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Repair an outdoor wood planter

Best bet

Titebond III (waterproof PVA)

The waterproof Type I formula survives constant soil moisture — interior PVA would let go.

How to do it

Step by step

  1. Empty the planter and let the wood dry out fully — glue won't hold on damp wood.
  2. Scrub off soil and algae; sand the joint faces to fresh fibers.
  3. Dry-fit the boards and check the joints close snugly.
  4. Brush waterproof wood glue onto both faces.
  5. Clamp or screw the joint while it cures overnight before refilling with soil.

Conditions

When the answer changes

If the joints are gappy or the wood is warped, switch to polyurethane glue — it fills and is 100% waterproof. If a board is rotted through, replace the board; glue won't save rotten wood.