DIY Outdoor Plant Shelf - for fences and walls

Twitter Facebook Pinterest Email

Outdoor plant shelves are a great way to spruce up a plain fence or exterior wall. I saw all sorts of variations of these shelves on garden tours this summer and thought this one was particularly beautiful. I’ll show you the supplies needed and how to make one.

If you’d like more DIY / crafty projects, see them here.

This beautiful project was photographed in Susan StLouis‘s garden in Goderich, Ontario. If you ever get a chance to see her garden on a tour—go! It’s truly unique and wonderful.

The cost for building the shelf is minimal: you need some 2x4s, burlap, and hardware cloth or chicken wire.

DIY Plant Shelf

The cost of the plants will depend on whether you want to get some unusual greens for a shady area like the one shown here or opt for less expensive annuals.

Either way, I’ve provided some how-tos below for this eye-catching DIY project.

Plant Shelf DIY Tips

Options: You can build this with lumber or convert a wood pallet. Also, instead of adding soil directly, you could also simply place small plant containers on the shelves. The product links are shown on Amazon.com but I always suggest you get them used or buy locally.

Supplies: 2×4 lumber, wood screws, electric drill, drill bit for pilot holes, hardware cloth / small grid chicken wire, burlap, electric stapler (optional), container soil, plants.
Draw out an assembly plan for the frame, working with the dimensions of the lumber and what final size you would like the shelf to be.
Note: “2×4” lumber is actually 1 ¹⁄₂ in × 3 ¹⁄₂ in (38 mm × 89 mm). Use these actual dimensions when planning your wood cuts so everything will fit.
Tip: I like to draw up a plan and get all the cuts done at the store. If you get a good customer service rep, s/he’ll check to make sure your plan works. Easy!
Alternately, you could use an old wood pallet and simply remove some of the cross pieces to create open planting areas.
Use 6″ strips of hardware cloth (or chicken wire) across the face of each shelf area (front and back) to contain the planting areas. Attach with small wood screws or staples.
Line planting areas with burlap and wrap it over edges to hide the hardware cloth. Hold burlap in place with wood staples if needed.
Fill planting areas with container soil and add plants or add containers with plants.