Trough planter : A solid wooden trough planter can be made from FSC decking material. Cut 2.4m deck joists so that they interlock. Use half joists to form the ends. Hammer tree steaks into the ground on the inside of each corner and cut off flush with the top. Finally cap the top with profile deck boards, mitre cut to form a seat around the planter. Full Instructions coming soon.

Profiled Deck Board, 2.4m x 12cm x 2.8cm [sku: 194485, £4.99]. Deck Joist, 2.4m x 15cm x 4.7cm [sku: 194487, £7.99].

To make this trough planter, we used 3x Profile Deck Boards and 6x Deck Joists (2 for each long side and 2 halves for each end).

Log edging planter

An even simpler way to make a planter is to use Larchlap Fixed Log Edging. These come in lengths of just over a meter and a height of 152mm. They are rigid (unlike log rolls) and have an integral post spike on each end so they can just be hammered into the ground to form the required shape. Here we've made one planter using 1x1 panels and one using 3x1. They are constructed of FSC timber and have a 15 year guarantee against rot.

Larchlap Fixed Log Edging, 1050mm x 152mm (300mm including spike) [sku: 122853, £3.99].

For an irregular shape, try Pressure Treated Border Roll. (You'll need to steak it into position.

Border Roll, 80 x 15cm [sku: 408725, £5.99]. 180 x 25cm [sku: 408785, £7.99]. 180 x 30cm [sku: 408724, £9.99].

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Barrel Planter: Focus' half distiller's whiskey barrels are made from genuine used whiskey barrels (they even smell of whiskey!) and make great planters. They are incredibly strong and long-lasting. Choose the half with the stopper and simply knock it out to allow drainage or drill a few holes before filling with peat-free compost. They are great for herbs, strawberries or flowering plants. Here we've planted some mixed herbs (3 litre herbs, split between the barrel and strawberry pots), lemon thyme, chives and parley.

(Remember: They are supplied fully water-tight, so don't forget to remove the stopper or drill drainage holes.)

Half Distiller's Whiskey Barrel. [sku: 364384, £16.99]. 3 Litre mixed herbs (split). [sku: 188209, £3.99 each or 3 for £10].

Strawberry / Herb Pots: These strawberry pots are great for herbs too and they're frost resistant.

Strawberry / Herb pots. [sku: 182948, £9.99]. 3 Litre mixed herbs (split). [sku: 188209, £3.99 each or 3 for £10].

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