Slug-Proof Planters From Acoustic Panels

Some years ago, Sweden was invaded by slugs.

Spanish killer-snails we call them as they are cannibals.

My wife caught hundreds every day, and copper saucers

were placed under the flowerpots.

I had to take care of the herbs somehow.

Step 1: Basic Layout

As the slugs cannot pass a corner where the wall meets an overhang,

I decided to build a raised bed with a recessed foundation.

The bed itself was to be 800x1200 mm to fit pallet collars with EU standard.

The foundation is easiest made of concrete blocks, and this combination of

200x400 mm blocks measures 600x1000 mm, which gives us 100 mm

toe space all around, very convenient when weeding.

Step 2: The Box

With some mortar on the foundation, six ordinary pavement slabs 400x400 mm

are placed as a bottom, and then all that is needed is a pallet collar to form the box.

However, I used two 600x1200 mm salvaged wood wool panels instead,

one shortened to 800 mm, and both split lengthwise in the middle.

I used an ordinary hand saw, as it is easy to cut, and less dusty than a circle-saw.

Don't use your best though, as the cement dulls the teeth.

This material is rot-resistant, (I built this one 5 years ago),

and the height 300 mm better if we want to cover the box, and the plants are up.

We still have the opportunity to temporary use a pallet collar on top of the box,

thus with sides extended to 500 mm heigth.

The joints can be made in many different ways;

I chose to chamfer the ends and smear them with cement slurry

before screwing them together diagonally near the inner corner.

Step 3: Strengthening

As the material is very porous, don't rely on the screws only.

The inside corners were reinforced with fiberglass,

and along all four sides fillets of concrete were added against the bottom.

If you choose butt joints, the procedure is similar;

long screws to hold the panels together,

reinforcements with net of steel or fiberglass in cement slurry.

Furthermore, you can use wood or metal to cover the joint on the outside

Step 4: Flower Pot

Large pots are heavy and expensive, but equally simple to make,

from 5 squares of the same size and one slightly smaller

Here I chose an open corner of Mies van der Rohe type.

The four sides are screwed to the bottom, and then connected

to each other with diagonal screws in the corners.

Step 5: Reinforcements

I used fiberglass strips and ordinary cement putty,

but you could use white cement or tiling grout to

make it less visible.

Step 6: Elevate

Finally, add the slightly smaller sqare to the bottom and fix

with screws or cement.

Now the slugs are unable to reach the plants,

no need for copper fence here.

If you want to paint, use spray

because of the uneven texture.

Step 7: Butt Jointed Planter With Metal Net

Cut 4 net pieces the same height as the sides and 100 mm wide,

and bend 90 degrees in a vise or between boards.

Attach a piece of thread in the upper corner of each as a handle.

Nail 2 net pieces at one end of the bottom board,

and smear the edge with cement slurry.

Screw the shortside board to the bottom,

and repeat on the opposite side.

Now smear all edges on one longside and screw the board,

taking care to hold the net tight to the corner, using the handle.

Same procedure on the last side, and your box is ready

for corner treatment.

Step 8: Corners and Elevation

Cover the net in each corner with cement slurry,

and when set, you have a sturdy planter that only

needs to be elevated with a second bottom board

or placed on bricks or slabs smaller than the box

to be slug safe.

Spray with lime or paint if you feel like it and

you are ready to plant your herbs or flowers.