DIY Project: Turn a Recycled Cardboard Box into a Garden Planter

We love finding resourceful ways to save you money on the things you need. With prices rising everywhere from gas, fast food, and even gardening, people are looking for ways to save where they can, especially on products.

For many reasons, corrugated cardboard boxes are among the greatest packaging materials in the world. They are not only very adaptable, simple to obtain, and effective in protecting items, but they are also affordable, recyclable, and have the potential to replace common items.

Cardboard Gardening

Garden planters and beds are not cheap. Prices can range from a couple of dollars to a few hundred dollars depending on quality, size, and material. Then you also have the cost of gardening itself, which can quickly add up. You can only imagine the excitement when our team discovered an easy and affordable way to reuse cardboard boxes, specifically for your garden.

With the recent price increase of gardening supplies, check out this simple DIY project that uses cardboard boxes as planters to save money. Treat them in the same manner as you would traditional containers: Fill with dirt, check for appropriate drainage, and water as needed. Check this link for a video.

Supplies Needed:

• Cardboard Boxes
• Roll of Duct Tape
• Garbage Bags
• Scissors
• Potting Soil
• Plant Seeds

Instructions:

Step 1 - Grab a sturdy cardboard box. Check the cardboard box to make sure it's structurally sound and there are no tears or weak spots. If there are any, select another box.

Step 2 - Reinforce the box by using duct tape and taping over the seam in the bottom of the box. Fold down the flaps on the inside of the box and wrap a layer of tape around the flaps so they stay in place. This will also strengthen the outer walls of the box.

Step 3 - Place a garbage bag inside the cardboard planter pots and fold the bag's top edges over the top of the box to completely enclose the outside in plastic. Have the bag reach all four sides of the box by pushing it inside.

Step 4 - Now you need to add drainage holes. Make holes in the bottom of the box and the bottom of the garbage bag. The surplus water will be able to drain from the soil through these holes. Place a hole every four inches along the box's bottom surface.

Step 5 - It's time for the soil. Fill the box with potting soil to within 1 inch of the top of the box. Tap the box to make sure all the soil is settled. Then place the box in a place where there is enough sunlight depending on the type of plant and seeds -some plants need direct sunlight while others prefer indirect light. Ask your garden center or check for instructions on the seed packet for how much light and water your plant needs.

Step 6 - Once you find the location, add the seeds and follow the instructions on the packet it came in if there are any. At the same time, you are going to want to fertilize the soil, unless the soil you purchased is already fertilized.

Step 7 - Create a watering schedule to make sure the seeds and plants get what they need.

Make Adjustments As Needed

If the original cardboard box starts to deteriorate before the plants were able to grow, try to double up by putting the old box into a new, larger box for extra protection. Just be sure to poke holes in the new box just like the old box. Eventually, you will want to move the plant to a permanent location in the ground if at all possible. 

With over 1,600 box sizes, Trinity Packaging Supply has one of the largest selections of corrugated boxes available! Our packaging experts will automatically find the lowest price and quickest lead-time on boxes based on your shipping zip code. Contact us today at (856) 520-8332 or email info@trinity.global for more information.