Make a Mobile Container Garden

Build a container garden (or several) that can be moved easily around the house or patio.

By: Sam Henderson

Related To:

Garden On The Move

Create a container garden with mobility in mind. Vary its position for light, decor, or for indoor/outdoor use.

Gathering the Materials

You will need: base from an old office chair/ round project board (at least as wide as the chair base)/ measuring tape/ marker/ drill/ hole saw (with a diameter at least as wide as the center pole of the chair base)/ sandpaper/ planters (enough to fit around your base + 1 for the top)/ drainage material (gravel, packing peanuts, etc)/ soil/ trowel/ plants for each planter (at least one tall, one filler, one spiller)

Choosing the Chair

Getting the right chair is important. The seat does not matter, but look for one with a sturdy base and good wheels. A flat base is ideal and more likely found in older chairs. Try a thrift store or used office furniture store as a resource.

Removing the Seat

The method for attaching the seat to the base varies by manufacturer, but they all come apart. Inspect your chair to determine how the seat is attached and carefully remove it. Don't worry if the center pole is somewhat unappealing. It will not show in the finished project.

Marking the Center

Use a measuring tape to locate the center of the round project board. Measure at few different spots around the board to make sure you have an accurate point. Mark that point with a permanent marker.

Cutting the Hole

Use a hole saw as wide as the diameter of the center pole. It can be slightly wider but not smaller. Use the drill guide to cut the hole at the center point you marked.

Sanding the Board

Take a moment to remove any rough edges from the center hole and smooth out any other areas on the board as necessary.

Putting the Base Together

Insert the center pole from the chair base into the center hole of the project board. This is your base. The weight of the pots should be enough to keep your base together, but if desired, you can secure the chair base to the bottom of the project board with pipe strap (found in the plumbling section). Simply wrap the strap over each of the prongs of the chair base and screw attach it with two wood screws.

Preparing the Pots

Add drainage (gravel, packing peanuts, etc.) to the bottom of the pot. Add soil to the pot filling about two thirds full.

Adding the Thriller

Add the tallest plant(s) first. choose something with character that will command attention.

Adding the Filler

Next add a plant the will fill much of the surface space. It can be one that might grow tall or spill. You will just need to keep it trimmed back.

Adding the Spiller

Lastly, add plant(s) that will spill over the sides to create some drama.

The Finishing Touches

After the pots are filled place them on the base. The pots should be taller than the center pole. After you have filled the base, add one more pot to the center/top of the other pots adding height and covering the center pole completely. Water and maintain.