Don’t let a lack of space put you off growing your own greens. You can create a vegie plot out of anything – even a piece of old furniture. So have a bit of fun with your tools and re-purpose a lovely old desk as a mini vegie plot. Then all you need is sunshine and regular watering for your own handy salad bowl.
Gather your supplies
- Old table or desk
- Steamer trays (2)
- Exterior paint in two colours
- Outdoor furniture wax
- Quality vegetable potting mix
- Assorted salad greens, marigolds, nasturtiums
You’ll also need
Pencil; tape measure; ruler; drill; 10mm bit; jigsaw; 120-grit sandpaper; sanding block; paint roller and tray; fine steel wool; soft lint-free cloth; trowel.
Here’s how
Step 1
Lay steamer trays upside down on table top, making sure there is equal distance between them and the table edges. Trace around trays in pencil.
Step 2
Measure width of tray lips. Transfer these measurements at 8 points inside marked shapes. Draw inner shapes using a ruler, then drill starter holes in corners of inner shapes.
Step 3
Use a jigsaw to cut out inner shapes in tabletop.
Step 4
Sand the top, sides and legs of table. Wipe clean of dust.
Step 5
Using a roller, apply 2 coats of paint to tabletop. Remove handle and apply 2 coats of paint in a different colour to drawer face, leaving to dry after each coat.
Step 6
Rub edge of table with steel wool to expose timber for a distressed look.
Step 7
Apply wax to table legs, using a lint-free cloth.
Step 8
Half-fill trays with potting mix. Arrange greens and flowers on top, add more mix and firm down gently.
Step 9
Water trays, then sit in tabletop. Replace drawer handle. Put table in a sunny spot.
Tip! Use edible marigolds and nasturtiums as a bright form of natural pest control.
Don’t want to DIY?
The Salad Table offers hydroponic growing systems for your home, balcony or yard. With no weeds or nasty chemicals, growing fresh herbs and vegetables is easy, effective and low cost. Kit prices start from $249.
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