How to make a slate planter

You will need

Two large or four small reclaimed roof slates
Single-bottle wine box
Strong 'no nails' glue
Sempervivums x 3
Compost and gravel
Angle grinder
Safety goggles, mask and protective gloves
Electric drill and large drill bit

Do it: all year round

Project categories

Overview

Planted with succulents, such as sempervivum, a smart slate trough looks good all year round. The soft grey and worn, uneven edges of reclaimed roof slates are the perfect foil for the fleshy plants.

How to do it

1Lay the wine box on the slate and draw round it to mark out two side pieces and two end pieces, adding an extra 1cm along the top edge of each piece to form a lip above the top of the box. Measure the thickness of the slate and add double this to the length of the longer side pieces. If you're using broken slates, you'll need to plan it out in advance to ensure you have enough slate for all four panels.

Cutting slate panels with an angle grinder

2Hold the slate securely in a vice, packing it with wood if necessary, then cut out the four panels using an angle grinder (wearing safety gear). Or, alternatively, use a tile cutter. Then turn the wine box upside down and drill three large drainage holes in the base.

3Apply adhesive to one end of the box and press the slate end-piece carefully into place. Stand the box on a flat surface to ensure the bottom of the slate is level with the bottom of the box and that it covers the end completely. Repeat with the other end, followed by the sides.

4Once the adhesive has dried, line the trough with a carrier bag to protect the wood and cut holes in the bag for drainage. Add a layer of gravel, the fill the trough with compost and plant the sempervivums. Finish off with a layer of gravel mulch.