Planter box for bamboo

Many types of bamboo are known for excessive growth leading to challenge of maintaining and preventing overcrowding  other plants. 

One option is to plant your bamboo in a large planter box. 

For this project,  I wanted a planter box with the dimensions:

1500mm width
400mm height
300mm depth

1. Timber supplies 

I used Treated Pine Fence Paling (100mm  x 1.5m) as they are cheap and easy to work with.  So i worked out i needed:

4 x 2 planks for front and back
3 planks for bottom
8 x 300mm for sides

I bought a total of 13 fence paling at $1.47 each. 

For the 4 posts as support (400mm length), i also bought 2 pieces of 1m treated pine offcuts at $1 each. 

Total cost for this planter box is $21 plus screws.

2. Measure and cut to size

3. Fix the pieces of timber together

First put together the front and back using galvanised screws.

Then fix the sides. 

Consider fixing weed mat or any plastic on the sides to prevent soil from coming out.

Lastly turn it upside down to nail in the bottom.  Drill some holes at the bottom to allow excess water to flow out. 

4. Add soil and plant the bamboo

I only needed to plant one bamboo as it will very quickly multiply. 

Rainwater tank installation

1. Get a water drum or rainwater tank. (The Maze 100L MiniTank costs $80 while a new 60L water drum costs around $30). Used 220L water drums are sold on Gumtree for around $20.

2. Drill two 25mm holes, one near the top for an inlet and another near the bottom for a tap.

3. Buy the Maze water tank downpipe diverter set ($15). 

This set comes with inlet connection fittings that is inserted from inside the water tank/drum. (As my water drum was sealed, I used a coat hanger to insert the inlet connection fitting inside the tank - see pictures below).

4. Fit a tap at the lower hole. (A plastic tap costs $5). Remember to apply threadseal tape and sealant to prevent leaks.  

5. Using a hacksaw, cut a 30mm gap in your downpipe at the correct height, as per the Maze product's instructions. 

6. Place the diverter in the gap of the downpipe. 

7. Connect the hose that was included in the Maze water diverter set and "Voila !"