/6_500x579.jpg" alt="6 (63)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><img width="499" height="284" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9744/7_499x284.jpg" alt="7 (56)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><img width="500" height="374" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9745/8_500x374.jpg" alt="8 (54)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><img width="499" height="374" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9738/1_499x374.jpg" alt="1 (74)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/08/test-if-seeds-can-be-planted/">Are those seeds viable for planting?</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/08/tips-for-cheap-gardening/">5 tips for gardening on the cheap</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/07/inspiring-balcony-gardens/">10 inspiring balcony gardens</a></strong></em></span></p>

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3 DIY ways to revamp your planters

<p>Want to liven up your garden? Try one of these creative DIY planter ideas.</p> <p><strong>1. “Growing baby” baby food jar planters</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="498" height="285" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8167/baby-food-jar-vase-and-candleholder-2_498x285.jpg" alt="Baby Food Jar Vase And Candleholder 2" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">You will need:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>Baby food jars (As many as you’d like to make)</li> <li>Large wooden board</li> <li>1 clamp per jar</li> <li>Screws</li> <li>Hammer and drill</li> <li>Metal puncher</li> <li>2 screw hooks</li> <li>Twine</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to: </span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Punch a whole into a metal clamp using a metal punch and a hammer. Punch the hole on the opposite side of the clamp tightener, which is where you will screw the clamps into your wood. Repeat for all clamps.</li> <li>Mark where you intend to place each baby jar and screw each metal clamp accordingly through the openings. Repeat for all clamps.</li> <li>Put each jar inside their respective clamps and tighten until secure.</li> <li>Drill a hole on either end of the top of your board. Screw two hooks into the holes. Connect with twine and hang.</li> </ol> <p><em>Image source: MakeLifeLovely</em></p> <p><strong>2. “A tin to be alive” vintage tin box planters</strong></p> <p><a href="http://ninasapartment.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/turn-vintage-tin-boxes-into-cute.html"><img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8168/blogger-image-49694459_500x375.jpg" alt="Blogger -image -49694459" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></a></p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">You will need:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>Tin vintage box</li> <li>Twine</li> <li>Drill</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to: </span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Drill one hole near the top of one side of the front of your box. Drill two holes into the forefront of the lid.</li> <li>Knot your twine and thread it through the first front hole, followed by the second (knot again) and the third (knot a final time) to secure your box lid in an open position.</li> <li>Fill with soil and flowers!  </li> </ol> <p><em>Image source: NinasApartment</em></p> <p><strong>3. “Sitting pretty” chair planter</strong></p> <p><a href="http://sewcaroline.com/2012/06/diy-chair-planter.html"><img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8169/img_8404_2_500x334.jpg" alt="IMG_8404_2" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></a></p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">You will need:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>An old chair with a removable inner seat</li> <li>Spray paint</li> <li>A hanging basket</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to: </span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Pop out the seat from the chair.</li> <li>Spray paint the chair in your chosen colour.</li> <li>Place the hanging basket (sans hangers) into the chair from where the seat has been removed.</li> </ol> <p><em>Image source: SewCaroline</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/06/succulent-plant-magnets/">How-to mini succulent planters fridge magnets</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/06/simple-diy-vases/">DIY 3-step vases</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/06/the-best-flowers-for-hanging-baskets/">The best flowers for hanging baskets</a></span></em></strong></p>

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8 DIY garden planters

<p>Bored of plain old pots for your plants? Then look no further than this list of creative and fun DIY planter inspiration.  </p> <p><strong>1. Lightbulb vase</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7896/lightbulb_500x375.jpg" alt="Lightbulb" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p><strong>2. Monogram wreath</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="500" height="500" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7897/monogram_500x500.jpg" alt="Monogram" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p><strong>3. Teacup holder</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="277" height="400" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7898/teacup.jpg" alt="Teacup" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p><strong>4. Cork planter</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="460" height="305" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7899/cork-planters.jpg" alt="Cork Planters" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/06/succulent-plant-magnets/" target="_blank">Find out how to make one with our guide here. </a></span><a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/06/succulent-plant-magnets/"><br /></a></strong></p> <p><strong>5. Vertical pallet garden</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7900/pallet-garden_498x245.jpg" alt="Pallet Garden (1)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/04/make-your-own-vertical-pallet-garden/" target="_blank">Find out how to make one with our guide here.</a></span></strong></p> <p><strong>6. Sea shell planters</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="500" height="335" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7901/sea-shells_500x335.jpg" alt="Sea Shells" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p><strong>7. Hanging mason jars</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="500" height="889" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7902/mason-jars_500x889.jpg" alt="Mason Jars" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p><strong>8. Dresser planter</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7903/-media-5252-plant-dressercache-620x305-crop_498x245.jpg" alt="-media -5252-plant -dresser .CACHE-620x 305-crop" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/04/diy-plant-dresser/" target="_blank">Find out how to make one with our guide here.</a></span></strong></p> <p><em>Image credits: Pinterest </em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/06/the-best-flowers-for-hanging-baskets/">The best flowers for hanging baskets</a></strong></span></em></p> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/06/homemade-bug-repellent/">3 easy homemade bug repellents</a></strong></span></em></p> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/06/grow-plants-from-cuttings/">A guide to growing plants from cuttings</a></strong></span></em></p>

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How-to mini succulent planters fridge magnets

<p>Here’s a great use for those wine corks you’ve been throwing away – make them into cute magnetic succulent planters to stick to your fridge. It’s a fun and unique way to brighten up your kitchen with a little colour, and succulents are such low-maintenance that you can pretty much stick them on and enjoy their beauty without worrying about taking care of them.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">What you’ll need:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>Wine corks</li> <li>Succulent clippings</li> <li>Soil</li> <li>Small magnets</li> <li>Hot glue gun (or strong craft glue is fine)</li> <li>Phillips head screwdriver</li> <li>Paring knife</li> <li>Newspaper</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Lay a sheet of newspaper down on your work surface to catch all the cork shavings.</li> <li>Use the head of your screwdriver to punch a small hole in the cork.</li> <li>Carefully use the paring knife to carve out that hole into a deeper cavity that goes about halfway down the cork. Don’t go too close to the edges, or you may split the cork.</li> <li>Glue a magnet to the back of the cork and let it dry completely.</li> <li>Add a little soil to the cavity in the cork and plant your succulent clippings in. Add a little more soil to fill up the cork.</li> <li>Arrange your magnets on the fridge and admire your handiwork, you clever person.</li> </ol> <p><em>Image credit: UpcycleThat</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/05/diy-river-pebble-trivet/">Make this beautiful river pebble trivet for your kitchen</a></strong></span></em></p> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/05/ribbed-scarf/">Get out your knitting needles for this simple but gorgeous ribbed scarf</a></strong></span></em></p> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/05/leaf-stepping-stones/">Make your own leaf-shaped stepping stones</a></strong></span></em></p>

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Make a planter box from a chest of drawers

<p>Don’t throw out your old chest of drawers when you can repurpose them into a stylish planter box. You can place it on a covered balcony, or even inside, and it won’t take too long to put together.</p> <p><strong>Step 1: Choose your drawers</strong></p> <p>While any drawers will work well, try to keep in mind how you want it to look. If you are aiming for a wild and free drawer garden you could go for a three, four or five drawer chest. If you were thinking of a few key plants nested among some storage drawers, you could go for a chest with eight or more square drawers.</p> <p><strong>Step 2: Decide on your colour scheme</strong></p> <p>Next up, decide on what colour you want your drawers to be (if your drawers are already in pretty good condition you can skip this step). You can either just stain the wood or go for a completely new look by painting them.</p> <p><strong>Step 3: Protect the wood</strong></p> <p>You will now need to coat the drawers inside and out with polyurethane. On the inside of the drawers that will house your plants, you will need two to three coats to stop the wood from rotting.</p> <p><strong>Step 4: Allow for drainage</strong></p> <p>The water needs somewhere to go, so you will need to drill some holes in the bottom of the drawers if they are going to be outside. If you are keeping the drawers inside you can skip this step.</p> <p><strong>Step 5: Add lining</strong></p> <p>Now you need to line your drawers to help hold the soil in place and soak up the water. Grab yourself some coconut fibre basket liners from your local hardware shop.</p> <p><strong>Step 6: Begin planting</strong></p> <p>Choose your plants depending on where your drawers are going to sit. For instance in an outdoor area, you could go for fresh herbs or some pots of colour. Indoors you might prefer to use succulents as they don’t require too much water.</p> <p><strong>Step 7: Maintenance</strong></p> <p>You don’t want a dripping chest of drawers, so simply water your plants with a spray bottle instead of a watering can. Spray close to the root (rather than the leaves) whenever you think they need watering.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Eclectically Vintae / Grizzly Bear Modern</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/03/make-tinted-jars/">How to make your own tinted jars</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/02/revamp-lampshade/">How to revamp a lampshade</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/diy/2015/02/spray-bottle-chalk/">The grandkids will love this homemade spray chalk</a></strong></em></span></p>

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DIY: Planter box

<p>Whether you want to grow a herb garden or are looking for a nifty way to house a few flowering pots, planter boxes are a great way to present your greenery in a neat, space-saving and decorative manner. And the good news is, you can easily make a planter box yourself.</p><p><strong>Supplies:</strong></p><ul><li>Cedar wood (at least 3mm thick)</li><li>Jigsaw</li><li>Galvanized screws</li><li>Wood glue</li><li>2 clamps</li><li>Drill</li><li>Primer</li><li>Paint (colour of choice)</li></ul><p><strong>Instructions:</strong></p><p>1. Depending on the space in which you want to place your planter box – be it a windowsill, table or wall outside, the best way to determine the length of your planter box is to match the width of the box to the width of the space you are making it for.</p><p>2. With a jigsaw, cut three pieces of cedar approximately to the length and width you have measured. These pieces will form the base, front and back of your planter box. For the sides, cut two 20cm square pieces.

</p><p>3. With the help of wood glue, assemble the planter box by fitting the pieces together in a rectangle shape. Use the clamps to hold together until dry.

</p><p>4. Drill holes into the four corners and along the bottom of the front panel – making sure to drill right through to the bottom and side boards.

</p><p>5. Insert the galvanized screws into the holes on the front, back and side boards.

</p><p>6. Drill a few small holes into the bottom of your planter box to allow for adequate drainage which will help your plants to grow healthily.

</p><p>7. To finish, apply a primer and either a wood stain or paint to the outside of the window box.</p>

Home & Garden

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DIY: Planter box

<p>Whether you want to grow a herb garden or are looking for a nifty way to house a few flowering pots, planter boxes are a great way to present your greenery in a neat, space-saving and decorative manner. And the good news is, you can easily make a planter box yourself.</p><p><strong>Supplies:</strong></p><ul><li>Cedar wood (at least 3mm thick)</li><li>Jigsaw</li><li>Galvanized screws</li><li>Wood glue</li><li>2 clamps</li><li>Drill</li><li>Primer</li><li>Paint (colour of choice)</li></ul><p><strong>Instructions:</strong></p><p>1. Depending on the space in which you want to place your planter box – be it a windowsill, table or wall outside, the best way to determine the length of your planter box is to match the width of the box to the width of the space you are making it for.</p><p>2. With a jigsaw, cut three pieces of cedar approximately to the length and width you have measured. These pieces will form the base, front and back of your planter box. For the sides, cut two 20cm square pieces.

</p><p>3. With the help of wood glue, assemble the planter box by fitting the pieces together in a rectangle shape. Use the clamps to hold together until dry.

</p><p>4. Drill holes into the four corners and along the bottom of the front panel – making sure to drill right through to the bottom and side boards.

</p><p>5. Insert the galvanized screws into the holes on the front, back and side boards.

</p><p>6. Drill a few small holes into the bottom of your planter box to allow for adequate drainage which will help your plants to grow healthily.

</p><p>7. To finish, apply a primer and either a wood stain or paint to the outside of the window box.</p>

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