How to Make a LOG PLANTER for Your Garden | Various Methods

[@deborahcampbell9602]

I liked the simplicity of this video Thank you, refreshing.

[@suburbanhomestead]

Wait, so people don’t have industrial lathes laying around? Lol. They look great and the shirt is quite funny, Greg.

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

Haha thanks Siloe! I just found that shirt the other day and I love it. And I WISH I had that old workshop from the stock photo.

[@incanada83]

It's refreshing to see down to Earth content. Thank you.🌻 I have three 1' high logs I want to hollow right through to place over my clematis vines and you gave me a realistic information.

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

You’re welcome, happy to help!

[@marymckay7154]

Great going...we are going to give it a try.

[@juscaru4429]

After you drill holes a Sawzall is a great tool as well to bore it out👍

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

I did try using that a bit, and the blade kept catching or getting stuck. I was worried the blade would snap. It takes some practice to cut in the right places.

[@lesmoore3638]

I think the trick to the burn method is to have a 6 hour job where you can take breaks regularly to keep an eye on the progress and adjust fire. I'd suggest slow smoldering fire and patience. Start the fire, feed the chickens, have breakfast, check for eggs, mow the lawn, wash the car, etc., etc.

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

Agreed! It was my favorite way to do it, it just took all day while I multitasked on other things.

[@lesmoore3638]

@@SomeRoomtoGrow I burned out a lot of Ash stumps last year. I'd get them going and come back the next day. Usually took 3 days but worked great. I'm taking down a 18 inch Ash at my nieces house and she wants a planter so I'm going to try it. I have chickens to tend to, a garden to prep and fences to put up so it's perfect for my ADD. I'm thinking I'll have to keep an eye on it since I want to stay centered so 3 days of inch by inch to make it nice. Burn scrap, repeat. Now if I can just not drop it on the chicken coop. :)

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

That’ll be perfect! It’s much better than hunching over a single stump for an hour or more with a hammer and chisel.

[@jaimeriquelme6727]

Good job anyway, thanks for your time.

[@AaronRupp]

The Persian Shield looks amazing. I want to try that one.

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

It’s a striking plant! It’s still doing very well now, branching out with new leaves.

[@PauloHimself-c2k]

Well explained

[@Brother_Nature.]

looks great!

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

Thank you!

[@rohitshahyoutube]

You can make drainage hole on sides of the hollow log .😊🙏🙏🙏

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

That's true!

[@valenciakellman2825]

Thank you so much. You are a great teacher. I have five tree trunks in my community garden and I can't wait to get started. Thank you🪴🪴

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

You are so welcome! That's nice of you to say and I hope you enjoy your new log planters.

[@Robmanian]

They look amazing!

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

Thank you!

[@juliekraft4102]

They are beautiful!❤

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

Thank you so much!

[@wipeoutxl21]

Looks good!

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

Thanks!

[@1kcb796]

I have a big forked section that weighs about 400 poounds; the tree had rotted out from the inside already, just has a ring of unrotted wood on outside. Is there any method of preserving the planter so it doesn't rot more and will last longer?

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

There is! The burning method works well to preserve the wood for a long time. There’s a method called “shou sugi ban” where you lightly torch the wood without burning it too deeply. I’ve seen gardeners use that to preserve wood for raised beds.

[@cindyhoward2094]

can I plant in a Pine Tree Stump?

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

Sure!

[@rohitshahyoutube]

Just amazing 👌👍🙏

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

Thank you!

[@melanamims2622]

Nice video

[@aaronspain3387]

A drill press would make quick work of that log, and would allow you to use a spade bit or a forstner bit, as you wouldn't be wiggling the drill around to cover more ground.

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

Agreed! I don’t have one (yet) but I’m sure it would speed up the process significantly.

[@Paravetje]

Regarding the fire method, i've seen some primitive building video's where they use clay on the edge of the burned surface, that way you can continue making the hole deeper, while the clay protects the sides that are burned far enough. Afterwards you remove the clay. You can use the clay soil from your garden for this :D Also, the burned wood will take longer to decompose, people also use the method (Shou Sugi Ban) of burning wood that has to go in the ground, to protect it from water and rot. I don't know if the following is the case, but the burned wood might prevent drainage from your log planters because it doesn't want to absorb water. Regarding the flower aranging, you did good, they look great! My mother used to combine geraniums with lobelia (i believe) in planter boxes. It's nice to have an upright growing plant in the middle or on the backside of the planter, and a plant that hangs over the side or stays low around it, or in front. It's also fun to try and match colors and shapes that look good together.

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

That’s a great idea with the clay! Our ancestors knew what they were doing. I just learned about the rot-resistant burn method recently and you’re right, it probably would affect drainage. I only tried that with one log as an example, so the rest are fine. But drainage holes would be a good idea with any method. I’m glad you liked the arrangement! The sedum has come back but I need to find some new inhabitants for the rest of the logs.

[@elizabethcliburn7098]

I didn't watch the whole video, but how do you treat these so they don't get termites? I have some logs that I just want to use as outdoor 'tables' for plants to sit on, but I don't want them to become termite condos.

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

I'm not sure how you would do that. I'm sorry I don't have a good answer for you.

[@regiegija02]

Tks for the video! I have my work cut out for me (and for my husband lol) with 3 logs and your video helped shine some light on the project. I have one question: what about drilling a few small holes for drainage on the sides at about the level of the bottom of the hole u carved out? Im a bit nrevous about using logs without holes in Florida. Soon we'll be having a lot of rain and I dont know how succulents would be perform in a log like yours. Like yours, mine are also too tall to drill holes from the bottom. What do u think of side holes? Any advice or suggestion is appreciated. Tks again, all your planters look beautiful!!!🌿🎖

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

Thank you so much! Yes, holes on the sides at a slight downward angle from the bottom of the bowl would work well. Thank you for your question!

[@regiegija02]

@@SomeRoomtoGrow great point (downward angle), I'll do that! Tks for replying so promptly!!!!😉

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

No problem, I'm sure your plants will enjoy their new homes!

[@shadyman6346]

I’ve always used rotting logs. Really easy to hollow...

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

That would make a big difference.

[@astatine0085]

what about an auger drill?

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

That could work too

[@HelpforDominique]

A rotary tool is the worst thing to use... But fire, this should be like first choice. 1) decide how deep you want the pot to be. 2) at that depth you drill a few holes from the sides inward. Depending the thickness of your log, lets drill 4 holes. 3) now drill a hole from the top down. you have now created a version of the Swedish torch. add some thin twigs in the middle and light from the side. let the fire burn until you have the size planter you need. 4) Remember those side holes? you'll now be able to plant a flower or two from them too. ... enjoy

[@seedsihsaan6983]

sounds tedious.... but looks worth it!

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

It was quite a chore but I'm glad I did it!

[@amothinisengard6505]

Thank you so much for this video! This is exactly the info I was looking for, and I really appreciate your calm and informative style. Can't wait to make my own!

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

You're very welcome and I'm glad it was helpful! I can't wait to plant some new things in ours next year.

[@Ginger-g8j]

Harbor freight very inexpensive angle grinders. I’ve got five that’s how inexpensive they are

[@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists]

Cedar or juniper wood will last longest.

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

True! I made these with Silver Maple so they probably won’t last long, but the process is still the same.