DIY Vertical Wall Planter: Upcycle Scrap Wood for a Stunning Indoor or Outdoor Succulent Garden
There’s an undeniable satisfaction that comes from transforming forgotten materials into something beautiful and functional for your home. This philosophy of working with what you have, and creating decor out of practically nothing, not only sparks creativity but also promotes a more sustainable lifestyle. Imagine turning humble wood scraps, once destined for the landfill, into a vibrant piece of living art that enhances your indoor or outdoor space.
Having spent considerable time at home recently, the urge for a creative project grew strong. My partner, Robert, and I found ourselves looking at a pile of wood scraps in our garage. These pieces were left over from a previous project – a charming footed grasscloth buffet makeover we completed a few weeks ago. Instead of tossing them, an exciting idea began to take root: why not repurpose them into a super cute wall planter, perfect for showcasing a collection of succulents?
The bottom boards we had cut off to shorten the buffet for its new legs were just the right size and character. My vision was clear: a charming vertical planter for succulents that would bring life to our back porch. Currently, our porch could use a little sprucing up, as you can see:
But with a little elbow grease and this new planter, we plan to restore it to its former glory, or even better, recreate a refreshed version like this:
As spring unfurls its beauty, and with summer just around the corner, what better way to celebrate than by bringing a touch of nature into our immediate surroundings? If we can’t always venture out for all the fun seasonal activities, we can certainly create our own little piece of paradise right at home. This project offers a delightful opportunity to embrace the season, whether you intend to hang your succulent garden indoors to brighten a living space or outdoors to enhance a patio, balcony, or porch.
The Allure of Vertical Gardening and Succulents
Vertical gardens, like this wall planter, offer numerous benefits beyond just aesthetics. They are incredible space-savers, making them ideal for small apartments, balconies, or any area where floor space is limited. By taking your garden upwards, you can introduce more greenery without cluttering your environment. Furthermore, studies suggest that having plants in your living space can improve air quality, reduce stress, and boost overall well-being. Succulents, in particular, are perfect candidates for such a project due to their low maintenance needs and captivating variety of shapes, textures, and colors.
Their ability to thrive with minimal water makes them incredibly forgiving, even for beginner gardeners. They are also remarkably resilient, making them a fantastic choice for both indoor and outdoor settings, provided they receive adequate sunlight. This project taps into the growing trend of sustainable home decor, proving that stunning results don’t require expensive, brand-new materials. It’s about ingenuity, resourcefulness, and a touch of green-thumb magic.
Craft Your Own DIY Vertical Wall Planter: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Supplies You’ll Need:
Gathering your materials is the first exciting step in any DIY project. For this vertical succulent planter, we’re focusing on repurposing, so start by rummaging through your garage or local salvage yard for suitable wood scraps. The beauty of this project is its flexibility; you can adapt the size to fit your specific space and design vision.
- Scrap Wood Boards: Roughly the size of 1x4s (actual dimensions are usually closer to 3/4″ x 3 1/2″). Any sturdy wood will do.
- 1/2″ Thick Plywood Scrap: This will form the back of your planter, providing stability.
- #8 1/2″ Wood Screws: Essential for sturdy assembly.
- Roll of 1/2″ Steel Hardware Cloth: This mesh will hold your plants and soil securely.
- Small Plastic Drop Cloth: Acts as a waterproof liner to protect the wood and prevent soil leakage.
- Hangman Hanger: Or any robust hanging kit suitable for the weight of your finished planter.
- Circular Saw: For precise wood cutting.
- Power Drill: For pilot holes and driving screws.
- Heavy Duty Stapler: To secure the plastic liner and hardware cloth.
- Hammer: For flattening wire edges.
- Wire Snips: For cutting the hardware cloth.
- Scissors: For trimming the plastic drop cloth.
- Measuring Tape: Accuracy is key!
- Carpenter Square: For ensuring straight cuts and square corners.
- Pencil: For marking cuts.
- Spray Paint or Wood Stain with Paint Brush: To finish your planter and protect the wood.
- Potting Soil: Good quality soil suitable for succulents.
- Succulents or Plants of Your Choice: Choose varieties that complement each other. Consider real succulents for a living garden, or artificial plants for zero maintenance.
- 1-2 Packs of Moss: For filling gaps and adding a decorative touch.
- Hot Glue Gun: For securing the moss.
The Project Steps: Build Your Dream Vertical Garden
Follow these detailed instructions to construct your beautiful and sustainable wall planter. Remember, safety first! Always wear appropriate protective gear when using power tools.
Step 1: Measure and Mark Your Materials
Before making any cuts, clearly define the dimensions of your desired planter. Consider where it will hang and how much space you want it to occupy. Using your measuring tape and carpenter square, accurately mark your 1×4 boards for the frame and your 1/2″ plywood for the back panel. Precision here will ensure a professional-looking finished product.
Step 2: Cut the Wood Pieces
With your marks clearly visible, use your circular saw to carefully cut the 1×4 pieces and the plywood. Make sure your cuts are straight and clean. If you’re new to using a circular saw, take your time and follow all safety guidelines. Always ensure your workpiece is securely clamped before cutting.
Side note: During our garage sessions, we often have “Gummy Bob,” our boxing dummy, overseeing the process. He certainly adds a unique charm to our DIY endeavors, though he can be a bit startling in the dark!
Step 3: Assemble the Planter Frame
Arrange your cut 1×4 pieces to form the rectangular or square box frame of your planter. Before securing them permanently, it’s crucial to drill pilot holes at the corners where the screws will go. This simple step prevents the wood from splitting, especially when working with reclaimed or thinner pieces. Once the pilot holes are ready, secure the corners firmly with your wood screws using the power drill. Ensure the frame is square before fully tightening.
Step 4: Attach the Plywood Backing
Carefully line up your cut plywood piece onto one side of the assembled wooden box. This plywood will serve as the solid back panel of your planter, providing support for the soil and plants, and also allowing for the hanging mechanism to be attached later. Again, drill pilot holes through the plywood into the frame before driving the wood screws to prevent any splintering. Attach the plywood securely around all edges of the frame.
Step 5: Apply Finish (Optional Early Step)
At this stage, you have the option to stain or paint your wooden box. If you plan to use spray paint, you might choose to wait until after attaching the hardware cloth for a uniform finish. However, applying stain or brush paint now can be easier to ensure full coverage on all wood surfaces. Choose a finish that complements your decor – a natural wood stain for a rustic look, or a vibrant spray paint for a pop of color.
Step 6: Line with Plastic Drop Cloth
Flip your box so the plywood back is flat on your work surface. This means the open side of the box is now facing upwards. Spread out your plastic drop cloth inside the box, ensuring it covers all inner surfaces. The plastic liner is vital for waterproofing your planter, preventing moisture from damaging the wood and ensuring water doesn’t leak out when you water your plants.
Step 7: Secure the Plastic Liner
Using your heavy-duty stapler, securely attach the plastic drop cloth to the inner edges of the wooden frame. Pull the plastic taut as you staple to avoid wrinkles, ensuring a snug fit. This creates a robust, waterproof barrier for your soil.
Step 8: Trim Excess Plastic
Once the plastic drop cloth is securely stapled, use scissors to carefully trim any excess material. You want a clean edge that is flush with the top of your wooden frame, preventing any plastic from showing once the planter is filled.
Step 9: Attach the Hardware Cloth
Now, unroll your steel hardware cloth. This mesh will act as the front ‘face’ of your planter, holding the soil and allowing the succulents to peek through. Lay it over the opening of your box, ensuring it covers the entire area. Using your heavy-duty stapler, attach the hardware cloth firmly around all four edges of the wooden frame. Staple generously to ensure it can withstand the weight of the soil and plants.
Step 10: Trim and Flatten Hardware Cloth
With the hardware cloth stapled, use your wire snips to carefully trim any excess mesh, creating a neat and flush edge with the wooden frame. Steel wire can be sharp, so handle with care. Once trimmed, use a hammer to gently flatten down any stray wire edges or sharp points that might be sticking up. This ensures safety and a clean finish.
Step 11: Attach the Hanging Kit
Flip the box over again so the plywood backing is facing up. This is the ideal surface to attach your chosen hanging kit. Whether you’re using a Hangman hanger or another type of wall mounting hardware, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for secure attachment. Ensure it’s centered and capable of holding the planter’s weight once it’s filled with soil and plants. This step is crucial for safe installation.
Step 12: Final Finish (If Not Done Previously)
If you opted to wait, now is the time to spray paint or stain your entire box with your desired color. This will give it a polished look and offer additional protection to the wood, especially if it will be outdoors. Allow plenty of time for the paint or stain to dry completely before moving to the next steps.
Step 13: Fill with Potting Soil
Carefully fill the box with potting soil, making sure to use a blend specifically designed for succulents, which typically offers good drainage. You’ll need to fill it quite generously. Once filled, gently shake and tap the box to help the soil settle and redistribute evenly, ensuring it’s packed tightly against the hardware cloth and completely fills the entire planter.
Step 14: Plant Your Succulents
This is where your vertical garden truly comes to life! Carefully trim any excessive roots from your succulents. Then, gently push the roots of each succulent through the openings in the hardware cloth and into the potting soil inside the box. Arrange them creatively, considering their varying sizes, colors, and textures to create an appealing design. Don’t be afraid to experiment with placement until you achieve a look you love. Allow about an inch or two between plants to give them room to grow.
Step 15: Add Decorative Moss
To give your planter a finished and polished look, fill any remaining gaps between the succulents with decorative moss. This not only enhances the aesthetic but also helps to hold the soil in place. Use a few dabs of hot glue to secure the moss onto the hardware cloth, preventing it from falling out. As your succulents grow and spread over time, you can gradually remove the moss, allowing your plants to become the star of the show.
Caring for Your Vertical Succulent Garden
Once your beautiful wall planter is complete and hanging in its chosen spot, a little care will ensure your succulents thrive. Succulents generally prefer bright, indirect light. If placed outdoors, ensure they receive some morning sun but are protected from intense afternoon heat, especially in warmer climates. For indoor planters, a south-facing window is often ideal. Water sparingly; wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. Overwatering is the most common cause of succulent demise. You can check the soil moisture by inserting a finger into one of the mesh openings. When watering, ensure the entire soil mass gets moistened, allowing any excess to drain away. Because this planter is sealed with a plastic liner, it’s crucial to be mindful of overwatering.
The Perfect Spring & Summer Accent
Isn’t the result simply adorable? Our back porch was desperately in need of a refresh with the arrival of warmer weather, and this DIY vertical succulent planter provided the perfect motivation to kickstart our outdoor decorating. It’s truly amazing what you can create by simply looking at what you already have on hand. Not bad for a project using materials that were essentially destined for the recycling bin, right?
This project is more than just a decor piece; it’s a testament to the joy of upcycling and the beauty of bringing nature into your daily life. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this vertical planter offers a rewarding experience with stunning visual appeal.
Are you currently working on any projects using materials you have on hand? Sometimes, the best ideas spring from necessity and the challenge of making something wonderful out of what’s available. As the old adage goes, “Necessity is the mother of invention,” and in DIY, it often leads to the most unique and cherished creations. Happy crafting!
