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How to make a slate planter

How to make a slate planter

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Thursday, 24 January 2019 at 3:00 pm

Learn how to make a stylish slate planter, in our practical How-to guide.

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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.

Find out how to make your own planter, below.

You Will Need

Reclaimed roof slates (2 large or 4 small)
Wooden wine box, single bottle
Glue, strong, 'no nails' type
Sempervivums (3)
Compost
Gravel
Angle grinder
Safety goggles
Safety mask
Protective gloves
Drill
Drill bit (large)

Total time : 15 minutes

Step 1

Make your own slate planter - measuring the slate

Lay 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.

Step 2

Make your own slate planter - cutting the slate

Hold 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.

Step 3

Make your own slate planter - fixing the slate to the box

Apply 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.

Step 4

Make your own slate planter - lining the box

Once 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.

You can buy slates from reclamation yards, or you might be lucky to find some lying around in your own or a friend's garden.

Gardening gloves. Photo: Getty Images.

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