How to build a growing box

Mark Rayner shows you how to create this nifty growing box and newspaper pots – perfect for striking those autumn cuttings or growing seedlings.

How to make a growing box and newspaper pots

You will need: Approximately 2.1m of dressed wooden moulding – Mark used “door jamb” moulding which measures approximately 110mm x 20mm and has attractive grooves, pencil, tape measure, 40mm panel pins, hammer, saw, sandpaper, paintbrush, PVA glue, newspaper, can or cardboard tubes, masking tape, good-quality potting mix, Resene Quick Dry, Resene Lustacryl, tinted to Resene Renew.

Note: if the box is going to be kept outside, make sure you use treated timber, exterior PVA glue and galvanized nails.

Some more ideas: To turn this into a mini-propagation tray, simply sow seeds or place plant cuttings in smaller pots and place a piece of glass or clear perspex across the top of the box. An old wooden drawer can also be turned into a stylish growing tray – do make sure that if it has an MDF base you replace it with wood or plywood and drill adequate drainage holes. Clear plastic storage boxes also make great growing trays or mini-propagators for potted seedlings or cuttings – simply drill drainage holes in the base and ensure the lid is propped open during the day to allow ventilation.

Instructions

Step 1 how to make how to make a growing box and newspaper pots

Step 1
Measure two pieces at 400mm and five pieces at 260mm along the length of the wooden moulding.

Step 2 how to make how to make a growing box and newspaper pots

Step 2
Using the back of the saw, as shown, mark cutting lines across the moulding.

Step 3 how to make how to make a growing box and newspaper pots

Step 3
Using the lines as a guide, cut the moulding into the seven pieces.

Step 4 how to make how to make a growing box and newspaper pots

Step 4
Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper.

Step 5 how to make how to make a growing box and newspaper pots

Step 5
Assemble the outside edges of the box, using PVA glue and panel pins.

Step 6 how to make how to make a growing box and newspaper pots

Step 6
Attach two of the 260mm pieces of moulding across the base, fixing with PVA glue and panel pins.

Step 7 how to make how to make a growing box and newspaper pots

Step 7
Fix the last piece of moulding across the centre of the base, leaving evenly spaced gaps either side.

Step 8 how to make how to make a growing box and newspaper pots

Step 8
Apply one coat of Resene Quick Dry to the entire box and allow two hours to dry.

Step 9 how to make a growing box and newspaper pots

Step 9
Apply two coats of Resene Renew to the entire box, allowing two hours for each coat to dry.

Step 10 how to make a growing box and newspaper pots

Step 10
Wrap a folded piece of newspaper around the can or cardboard tube, as shown, fixing with a piece of masking tape.

Step 11 how to make a growing box and newspaper pots

Step 11
Fold the bottom edge of the piece of newspaper back on itself and fix with a piece of masking tape. Carefully remove the can or car cardboard tube. Repeat until you have around 20 pots.

Step 12 how to make a growing box and newspaper pots

Step 12
Fill each of the newspaper pots with good-quality potting mix and sow a seed or place a cutting in each one.

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