Many readers ask the question: “How do I make a clean pallet planter and how do I keep the dirt in?” Here are tips for keeping dirt inside pallet planters:

  • Weed Block or Weed Barrier. This will allow water to drain out, but keep the dirt intact.
  • You may also want to put a thin layer of mulch to help retain the water, so it doesn’t dry out too fast.
  • If you use a plastic material to line the planter area, you should use food-safe plastic to prevent leaching chemicals out into your foods/herbs. Also, that will not allow any excess water to drain off, so you may want to put a couple of very small holes to allow slow drainage.
  • Whatever materials you use, cut to fit, then staple in place to secure.

Here is the result:

It’s a simple solution that may not be the only one. If you have another technique, please comment and/or send us pictures, we’ll complete and update the post!

Editor’s Note: Safety first! ALWAYS follow all safety guidelines:

  • When using any power tool – read the manuals & wear appropriate safety gear as recommended by the manufacturer, as well as other safety precautions.
  • If using any paints, solvents, sealants, paints, finishes, etc.
  • Always use protective wear, including eye protection, respiratory protection, hearing protection and gloves at a minimum when dismantling pallets.
  • Please don’t get near those tools while under the influence – we want you all around for a long time!
  • Remember – we are not experts. This information provided is for inspiration and entertainment only.
Neodim

Engineer, Co-founding partner of 1001Pallets. I earned my Engineer degree in Biochemistry and Genetics from INSA (Toulouse, FR). Then, I worked as an environmental consultant while sharing green inspiration in my spare time. I co-founded Recyclart.org and 1001Pallets.com in order to have impact through positive inspiration. I helped 1001pallets grow as a strong community of pallet crafters and woodworkers. I love spending time with my daughters, cooking, hiking, and have a passion for refurbished vintage pieces of furniture.

View Comments

  • Watch out. The pallets can soak up chemicals during transit. And some are treated with chemicals that will leech into the soil

    • All the more reason then to line the sides of the pallet with heavy plastic, so that the wood doesn't come into contact with the soil or the water.
      On a related note, I'm looking for a way to reuse pallets to make a wider planter to hold large potted tender plants - large, as is 12-14" diameter pots. I need something to hold them off the floor of the deck/patio since they've really grown large over the winter. Possibly something I could attach to the outside of the deck railings? We're running out of deck space! Thanks

  • I used the plastic on sides and bottom. I put one large hole in plastic on one end then covered with weed guard. Under the large box I draped the plastic with hole in it into a piece of old gutter drain and directed it down toward the soil instead of hitting the wood.

  • We used 2x4's and basically hammered them into place last year. It worked well to hold dirt but didn't work well to hold water. Also, the water didn't harm the wood all summer long. This year I think I'll also use plastic with holes in it to do a better job with water retainment.

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