Between Awnings and AstroTurf

Living the American Dream of Homeownership in The Nation's Capital

Mother’s Day DIY Planter

I got a new bed several years ago when the particle board on my old IKEA Malm frame finally crumbled to pieces, and had no use for these slats. Also known as lades.

Couldn’t even give them away on Craigslist, so I took off the rope that was holding them all together and plotted my next DIY adventure.

My beautiful mother is 78 years old. She loves plants and loves to garden. But with every passing year, it’s just getting harder and harder for her to bend down and work in the garden.

This was one of many daily harvests from our rose garden.

So I obsessively looked up how to convert these slats into a planter. Then promptly threw it all out the proverbial window and just “figured it out.”

I had two sizes of wood. There were the smoother, newer ones. And I had older, skinnier ones. But the brilliance of IKEA is how modular all their things are, so like a puzzle, I pieced it all together et voila! Two hours later, I had built my first wood project.

Only had to cut the slats in half, and they all otherwise fit together. Screwed three half boards underneath for support and used the thinner boards for the top side piece. I’m super proud of myself!

Now you’re probably wondering, “I thought she said her mom can’t bend? How does that fix anything?” I was gonna add legs, but remembered these two director’s chairs that had seen better days.

They were a giveaway at a DC film festival where Stella was a sponsor.

I unlatched the arms and back and presto – instant legs for the box.

I kept the IKEA label on there to keep it real.

I didn’t seal the wood. Pretty sure I’ll regret that. I didn’t line the box either. Thought about that after putting the soil in it. I have enough wood for two more planters, but only one more director’s chair for a stand. May make a window box for the front porch too. Will be sure to share once the carrots, spinach and peppers are planted!