Hi! I'd love for you to follow me on Pinterest Her Tool Belt .
I have a dream... that some day I can grow those amazing cascading flower baskets like the ones from Bloom Master. My home town has been hanging those baskets for the last 5-10 years or so, and they make main street look amazing. My Mom plants them too, and her yard looks amazing. I bought some of the large Bloom Master pots years ago thinking the cascading flowers would look awesome hanging off the back deck. However the sun is really harsh during the afternoon, it gets overly windy, and every year I fail. My flower pots look ok, but not full and stunning. So this year, I'm trying it again but in the front yard where the flowers will be more protected. I also want to dress up a window that's a little boring. I built a large planter box out of pallets, since it is made from pallets I won't feel bad ruining the wood. I'll post periodic updates to show the progress of the wave petunias, hoping for amazing!
This post contains some affiliate links that are noted.
This post contains some affiliate links that are noted.
![Check out these flowers - DIY pallet planter box for those amazing cascading flower baskets.](http://www.hertoolbelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/cascading-pallet-planter-flowers.jpg)
How to Build a Cascading Flower Pallet Planter Box
Cut List
- 4 - 2" x 4" x 40" - legs
- 2 - 2" x 2" x 15" - bottom support
- 4 - 1" x 4" x 36" bottom
- 1 - 1" x 1 1/2" x 36" bottom
- 40" long pallet slats as needed
- 16" long pallet slats as needed
(Note: if you do not have access to pallets or are concerned about where the pallets have been, you can easily substitute pine 1x4's or cedar pickets found at stores like Home Depot.)
Step 1
This planter box is made mostly from pallet wood, for tips on disassembling a pallet. I tried to use the oak pallet slats, because I believe they'll hold up a little better overtime than pine.
Measure and mark down 20" from the top of the legs. Attach the 2x2 at 20" with 2 1/2" screws. Repeat for the other set of legs.
Step 2
Cut pieces of pallet slat to 40" and attach to the legs for the front and 16" for the sides. I originally used a brad nailer, but some of the wood started to warp when wet and I went back and used 1 1/4" screws.
![Check out these flowers - DIY pallet planter box for those amazing cascading flower baskets.](http://www.hertoolbelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/cascading-pallet-planter-slats-copy.jpg)
![Check out these flowers - DIY pallet planter box for those amazing cascading flower baskets.](http://www.hertoolbelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/cascading-pallet-planter-hole-saw-1024x646.jpg)
Step 3
Now the fun part, planting the flowers. These flowers are Wave petunias that I got at Costco, you can also rotate the flowers between regular, cascade and wave petunias. You need good potting mix and you need to add soil moist (affiliate) to help retain water. I put a layer of weed guard down on the bottom, because I had a few holes.
![Check out these flowers - DIY pallet planter box for those amazing cascading flower baskets.](http://www.hertoolbelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/cascading-pallet-planter-weed-guard-576x1024.jpg)
![Check out these flowers - DIY pallet planter box for those amazing cascading flower baskets.](http://www.hertoolbelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/cascading-pallet-planter-1-row-794x1024.jpg)
![Check out these flowers - DIY pallet planter box for those amazing cascading flower baskets.](http://www.hertoolbelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/cascading-pallet-planter-fill-2-666x1024.jpg)
![Check out these flowers - DIY pallet planter box for those amazing cascading flower baskets.](http://www.hertoolbelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/cascading-pallet-planter-2-rows.jpg)
Add the third row of flowers, fill with dirt and plant flowers on top.
You need to water the flowers everyday, the holes let the dirt get dry. I usually water until the water leaks from the lower holes. I also fertilize 1/week.
You need to water the flowers everyday, the holes let the dirt get dry. I usually water until the water leaks from the lower holes. I also fertilize 1/week.
April 13 - first planted
![Check out these flowers - DIY pallet planter box for those amazing cascading flower baskets.](http://www.hertoolbelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/cascading-pallet-planter-flowers.jpg)
May 20 - starting to grow
![2 May 20 pallet box](http://www.hertoolbelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/2-May-20-pallet-box-900x802.jpg)
I realized that the poor bush had been dead for some time, even though it had green on it.
June 6 - filling in nicely
![3 June 6 cascading flowers](http://www.hertoolbelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/3-June-6-cascading-flowers.jpg)
June 22 - tickled pink
![4 June 22 cascading flower pallet box](http://www.hertoolbelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/4-June-22-cascading-flower-pallet-box.jpg)
July 24 - little set back
It was the really hot part of the summer and the foliage was very green and pretty, but no flowers. Realized I needed to spray for bugs and the flowers came back.
![5 July 24 palley planter box](http://www.hertoolbelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/5-July-24-palley-planter-box-900x764.jpg)
August 24 - looking good
![6 Aug 24 cascading flower palley planter](http://www.hertoolbelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/6-Aug-24-cascading-flower-palley-planter-900x811.jpg)
September 22
By this time I'm super excited it made it through the summer alive. I never made it through July with the baskets on the back deck.
![7 sept 22 wave petunia pallet flower box](http://www.hertoolbelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/7-sept-22-wave-petunia-pallet-flower-box-900x723.jpg)
Sprayed it for bugs one last time, and one week later it looked amazing! Here is the result of the flower box in late September, gorgeous!
September 29 - Amazing!
![Cascading flower pallet planter box Sept](http://www.hertoolbelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Cascading-flower-pallet-planter-box-Sept-900x776.jpg)
I can't wait for next year! I think I'll add a few more variations of plants next time. What are your favorite cascading plants?
For more woodworking plans check out Hertoolbelt
This post was temporarily redirected from hertoolbelt because of server issues.
For more woodworking plans check out Hertoolbelt
This post was temporarily redirected from hertoolbelt because of server issues.
I really like the planter box. Thank you for sharing the instructions. I would recommend using a safer insecticide than malathion. Malathion will kill the good bugs too, like lady bugs and bee's. It will also kill hummingbirds. Hummingbirds love petunias. I use a soap based spray that is environmentally friendly. Thank you again for sharing your project.
ReplyDeletethank you! I was worried about this too, no need to spray nasty pesticides when you can simply make your own organic mix!
DeleteWhat mix do you use? If you wouldn't mind sharing (:
DeleteWhat can I use. My petunias are infested with little flies?
DeleteDo you pinch the dead blooms or let them grow around them?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI might try this with strawberries
ReplyDeleteOoooh that's a great idea! I have pallets and strawberries that need transplanting. Thanks for the idea!
DeleteOoooh that's a great idea! I have pallets and strawberries that need transplanting. Thanks for the idea!
Deleteyou shouldn't be planting edible herbs and fruits, or veggies in planters made out of toxic wood from the pallets.
DeleteIf you're concerned about where the pallets have been, you can easily substitute 1x4's or cedar pickets from stores like Home Depot.
DeleteOr you can line it with a plastic garbage bag, that will help hold the soil in and the moisture. Don't to poke hole or add gravel for drainage.
DeleteMaybe I should know this, but what is the harm with the wood from pallets?
DeleteKellie, I think some are concerned that some pallets may be used to transport chemicals and don't want chemicals leaching into their food. I know where my pallets came from so I'm not too worried about them.
DeleteOk, thanks! Good to keep in mind.
DeleteSome pallets are treated. Oak pallets are probably ok, but if you don't know for certain, I would avoid using them for edibles.
DeleteMany pallets and wood are treated. Some to protect from rot and mildew, others for other things. If you go to a lumber store you will find signs saying treated and untreated wood. Treated wood becomes a concern with food because some of the chemicals used to treat the wood might leak thru to the food.
DeleteIf you do use treated wood and are concern you can buy black gardening fabric to line the container. I fo this anyways to keep the wood from rotting or warping over time.
Great idea. Very pretty. Please use soap based bug spray if anything at all. Not all bugs are bad.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of spray? I need to do something ASAP because my flowers are covered with tiny flies.
DeleteSavers soap..available at any garden store
DeleteBeautiful! You can also use empty water bottles with the lids on as filler to reduce the amount of dirt needed.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip!
DeleteI do this. I have a big cauldron that I fill the bottom with bottles. It helps a lot.
DeleteI think I would take a piece of PVC pipe, the length of the box, drill some holes in it add an elbow then add another piece straight up with holes in it too. Then you could pour the water into it to water the bottom also.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this! I can't wait to try this this summer! Just a suggestion - try some million bells next time you plant it! They have smaller flowers than the petunias, and are a bit more resilient to buggies - they are also less messy...I will be trying them this year for sure.
ReplyDeleteOh I love million bells, but I can't seem to find them around here for a decent price...I'll have to look harder.
DeleteI love Lorabell's I think that is how they are spelled.
DeleteI just finished making this using your plans and it turned out great
ReplyDeleteAwesome!
DeleteI just finished making this using your plans and it turned out great
ReplyDeleteI love ivy geraniums.
ReplyDeletewhere does the 1x 1 1/2 x 36" go?
ReplyDeleteOn the bottom, my 4 - 1x4's didn't quite cover the bottom.
Deletedid you also put plants in the top layer of dirt or just thru the holes?
ReplyDeleteYes, I put about 6 petunias on top and 3 potato vines. Although the potato vines ended up growing down the back so they weren't even seen. :-)
DeleteHi. I used this idea to make a petunia tower and it turned out great. However, all of the plants are covered with tiny flies that I think are leafminers. I need to spray them down and I need help. Can you tell me what you used? Please... thank you for this awesome idea.
ReplyDeleteHi. I used this idea to make a petunia tower and it turned out great. However, all of the plants are covered with tiny flies that I think are leafminers. I need to spray them down and I need help. Can you tell me what you used? Please... thank you for this awesome idea.
ReplyDeleteHi Ricky, I used a malathion based bug spray that I got at IFA. They should sell it at any home and garden store.
DeleteI realize this is a older post so I hope that this comment is seen :) Spring is coming up quickly here and I'm very excited about this idea but the front of our home gets much more shade so I plant impatiens, they usually grow a few feet high and look gorgeous. Do you think this box would work with them or New Guinea impatiens? Or has anyone tried this before with them?I use both usually. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteIt should work. It might not get as full as the last photo. Any plant that hangs (you find in hanging baskets( should work. I did a round one last year with wire and mixed different cascading plants in it and it turned out beautiful.
DeleteHow do I get the printed directions for this cascading flower box
ReplyDeleteI build this flower box to so I'll give it a try. Ok just asking I used smaller broad instead of 2x4 it is a hard wood. evenif it was 2x4s ?? how does the box handle the weight of the dirt?
ReplyDeleteBeware of what type of packing peanuts you are using. I made the mistake of using ones made of potato starch which melted when I watered my plants. Lol I was quite surprised the next morning to find the soil had sunk done where I had the peanuts.
ReplyDeleteI can’t believe focusing long enough to research; much less write this kind of article. You’ve outdone yourself with this material without a doubt. It is one of the greatest contents. hypoallergenic mattress pads
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantabulous post this has been. Never seen this kind of useful post. I am grateful to you and expect more number of posts like these. Thank you very much. Sweat Belt
ReplyDeletesome of the most public places that swimwear is worn. If you are heading to a resort for a relaxing vacation or even just to the beach for the day and you are feeling conscious about the way you look in your swimming costume you can almost guarantee the very thought of being on display, every square inch of you, for all the world to see, will not even begin to put you in the right frame of mind to start to relax. bondiborn
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here keep up the good work long stem roses
ReplyDeleteBefore you go looking for the top pallet wood shed plans there are a couple of things you need to remember when you go looking. The things you will need to remember while you are looking is picking the right one for your skill level, making sure the plans are detailed, and you should also look in the right places. Total Pallet Management
ReplyDeleteBest Blog about boxes of Different types of items .Many of packaging relevant material of Belt boxes. Every big packaging company is produce outstanding packaging items of our beloved customer. For the Be;t Boxes contact one of the top Top company in USA.
ReplyDeleteHere in this article you tell the outstanding ways of Packaging of belting. Overall your blog is very much osam and very osam .. Many of companies produces the best packaging material like stampaprints is most prominent in the USA .
in short blog is good and informative . Kindly keep writing. are you share again such type of info ??
this box was looking soo beautiful. i love garden. i really like this post. keep it up and share more this type of post Click Here Vet Recommended Puppy Food
ReplyDeleteI will suggest mainly good as well as accountable ideas, consequently notice: cheap flowers
ReplyDeletehowdy, your websites are really good. I appreciate your work. ขายดอกไม้หน้าศพ
ReplyDeleteI read that Post and got it fine and informative. forklift repair singapore
ReplyDeleteA number of dissertation websites on the internet textbooks get unsurprisingly discovered inside web-site. cement planter molds
ReplyDeleteThere are particular dissertation websites on the internet should you acquire certainly introduced in your web page. molds for concrete pots
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this valuable content. In my view, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be a lot more useful than ever before. tool box
ReplyDeleteWow, cool post. I'd like to write like this too - taking time and real hard work to make a great article... but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. https://thesingaporestorage1.my-free.website/
ReplyDeleteIt is actually all at once a great put which i quite savored surfing. Is not really routine that give the outlook to see items. 2 piece kraft boxes
ReplyDeletehello!! Very interesting discussion glad that I came across such informative post. Keep up the good work friend. Glad to be part of your net community. livrare flori cluj
ReplyDeletePositive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I'm pleased I discovered it though, ill be checking back soon to find out what additional posts you include. florist Plano Texas
ReplyDeleteYou can customize, print, resize, give them velvet touch silk upholstery to these
ReplyDeletebelt boxes
Our team designs custom watch boxes wholesale according to our client’s desires. Most customers judge the products by their packaging.
ReplyDelete