用卡板製作種植架 Making Pallet Planters
以往我常在Pinterest上看見一些用卡板製作的木工項目，但當時住在香港，空間有限，很難有機會去實踐這些創意。來到英國後，生活空間變大了，尤其是有了自己的花園，這給了我許多做木工的機會。我的木工手藝並不純熟，製作花園傢俬正好符合我的程度。
最近家裏裝修浴室，購買物資後剩下了幾個卡板，我靈機一動，決定用來製作種植架，因為花園裏陽光最充足的位置，一直沒有種植架，浪費了寶貴的陽光資源。
我在網上查閱了許多設計，大多數都是在卡板之間填進泥土，用來種植。這種方法的關鍵在於必須找到無毒的油漆來處理木材，以免有毒物質滲入泥土和植物中。我覺得這個方法比較麻煩，且那些無毒油漆也不容易找到。因此我決定改用另一個方法，就是購買一些專為卡板而設的花盆。我找到兩款產品，一款是塑膠的，另一款是金屬的；我選擇了金屬的以減少使用塑膠。這些花盆除了可以插進卡板內種菜，也可以獨立作為花盆。
我對這個DIY項目十分滿意。卡板經過打磨、上油後，變成了既醒目又實用的種植架。為了防止它向前傾倒，我特地為它安裝了兩隻腳，使其更加穩固。我又把另一個層架髹上同一顏色的漆油，配成一套，在花園陽光充沛的角落。現在我的植物有位置好好曬太陽了！
In the past, I often saw woodworking projects made with pallets on Pinterest, but living in Hong Kong with limited space, I found it challenging to try these ideas. After moving to the UK, my living space expanded significantly, and I now have my own garden. This provided me with many opportunities to try woodworking. Given my modest skill level, making garden furniture seemed just right for my level.
Recently, while renovating my bathroom, I got a few leftover pallets. This prompted the idea of making some planters for my garden, particularly after noticing the sunniest spot lacked a plant stand, wasting valuable sunlight.
I researched various designs online and discovered most involved filling soil between pallet wood. The key to this method is finding non-toxic paint to treat the wood, preventing toxic substances from leaching into the soil and plants. I found it somewhat cumbersome, and non-toxic paint is hard to find. So I decided to purchase some planter pots tailored for pallets. I found two types of products, one plastic and one metal. To minimise plastic use, I chose the metal ones. These versatile planters can be inserted into the pallets or used independently.
This DIY experience was very satisfying. After sanding and painting the pallets, they transformed into attractive and practical plant stands. To prevent them from tipping forward, I installed two legs. I also painted another shelf in a matching colour and positioned them in a sunny spot. Now my sun-loving plants have got a home.
