How to Plant in Picture Frames

Picture frame planters are a great way to display your herbs, flowers or other plants while showing off your favorite photos. You can design the planter to have between one and four picture frames as its walls. This planter is made from four, 8-by-10 inch frames, but other sized frames can be easily substituted if you want to make a smaller or larger planter. Use any style of wooden frame, but it must have a slot on the top of the frame for non-intrusive photo insert and removal.

Things You'll Need

• 4, 8-by-10 inch wooden picture frames
• 1 piece of lumber the same dimensions as the frame
• Wood glue
• Nails
• Hammer
• 4 angle irons
• Thick plastic garbage bag
• Utility knife
• Duct tape

Instructions

1. Select four frames that are the same size. If you do not want four frames, substitute a piece of lumber the same size as the picture frame for each non-photo side of the planter.

2. Remove the glass from the frames to avoid breaking and cracking during construction.

3. Arrange the frames so that two sides have the longer edge along the bottom and two sides have the shorter edge along the bottom. This will allow you to display both vertical and horizontal photos. Apply wood glue along the edges and secure frames into a bottomless rectangle. Let the frames dry overnight.

4. Reinforce the glued edges with small nails hammered in at evenly spaced intervals. Apply angle irons to the corners for extra stability.

5. Nail the lumber to the bottom of the rectangular frame. Drill a ½ inch hole in the center of the bottom for drainage.

6. Replace the glass into the frame. Line the inside with a piece of thick plastic garbage bag. Poke small holes in the plastic along the bottom edge with a utility knife. This will allow for air circulation and proper drainage.

7. Add your favorite photos through the slit in the top of the frame. Add soil and seeds or transplant an existing plant. Display in an area with adequate sunlight where everyone can enjoy the photos.

Tips & Warnings

• Cover the photo slit with duct tape when adding or removing soil to avoid soil inside of your picture frame.

Resources

• University of Georgia Extension: Growing Plants Indoors
• Free Patents Online: Decorative Plant Picture Assembly