How to Turn Wooden Crates into Fun Planters

Wooden crates are easy to come by. They are inexpensive, and for the most part, you can even get them for free. There are so many cool things that a wooden crate can be turned into. A wooden crate shelf is my all-time favorite. 

With gardening becoming more popular with youngsters because of its calming and peaceful relation to work, people have started getting into the activity. There have been many fun planter ideas cropping up since then because anything that can be unique to us has an appeal.

Having made the planter yourself gives you more of a sense of attachment to the activity. Making your own planters is a great way to spruce up your backyard and put some of your personality into it. It becomes a cool conversation point for house guests, as well. You feel like a proud parent showing off your custom handmade planters.

Wooden crate planters on their own give you the rustic and informal garden style. But, you can decorate it and have a color theme or a story theme to make it your own. 

Here are some things you need to know, though:

The Paint

If you are painting the planter, make sure that the paint doesn’t contain lead. The plants growing in the planter can absorb this heavy metal.

Drainage

Check to see if your wooden crate needs drainage holes. You do not want the water to stand in the planter for too long. The plants will drown by choking out the oxygen supply to the roots.

Here’s how to check if your crate has enough drainage:

• Fill the empty crate with water.
• Check to see how long it takes for the water to seep out of the crate.
• If the water runs out of the bottom seams of the crate freely, then it is good to go, as is.
• If it doesn’t, then you can add drainage holes in the bottom as well as a few in the sides of the crate, near the bottom.

The Simple Repurposing Journey – Crate to Planter

Repurposing wooden crates into planters also defines you as someone who is environmentally responsible. In today’s time, it has become more important to be devoted to repurposing things rather than throwing them away. 

Here’s the simplest of ways of turning the crate into the planter that your backyard deserves:

• Clean out the crate first.
• Sand it to remove anything stuck to it and also to prepare it for a paint job.
• If you like the look, you can leave it as is, or select a paint based on the components that are safe for use.
• Give it a waterproof glaze coating so that it lasts long.

Tip: If you have kids, you can attach crates in a line and turn them into a train. You will have a train planter. You can paint characters on each box and make your garden a part of your child’s play area.

Final Thoughts

You can turn this activity into a fun hangout session with your family or friends. It is a great way to get people excited and involved in repurposing old things and giving them new life. This is being environmentally as well as financially conscious. It also gives you a chance to let your creative juices flowing.