What you are going to need – 4 mounting brackets (one mounting bracket for every corner of the pallet – it would be a good idea to make use of L brackets), shipping pallet, screws which happen to be weather resistant, staple gun or roofing nails, level, drill, weed cloth (also referred to as landscape fabric), potting soil, thin plywood which has been cut appropriately for covering the rear part of the pallet, plants (while figuring out where and how to mount the pallet, make it a point to take into consideration the weight of a pallet which is fully planted following watering and select the appropriate hardware as well as the location which will be able to support it).
It is a fact that you will come across pallets almost everywhere, and therefore, make sure to invest adequate time for finding one in proper condition and which has not been prepared from pressure-treated wood (because of the leaching from potentially detrimental chemical substances out there). It is a fact that pallets are available in various sizes and shapes at present; therefore, do not assume that every single pallet is going to be identical. Ensure to clean it off and also inspect it from time to time for any splintered wood or stray nails. At this particular point, it will be a sensible idea to put on a pair of gloves while you are inspecting and also cleaning the pallet.
After the pallet has been cleaned up and prior to adding any extra weight to the pallet, make it a point to place it against the wall where it is going to be mounted in the long run. The level ought to be used for ensuring alignment in the proper manner. Following this, make your marks, and the L brackets have to be installed on the wall. (After planting out the pallet, it will be imperative to slide it into the proper position between the brackets which have been mounted).
The pallet has to be returned to a flat surface
Despite the fact that the pallet would be planted out by resting it on the ground, it will be simpler to work with it from a standing position by placing it on sawhorses or a tabletop. The pallet has to be placed in such a manner that the side having the widest openings will be facing up. This is going to be the backside which will be mounted against the wall. Make it a point to lay out the landscape cloth or fabric with the purpose of covering the bottom as well as the back. Pull tightly and it has to be secured using staples or nails. You will come across some pallets where wood covers the entire bottom portion of the pallet and this will not allow the soil to fall out the bottom. If it is not the case, one more piece of wood, such as a 2×4, can be chosen by you for adding to it. However, in both cases, make it a point that the bottom along with the back is covered by fabric for catching any soil which might otherwise fall out. This will likewise be the perfect time for adding a thick plastic layer or any other barrier which happens to be water-resistant. Although this particular step was not included in the do-it-yourself section of the episode, it is nevertheless an essential part of safeguarding the external part of the abode from grime as well as moisture of the pallet garden.
Following this, the thin plywood has to be added over the plastic or cloth and made secure.
Now, the pallet has to be turned over and filled with container mixture or potting soil of good quality. Make it a point not to make use of any ordinary garden soil or one which is intended for planting beds given that it happens to be excessively heavy and will not be draining properly. The majority of the soil has to be added prior to adding the plants. Subsequently, make sure to tilt the pallet up almost vertically so that soil is able to settle without falling out between the crevices. Following this, go on adding soil until the pallet becomes completely full.
Add the plants
Never be scared for packing them in. The plants have to be positioned such that their root balls are placed securely between the planks and they should be tucked in firmly. After all of your plants have been positioned properly, make it a point to add additional soil in case it is required; however, make certain to reserve some soil so that they can be added after the pallet has been mounted. Do not water yet because of the added weight.
The pallet has to be mounted
Get a couple of helpers for positioning the pallet between the mounting brackets which have been already secured properly to the house. It will be useful to have some stuff for resting the pallet on whilst it is secured to the wall. It will be a sensible idea for one more person to fasten the brackets to the pallet while the helpers will be holding the pallet in position.
Last but not least, make certain that all the plants have been positioned in place quite firmly and the roots happen to be in proper contact with the soil surrounding them. Moreover, it will be the perfect time for adding the reserve soil for filling the voids. Make it a point to water the plants comprehensively along with the soil. Once more, you will be having more settling as well as some loss of soil right here; consequently, make sure that some additional soil is available to you so that they can be added if required.
Go on monitoring the garden over the subsequent few days and add water as well as soil as required by the plants for development. After the roots are able to fill out within a few weeks, make certain to water it from time to time. It is going to dry out quite fast since the garden happens to be above ground. Watering on a regular basis is essential, similar to other containers.
