DIY Plant Rack

Design Your Rack

• Before starting to build your rack, consider how you'll use it and where it will go. A rack for houseplants will be smaller and more delicate than an outdoor rack and will need to fit in with your decor. An outdoor rack must be sturdy and weatherproof and designed to let rainwater run off. Consider the available space, and decide whether you have room for a tall, narrow rack, such as a ladder rack, or a square three-tiered rack.

Types of Rack

• A plant rack can be any shape you wish. However, there are some basic rules to follow. The rack must be sturdy, with a low center of gravity, so that it is not easily tipped over. Pyramid and cone shapes are a practical choice but require shaping with a specialist saw. Racks shaped like a set of steps are sturdy and easy to build, but they offer less shelf space and take up more room. Ladder designs are easy and look elegant, but they require being affixed to a wall for support.

Materials

• Indoor racks, which are not exposed to weather, are finer and more delicate than outdoor stands. You can use a wood that matches your decor, such as mahogany or walnut, or paint it the color of your choice. Outdoor racks should be made from pressure-treated or stained wood, with galvanized nails. They'll need retreating with wood protector once a year, and they should have shelves with gaps for drainage.

Using a Rack

• When arranging your plants on a rack, take into account both the decorative effect and the requirements of the plant. The plants on the highest tier will be most exposed to the weather and will be prone to drying out in the summer. The plants on the lowest tier may not get as much light as those higher up and will not grow as fast. Trailing plants look attractive growing down over a rack but risk blocking the light on other levels.