pallet garden
Last summer I painted a pallet to serve as a privacy screen for my not-so-private deck. I also hung a few French garden buckets filled with end-of-season annuals to create a small-space hanging garden. It looked nice for a first try, but I was already dreaming of adding more plants this year.
This weekend was the perfect opportunity to update the pallet garden. I unplugged from the computer and set to work refreshing the display.
I considered planting directly in the pallet, but I wasn’t keen on the slow method of lining the entire pallet with landscape fabric, filling it with soil and waiting for it to settle before standing it upright. I prefer quicker, simpler projects—instant gratification suits my lazy DIY style.
To speed things up I explored shortcuts. Burlap planting pockets crossed my mind, but I ultimately chose coco liners like those used in hanging baskets. I picked mine up at Lowe’s. The liners were pliable, easy to work with and ideal for this use.
Using a staple gun I attached the coco liners to the inside and back of the pallet. Then I filled them with potting mix and planted. The liners molded into the pallet openings and held the soil in place so I didn’t end up with dirt spilling everywhere. The whole process was quick and straightforward.
I should be transparent: I don’t have a green thumb. This technique isn’t a proven, expert-tested method — I’m experimenting as I go. So far it’s worked, but whether the plants thrive all season remains to be seen. That said, it was satisfying to see the pallet transform into a fuller, greener feature in a short amount of time.
While I was enjoying the long holiday weekend I also refreshed my back porch a bit. It was fun to make small updates that breathe new life into the space. I’ll share more on those changes later this week.
Have you started gardening yet?
Hope you all had a great holiday weekend remembering those who serve and have sacrificed for our country.