I love growing herbs in the garden. Being able to pick some basil and whip up a batch of pesto when the mood strikes is seriously one of my favorite things ever. So I was pretty upset with my garden snails when they chewed through those bright and tasty leaves first! I’ve since learned that slugs and snails like eating basil almost as much as I do, but that there’s an easy way to stop them: copper tape. Don’t worry, the copper isn’t toxic to your garden. It repels slugs by giving them a small shock whenever they come in contact with it. So grab your favorite outdoor planter and you can have a slug-proof oasis for your herbs in no time.
Materials
Tools
- ruler
- pencil
- scissors
- washi tape
First things first, before you create a fun geometric design you need to make sure the copper tape effectively acts as a barrier by creating an uninterrupted strip of tape. Start by wrapping the tape (with the paper backing still attached) around your galvanized tub and cut to size.
Next, decide on a width for your band of tape and trim. Carefully peel off the first few inches of backing and apply to the planter, smoothing out wrinkles as you go. It’s perfectly fine if you overlap the tape when you get to the end because it sticks well to itself.
Now for the fun part! Sketch a few design ideas for your planter and test out different shapes until you find one you like. We went with an Aztec-inspired triangle pattern that fits in perfectly with Joanna’s modern-boho deck.
For the larger triangle size, use your ruler to make a mark every inch or so and alternate on the other side of the tape, then cut from line to line. Next, use some washi or masking tape to make an even line around your planter — this will act as a guide so your triangles are straight. Apply the shapes, smoothing out as many wrinkles in the foil as you can until you’ve gone all the way around the planter.
I just couldn’t resist doing some tiny triangles! Again, measure and mark the tape, cut into shapes and apply to your planter in a fun design. Complete by attaching some stick-on rubber feet so you don’t damage your surface.
Make the most of your new (adorable) slug-proof planter with one of their favorite treats; basil. Since this will be sitting on a new deck, we opted not to make drainage holes and instead added a layer of river rocks to the bottom for plenty of drainage. Top with potting soil and add your plants. Finish with a final layer of soil.
I love how the design shines in the sun and reflects the sunshine. Grow, basil plants, grow!
photography by Meghan Klein.
project by Material Delight for Jojotastic.
Leave a comment and let us know what you think of this planter tutorial! And if you make one, be sure to post a photo and tag @jojotastic on Instagram so we can see.
