How to Build a Pallet Herb Garden

What’s more satisfying than growing a gorgeous, lush garden in your backyard? Growing one that you can eat from, too. Now, throw in an element of design and upcycling, and you’ve got yourself a pallet herb garden. We teamed up with Ford to show you how to create one yourself utilizing the features from the 2021 Ford F-150.

For starters, the available Tailgate and Interior Work Surfaces bring your office and work space together as one. It’s also available with Pro Power Onboard, meaning you can charge up all your tools using the mobile generator. Ready to get started? See the full instructions below. For even more inspiration, check out our full list of summer projects here.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

• Pallet of your choosing. Try to find one that’s weathered naturally from sitting outside. Also check that it’s in good condition and free of dangerous nails poking out. Many retail stores, especially hardware stores, often have extra pallets laying around and are willing to give them away if you ask.
• (150) 2” wood screws
• (2) 2” x 4” x 8’ pine studs for reinforcement
• (1) 40” x 48” x 1/8” plywood for backing
• (4) 50 quart bags of potting soil
• Plants of your choosing
• Weed cloth
• Hammer
• Nail puller
• Circular saw
• Reciprocating saw
• Power drill
• Steel brush
• Small bucket
• Soap
• Borax (optional)

Step 2: Prepare the Pallet

Remove the bottom side. Pry out any protruding nails. Reinforce joints of the pallet with screws.

Step 3 (optional): Make Sure It’s Clean

Remove splinters by scraping with a steel brush and applying a water-and-borax mixture (pallet may change color slightly). Allow to dry outside in sunlight.

Step 4: Lay Garden Fabric Before Securing Back

Staple garden fabric to back of pallet. Cut a piece of ½-inch plywood the same size as the bottom of the pallet. Cover the fabric cloth with plywood to provide backing and structure.

Step 5: Add Soil And Herbs

Pro tip: The secret to a wall-mounted herb garden is to plant horizontally. Lay the pallet flat when creating it and give the herbs some time to grow correctly before mounting it on the wall. Plan to keep the pallet flat for about two weeks to allow for suitable root placement. Once it’s ready to mount, position pallet in location according to the herb’s care instructions (i.e. direct sunlight, indirect sunlight, etc).