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The window shelf planter seen in the July/August issue of Cottage Living magazine gives your home instant curb appeal. Potted plants allow easy seaonal changes for your garden in miniature. We offer a simplified version of the shelf that you can make with a minimum of tools and time.
photography: Rex Perry
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The foundation of the planter is constructed of 2-by-2 lumber. We used pressure-treated pine, but cedar or redwood are also good choices. The first step is measuring the width of your pots just below the top lip. You'll use this measurement to construct a horizontal ladder-like structure to support your pots. Cut short pieces of wood the length you measured for the pots. These short sections are like the rungs of the ladder. We cut 5 cross pieces for our 4-pot shelf plus one extra to be used later.
photography: Rex Perry
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Lay the cross pieces down a length of the lumber that will become the front piece of the foundation. Use the extra cross piece to space the rungs to create perfect squares. Mark the outsides of the rungs along the front piece to guide the assembly of the foundation. Cut the back and front pieces flush with the outside edges of the first and last rungs. Drill 1/8-inch holes through the front and back pieces and into to rungs to guide your connectors and to prevent wood splits. Connect the foundation pieces to the rungs with 2 1/2 inch decking screws.
photography: Rex Perry
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Next, frame the outside of the foundation with decorative trim. We used 2-inch picture molding cut at 45-degree angles on the corners for a finished look. Attach the molding with galvanized or stainless steel finish nails.
photography: Rex Perry
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Attach a ready-made shelf bracket at the corners with 2 1/2 inch decking screws. Finish the shelf with exterior grade primer and paint. TipsUse 2-by-4 lumber for the foundation when making a shelf for pots larger than 6 inches in diameter. Place 2 decking screws at the outside corners for added strength. Paint adheres well only to dry pressure-treated lumber. Paint only the trim and brackets if you use freshly treated lumber. | 
