Make a window planter box

Flower displays instantly light up the inside of any home, so imagine what they can do for the outside! Window boxes provide the best of both worlds, allowing you to appreciate your garden wonders no matter where you are.

You can purchase ready-made window planter boxes to create a handy windowsill herb garden, but if you have an odd-shaped window or you’re after a specific look they may not suit your needs. Luckily, you can make your own.

Gather your supplies

100 x 15 x 1800mm H3 treated pine palings (6)
70 x 35 x 1200mm H3 treated pine batten
Construction adhesive; 25mm galvanised screws
Masonry drill bit
Speedbor or spade bit
Non-toxic pond sealer
Fine-grit sandpaper
Concrete screws
DynaBolt
Geo-textile fabric
Potting mix
Plants

Note: Box measures 1800 (L) x 130 (W) x 200mm (H). Consider strength of wall, as potting mix adds weight.

Here’s how

Step 1

To make front and back panels, lay 2 palings side-by-side. On a separate paling, measure eight 100mm intervals and cut into blocks.

Step 2

Mark 15mm in from both ends of front panel. Position 1 block on each marking to sit evenly over top and bottom palings. Evenly space 2 blocks in between these blocks. Glue all blocks down and screw to palings. Repeat to make back panel.

Step 3

To make end panels, measure 185mm and 370mm along trimmed paling and cut. Clamp sides and ends and screw together.

Step 4

Position remaining paling on top and screw into place. Using Speedbor bit, drill drainage holes into paling.

Step 5

Screw offcut (slightly shorter than box height) in centre for added strength.

Step 6

Coat interior with non-toxic pond sealer. Sand exterior. Cut ends of batten at a 45° angle.

Step 7

On wall, measure and mark where base of box will rest. Drill evenly spaced clearance holes into batten. Using central hole as a guide, drill into brickwork. Insert concrete screw slightly loose, level batten, bore holes and insert other screws.

Step 8

Drill 4 evenly spaced clearance holes in back of box. Position box, mark holes on wall, remove box, then drill through wall. Secure box to wall with DynaBolt.