DIY Timber Planter Boxes: Easy Projects for Summer Herbs
Step-by-Step Guide to Build Simple Planters
Bring Your Backyard to Life This Summer
Fresh herbs growing right outside your kitchen door define a "Kiwi summer." Picture yourself stepping out to cut sprigs of basil, thyme, or mint from a planter box you made — strong, good-looking, and built from beautiful local timber.
This guide is for you if you've wanted to start a small herb garden but thought it seemed too hard. At Plankville, we think DIY should be easy, rewarding, and eco-friendly — when you work with top-notch New Zealand timber that stands the test of time.
Today, we'll show you how to construct your own wooden planter box step-by-step using materials you can find near you or straight from Plankville's Planter & Garden Beds selection.
Why Wooden Planter Boxes Are Great for Summer Herbs
Before we start building let's discuss why wood makes such a smart choice for garden planters — when you compare it to plastic or metal options.
Timber planters have a natural and classic appearance, and they also help control soil temperature ensuring your herbs stay healthy during hot summers and cool nights. , you can cut, shape, and treat timber to fit your space — whether you have a small deck, a patio, or a large backyard.
At Plankville, our macrocarpa and pine timbers come from local mills, last a long time, and work well outdoors. You can even pick pre-cut lengths from our Timber Collection to make your DIY project simpler and neater.
Step-by-Step Guide: Build Your Own Timber Planter Box
Want to start? Here's how you can make a simple strong planter box that'll hold your summer herbs well.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
You'll need:
Four side panels (wood boards 150mm x 25mm)
Two end panels (same width)
A base (use slats or a solid panel)
Screws and a drill
Saw (if you're cutting your own wood)
Measuring tape, pencil, and sandpaper
Quick tip: For results that last, choose macrocarpa, a wood that resists rot . You can find it at Plankville's Timber Range.
Step 2: Measure and Cut
Choose the size for your planter. Many beginners start with a planter 900mm long, 300mm high, and 250mm wide — this size works well for herbs like basil, parsley, and thyme.
Make careful marks for your cuts and ensure square ends to get a tight fit. If you want to avoid cutting, Plankville offers custom-cut lengths through their services — this saves time and guarantees accuracy.
Step 3: Assemble the Frame
Arrange the panels to create a rectangular box. Join the sides to the ends using screws. Drill pilot holes first to stop the wood from splitting.
To make it more stable, you can strengthen the corners using leftover wood or timber strips.
Step 4: Add the Base
Put on your base slats or panel, leaving tiny spaces for water to drain. This lets water escape and keeps your soil healthy.
If you plan to set the box on decking, think about putting rubber feet or bricks underneath to stop moisture from building up.
Step 5: Sand and Seal
Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots. You can keep the wood natural for a rustic look or coat it with a non-toxic wood oil or stain.
Applying a sealant makes your planter last longer — this is crucial if you're using pine that hasn't been treated. Take a look at Plankville's Flitches, Slabs & More to get ideas for finishes and types of wood.
Step 6: Fill and Plant
Cover the bottom with breathable landscape fabric or old burlap then add good potting soil.
Plant your favorite summer herbs — basil, parsley, coriander, and mint — and give them a good watering. In a few weeks, you'll have fresh flavors ready for cooking and the pride of knowing you made it yourself.
Why Build With Plankville Timber?
There's DIY — and then there's doing it right. At Plankville, we mill and supply top-notch, eco-friendly NZ wood for outdoor spaces. Our materials offer these benefits, whether you're building a single planter or a complete garden setup:
Toughness: Macrocarpa and treated pine options that stand up to decay and harsh weather.
Eco-friendliness: Local milling reduces environmental impact and boosts our area's economy.
Flexibility: Wood cut to your specs and ready-made Planter & Garden Beds to get you started faster.
Raw Beauty: Each board has its unique look — adding coziness and realness to your garden.
Our team boasts extensive experience in building timber structures for New Zealand homes, gardens, and lifestyle projects. You can check out our work at Plankville in Action to see real examples of garden beds, decks, and outdoor features we've created.
Begin Your DIY Project with Plankville Today
Are you eager to start? Whether you're new to building or you've done it before, Plankville provides the materials, guidance, and backing you need to create your timber planter box.
Head over to our Planter & Garden Beds page to see what's available, or get in touch with our team through our Contact Us form for a personalized quote or advice on timber selection.
Don't put off building your herb planter until summer hits full force. Get started this weekend so you can enjoy fresh homegrown herbs throughout the season.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Kiwi gardeners prefer Macrocarpa. It resists rot , doesn't need chemical treatment, and looks great outdoors.
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Herbs grow well in boxes 20–30cm deep. This depth gives roots room to spread without too much soil.
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Yes — lining your box with breathable fabric or hessian helps keep soil in while allowing moisture to drain out. This makes the wood last longer.
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Of course! With pre-cut timber from Plankville, you can put together your box using just a screwdriver and some time.
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The lifespan of a quality planter depends on the type of timber and whether you've sealed it. It can last 5–10 years or even longer. Macrocarpa and treated pine will give you the most years of use.
