DIY wood planter box

A rustic wood log planter box makes a simple DIY project and is a satisfying way to create a unique accessory that you can fill with herbs or flowers.

14.07.2023

Man cutting a tree trunk with a STIHL MS 180 chain saw to build a DIY wood planter box.

Preparation
Step 1: secure and mark the log
Step 2: cut the opening
Step 3: hollow out centre
Step 4: make the feet
Some tips on growing herbs
Summary

DIY wood planter box: preparation

Planters are available in all kinds of shapes and sizes, made from metal, plastic, terracotta, stone – the choices are limitless. But there is a particular charm to a planter made from wood, as the natural material is a great complement to the plants inside. Making a log into a rustic planter is a brilliant DIY project and the results are sure to be admired. We recommend using a strong, weather-resistant wood such as larch or spruce. Your planter will be lined with plastic so the wood is not damaged by moisture from the soil, though you will also need to include drainage to ensure healthy plants.

Make sure you use dry wood for this project so your log planter box will last longer. Wood that is still drying out is prone to cracking. If you use a log that still has bark on, this may come off over time.

Committed to your safety: protective equipment

Using powerful tools in your DIY is fun and means you can extend your abilities, which is great as long as you are relying on effective and safe protective clothing while using them. Always wear personal protective equipment when working with your chainsaw. This includes a helmet, cut protection trousers, safety boots, and more. The operating manual for your product contains more details on this. Fully familiarise yourself with the tool before you use your chainsaw for the first time, and check it is in flawless condition before each use. On request, your STIHL dealer will be happy to prepare your tool for its first use, and will also advise you on models and sizes of protective clothing that you can try at your leisure. Please remember that personal protective equipment is no substitute for safe working techniques.

Chainsaws for your DIY wood planter box

Having the right tool is essential for fun and successful DIY projects.

STIHL chainsaws

DIY wood planter box: materials

Materials for planter

A log, approximately 30 to 35 cm in diameter
2 smaller logs to use as feet (approximately 30 cm long and 20 cm in diameter)
Pond liner

Tools

STIHL chainsaw
Axe
Drill
4 screws (approximately 150 mm long)
Sawhorse and tensioning belt

Illustration: STIHL chainsaw, logs, axe, saw block, folding rule, screws, drill screwdriver

DIY wood planter box: step-by-step instructions

With your materials and tools ready, you can get started. Make sure your surroundings are safe before you use the chainsaw, with no trip hazards or other dangers.

Secure the larger piece of wood with wedges so it doesn’t roll away.
Mark the opening on the top of the log and note how deep you need the hollow to be. Leave around 15 cm intact at each end of the log.

Illustration: End edges of a log are sawn with a STIHL chainsaw to build a planter box.

Saw the short edges first; they should be set in about 15 cm from the ends of the log.
Saw the long sides next. Start by marking them out with a shallow cut.
Then hold the saw upright at one end of the line and keep plunge cutting into the wood with the tip until you reach the depth you want.
Cut along the rest of the line.
Keep the saw vertical and move the saw along until you reach the shorter cut you have already made.

Caution:

This method of working has an increased risk of kickback. Make sure you always follow the safety guidance in the operating instructions, and only use this technique if you’re familiar with it.

Illustration: To build a planter box, an opening is sawn into a wooden trunk with a STIHL chain saw.

The outer walls of the planter are ready; now you need to take out the middle. Make 3 or 4 cuts parallel to those you have made for the long walls, to the same depth. Then make a few diagonal cuts into the part you need to remove.

lllustration: A chainsaw is used to saw longitudinal cuts on the top of a wooden trunk

Remove the resulting pieces of loose wood using an axe.
Tidy up the planter cavity with the axe or chainsaw, removing any remnants of the removed blocks or wood fibres.
Saw right through to the base in multiple places so that your DIY planter box has adequate drainage.
When cutting through the bottom of the wood, support the planter off the ground so that you don’t hit the ground with your chainsaw and damage the chain.

Illustration: A hatchet is used to break prepared blocks out of a wooden trunk

To make the feet you must first fix the smaller logs to a sawhorse. Make a v-shaped cut in the middle of each log; fit the planter on top and fix it in place with screws.

For the foot of a planter box, a wooden log is cut into a v-shape on a saw block.

Keeping your DIY wood planter box in good condition

It goes without saying that you want your new rustic wood planter box to last as long as possible. That means doing your best to protect it from moisture.

A wood stain will protect it from decay and mould.
Raise your planter up on plastic feet to stop the wood from being affected by ground moisture.
Use pond liner to line the inside of the planter and protect it when watering your plants. Remember to make holes in the pond liner for drainage though; these should line up with the drainage openings in the planter.
If you have used a debarked log for your planter, seal the outside with a weatherproof varnish.

Tips for growing herbs in your DIY wood planter box

Your new wood planter makes an ideal herb garden. If you fill it with high-quality soil and take care of your plants, you’ll soon be harvesting salad and garnishes. What you can grow somewhat depends on your soil and climate, but we’ve put together some ideas to inspire you.

Parsley

Parsley is a classic culinary herb. You can grow parsley very easily in spring and summer as it likes a bright spot but doesn’t need direct sunlight.

Chives

This perennial spring herb is one of the most popular garden herbs and makes a delicious addition to salads and sandwiches. Chives are a moderate feeder and as such will grow in nearly any nutrient-rich soil.

Basil

Basil is not easy to grow, but amateur gardeners may wish to give it a go as a challenge. This herb needs a bright spot and lots of water. Get hold of seeds for bush basil – this type is more resilient than the sweet basil that you typically get in the supermarket.

Mint

Mint needs to be harvested in summer and cut back in winter. This aromatic plant grows like mad so it’s best to give it a planter of its own.

Summary: DIY wood planter box

Choose a suitable weather-resistant wood for your planter box, like larch or spruce.
To make your planter, you will need one large log and two smaller ones.
Always wear personal protective equipment when doing DIY with your chainsaw. You can find details in the operating instructions for your tool.
Make your planter by creating a hollow cavity in the larger log.
Pond liner with drainage holes will protect the wood while preventing your plants from becoming waterlogged.
Attach feet to the planter to make it stable.
Seal or varnish the wood of your planter so it lasts longer.
Your planter is ideal for herbs like parsley, basil, chives and mint.