When we first started working with pallets in the garden, I had no idea just how versatile these humble wooden frames could be. Cheap (often free!), easy to work with, and full of rustic charm, pallets are perfect for creating everything from raised beds to vertical planters—even garden furniture.
Whether you’ve got a tiny balcony or a sprawling backyard, these DIY pallet garden ideas will help you upcycle with style and make the most of every inch of your outdoor space.
1. Build a Vertical Pallet Garden Wall
Perfect for small spaces, a vertical pallet garden lets you grow flowers, herbs, or veg without taking up precious ground. Just stand a pallet upright, staple landscape fabric to the back, and fill the slots with soil. Add trailing plants like nasturtiums or strawberries for a lush, living wall.
2. Train Climbing Plants on a Pallet Wall
Want more privacy or a bit of natural screening? Lean a pallet against a wall or fence and let climbers like ivy, morning glories, or cucumbers take over. A little wire or netting will help guide the growth, and before long, you’ll have a green, leafy partition that’s both beautiful and functional.
3. Create a Raised Pallet Bed for Veggies
This is one of my go-to pallet projects. Simply lay a pallet flat, remove a few slats, and fill the gaps with soil. The sections help organize your crops, improve drainage, and keep weeds down. Great for lettuce, carrots, and other shallow-rooted veg.
4. Make a Pallet Herb Garden with Hanging Pots
Secure a pallet to your wall or fence and add small pots using hooks or brackets. Then plant your favorite herbs—basil, thyme, rosemary—and enjoy fresh flavor right at your fingertips. It looks great and makes cooking even more satisfying.
5. Lay Out a Pallet Succulent Garden
Succulents love shallow soil and good drainage, making them ideal for pallets. Line the back of a horizontal pallet with landscape fabric, fill it with sandy soil, and tuck in your plants. The result? A low-maintenance, high-impact garden feature.
6. Build a Pallet Garden Bench with Planters
Why choose between seating and greenery when you can have both? Use pallet wood to build a bench and leave space at the ends for planters. Add ferns, lavender, or trailing lobelia for a cozy, fragrant garden seat.
7. Turn Pallets into a Backyard Garden Bar
Perfect for entertaining, a pallet bar adds instant charm to your patio. Stack pallets to create the bar base, top it with a flat surface, and add shelving for drinks and décor. Bonus points for adding wheels and fairy lights!
8. Mount a Pallet Flower Wall with Hanging Baskets
Attach baskets or pots to a vertical pallet for an eye-catching floral display. I love using this setup to bring color to a boring fence. Try petunias, pansies, or begonias for a burst of seasonal blooms.
9. Edge Your Garden Beds with Pallet Wood
Cut pallet boards into equal lengths and use them as rustic edging around your flower beds. It’s a simple way to add structure and a handcrafted look while keeping soil and plants in place.
10. Keep Tools Handy with Pallet Storage
Mount a pallet to your shed or fence and use the slats to hang rakes, spades, or even gloves. You can also add hooks for trowels and secateurs. It’s an easy DIY tool rack that saves space and sanity.
11. Grow Veg in a Small Pallet Garden
If space is tight, a pallet garden is ideal for leafy greens like spinach and kale. Lay it flat, line it with fabric, fill the gaps with compost, and plant away. You’ll be harvesting in no time.
12. Let Kids Garden with a Mini Pallet Bed
Cut a pallet down to size and give the kids their own patch. Fill it with easy growers like marigolds, radishes, or nasturtiums. It’s a great way to teach little ones about nature and keep them entertained outdoors.
🌿 Peter Stevens is a passionate gardening writer and plant enthusiast with over a decade of hands-on experience. From urban balcony gardens to full-scale backyard transformations, she shares practical tips and inspiration to help everyone grow their green space. When she's not writing, you'll find her with soil under her nails and a smile on her face. 🌱
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