D.I.Y. hanging plants

To make this D.I.Y. project even easier you can get your form ply cut to size at your local Bunnings. Our cutting list for the 1200mm x 595mm x 17mm form ply is

• 440mm x 220mm x 2
• 930mm x 220mm x 2

Measure and mark the form ply for the pots. You can make yours any size you like. Ours measured 220mm wide and 930mm long.

Using the combination square, measure and mark the 220mm squares along the length of the ply. We left 50mm in the centre as a design feature.

Draw straight, diagonal lines across the squares. Then mark where the lines intersect, this is the centre of the squares. 

Clamp the ply to the workbench. Use the 3mm drill bit to pre-drill holes in the centre of all of the squares. This will make positioning the hole saw easier.

With the ply still clamped to the work bench, use the hole saw to cut halfway through the ply. Turn the ply over and re-clamp it. Continue cutting with the hole saw. Cutting the holes out from both sides will stop the ply from splitting.

Measure and mark the ply at the width of your choice. Use the square to draw a straight line along the length of the ply.

Clamp the ply to the workbench. We're using a straight edge to run our saw against. Before cutting, make sure you take into account the distance between the edge of the saw and your blade. Then, use the circular saw to cut the ply.

Work out how long you want your shelf to be. Measure and mark this distance on the ply.

Clamp the ply to the workbench. Use the drop saw to cut the ply to length.

Measure and mark where you're going to put the screw eyes. On one side of the shelf we measured and marked 10mm in on each end, and in the middle. But because we're hanging more than one shelf, we measured in 15mm on the other side for the screw eyes to offset and help balance the planter.

Use the 3mm drill bit to pre-drill all of the holes for the screw eyes.

Hand screw the screw eyes into place. Then use pliers to secure them firmly.

Measure and cut the chain links to the length you want. This will depend on where you're putting your hanging pot garden and the size of your plants. Depending on the thickness of the chain you might be able to cut it with pliers or you may need to use bolt cutters.

Use the pliers to twist open the end link on the chain. Connect this link to the screw eyes. Repeat this for all of the lengths of chain and the screw eyes. 

Because it's heavy, the hanging pot garden will need to be attached to a joist. Use a stud finder to locate the joists in the ceiling. Then measure and mark the position for your hanging pot garden.