Build a turf bench

The use of pallets in garden DIY has become something of a craze, and there’s good reason why. They are readily available, tough, sturdy and treated to withstand the elements. Often found for free, using them is a way to upcycle wood that may otherwise find it’s way to landfill. This project uses a pallet that has closely spaced planks. This detail is important; it gives the soil within the right amount of support. With a few judicious sawn cuts and screws, a pallet like this can be transformed into an attractive seat.

Choose the right spot

The grass on top will need good light to grow well, so position the bench on a flat piece of ground in a sunny or part-shaded position.The spot should be flat so the bench doesn't lean, and level so the box can sit snugly on the ground without shifting.

Getting started

Joining the cut halves of a pallet deck together to make a bench

Prise off the lower planks from the pallet, leaving the deck. Saw this into halves for the longer sides of the bench. Measure and cut six short planks from the remainder to make the shorter ends.

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Step by step guide

5. Top with turf

Be patient when filling the seat with topsoil. Add a layer at a time, compacting it between, then leave for a day to settle. Finally, top up any areas that have subsided and level it off. Roll turf out to cover the soil and cut it to fit with a knife. Pat down to ensure the roots are making good contact with the soil an water well.

Turf is easy to find by the roll at this time of year, or you can try growing the grass from seed sprinkled thickly over the top of the seat. Daisies or other lawn flowers will add interest and food for pollinating insects – if you have plenty of these plants in your garden already, transplant a few into your seat, or buy as plug plants

Seedlings or young plants grown singly in small modules, with the advantage that they can be transplanted with minimal root disturbance. Bedding plants and young veg plants are often sold as plug plants of various sizes, with smaller ones requiring more aftercare. They usually need to be potted up and grown on indoors until large enough to plant outside.

from a nursery. Keep your seat well watered while the turf is establishing, then the only maintenance needed will be to trim the grass to keep it the length you like.

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