A barrow of blooms

Mark Rayner shows you how to turn an old plastic wheelbarrow into a stylish summer planter – perfect for potted colour or for growing salad greens.

You will need: a brush, bucket of clean water, clean cloth, drill with 10mm drill bit, garden hose with running water, good-quality potting mix, sandpaper, an old plastic wheelbarrow, paintbrush and potted colour (we used white pelargoniums), Resene Lumbersider tinted to Resene Chill Out, Resene Paint Prep and House Wash and Resene Smooth Surface Sealer.

To get the look: Mark stained the deck with two coats of Resene Kwila Timber Stain.

Step 1 how to convert a plastic wheel barrow into a planter on wheels

Step 1
Drill drainage holes in the bottom of the wheelbarrow.

Step 2 how to convert a plastic wheel barrow into a planter on wheels

Step 2
Mix one part Resene Paint Prep and Housewash to three parts clean water.

Step 3 how to convert a plastic wheel barrow into a planter on wheels

Step 3
Use a brush to scrub the wheelbarrow clean using the diluted solution. Then rinse off with clean water and allow the wheelbarrow to dry.

Step 4 how to convert a plastic wheel barrow into a planter on wheels

Step 4
Sand the sides, underneath and top edge of the wheelbarrow to “key” the surface, then wipe away any residue with a clean cloth.

Step 5 how to convert a plastic wheel barrow into a planter on wheels

Step 5
Apply one coat of Resene Waterborne Smooth Surface Sealer to the sides, underneath and top edge of the wheelbarrow and allow two hours to dry.

Step 6 how to convert a plastic wheel barrow into a planter on wheels

Step 6
Apply one coat of Resene Chill Out to the sides, underneath and top edge of the wheelbarrow and allow two hours to dry. Then apply a second coat, leaving to dry for another two hours.

Step 7 how to convert a plastic wheel barrow into a planter on wheels

Step 7
Fill with good-quality potting mix and plant up with your favourite potted colour.

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Resene Paints Ltd – www.resene.com