How to Build a Wooden Herb Planter

Wooden planters overflowing with fresh herbs provide an attractive display of scented plants and easy access to the culinary herbs. Although commercially available in a variety of shapes and sizes, a simple rectangular wooden planter is fairly easy to assemble yourself with a few basic tools. Depending on personal preference, place the wooden herb planter on a table in your kitchen, mount it under a windowsill or place it on the ground with full sunlight exposure.

Measuring tape
1-inch by 10-inch lumber
Handsaw
Sandpaper
Drill and 1/2-inch drill bit
Hammer
2-inch nails
Paint (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the desired spot where you want to place the planter so you determine its length accordingly. A rectangular planter that is 10 inches deep and 24 to 36 inches wide provides sufficient room for an herb container garden. A traditional rectangular planter has a base, a set of long identical lumber lengths for the front and back, and a set of short identical lumber lengths for the sides.
- 2
  Cut five lengths of 1-inch by 10-inch lumber to the dimensions of the planter box using a handsaw. Smooth out the edges and sides of the lumber lengths using sandpaper.
- 3
  Bore 1/2-inch drainage holes through the board you are using for the base. Drill a hole through the center and two on each side using a hand drill.
- 4
  Secure the front and back boards to each long edge of the base using galvanized nails. Butt the ends of the boards so they fit flush against the edges of the base, forming square corners. Reposition any board, if necessary, to ensure its top is in line with the parallel board. Pound a row of nails through the lower edges of the front and back boards to secure them to the base.
- 5
  Position the short pair of lumber pieces against the ends of the long boards. Ensure the top of each short board is in line with the tops of the front and back, and that it is flush against the edges of the base, front and back boards.
- 6
  Pound a row of evenly spaced galvanized nails through the sides and base of each short piece to join it to the corresponding boards of the planter.
- 7
  Paint the planter box to complement the location where it will be placed, if desired.

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