Almost any vessel can be used as a planter box, so long as it meets the needs of the specific plants and is a good size. For instance, flower pots or terracotta planters are popular options. There are also plastic, metal, and fabric planters on the market.
Wooden planter boxes and window boxes are also a popular choice. Raised planter boxes can be used to control drainage and soil condition, while elevated planters can help minimize bending and kneeling while gardening.
In addition, pallets and crates can be re-purposed and used as attractive planters. Almost any large container can be used, such as a wheelbarrow, a spare tub, an old washtub, an old sink, or an old wardrobe, if the bottom is open.
Large ceramic and metal vessels can also be used for plants, depending on the type and size of plants being grown. Even an old bathtub can be used, if there is water drainage in place.
How do you make a cheap raised garden bed?
Creating a raised garden bed is a great way to start a flourishing garden or grow vegetables in a smaller space. There are various ways to make a raised bed on a budget. Here are a few tips to consider:
1. Upcycle Materials: You can source many materials for free by upcycling something you already have in your yard or house. Old pallets, bricks, and untreated wood can all be put to good use in your garden.
2. Consider Your Soil: Soil can be an expensive component of a garden bed, but you can source cheaper alternatives by using compost, manure, and other plant by-products. Peat moss is also a great addition to lighten the soil and make it easier to work with.
3. Contain the Bed: To contain the soil, you can use anything from logs, to concrete blocks to plastic sheeting. You can either build a raised bed frame up from reclaimed wood, or line the sides of the bed with anything from chicken wire to silt fence.
4. Plant in Layers: Planting in layers can help you save on space and resources. Plant your root vegetables at the bottom layer, followed by smaller plants and then add in your clovers, carrots and onions.
5. Moisture and Sunlight: When planting, make sure you understand your garden’s soil needs, watering requirements and sun exposure. Correctly assessing your climate and soil can help you save time, water and money.
Creating a garden bed doesn’t have to be expensive and, with a little bit of resourcefulness, can be done on a budget. Following these tips should help you create a cheap and efficient raised garden bed.
What kind of wood should I use for a planter box?
When choosing wood for a planter box, the two main considerations are durability and cost. For durability, teak, cedar, and redwood are good options. Teak is the most durable, as it is naturally resistant to rot and decay, but frequent oil treatments may be necessary.
Cedar is also very resistant to rot and decay, and does not require much maintenance. Redwood is also durable, but does not hold up as well to extreme temperatures and moisture if not sealed properly.
In terms of cost, pine and fir are more affordable options than the previously mentioned woods, however they may not be as durable. When treated with a protective sealer, they can last a long time. Bamboo is another more affordable option, however its durability may be compromised if not properly treated.
No matter which type of wood is used, it should be treated with a weatherproof sealer before use to ensure its longevity.
How do you waterproof the inside of a wooden planter box?
To waterproof the inside of a wooden planter box, you should start by applying a polyurethane sealer or a marine-grade varnish to all the inside surfaces of the box. These materials are designed to protect wood from becoming waterlogged, which can cause harm to the planter and its contents.
Be sure to use a brush or sponge to evenly coat the entire area to ensure a thorough seal. After the sealer has dried and cured, apply a clear coat of waterproof paint to the inside of the box. This will create an added layer of protection and help to repel water.
Finally, apply a layer of water-resistant caulk around the inner edges of the planter box, paying special attention to corners and joints. This will provide an extra layer of protection and help keep the box from taking on water from rain or from any water leakage from the potting soil and plants.
How do you keep wooden planters from rotting?
In order to keep wooden planters from rotting, it is important to seal the wood before use and then continue to maintain it regularly. Before using the wooden planter, apply a coat of sealant such as a polyurethane, polyacrylic, or linseed oil.
This will seal the wood and protect it from moisture. Additionally, it is important to inspect the planter regularly for areas that may have been damaged or scratched. If the sealant has been damaged, reapply to that area to keep out moisture.
Lastly, make sure to keep the wooden planter raised off the ground and away from moisture sources, such as gutters or other downspouts. This will help keep the wood dry and reduce the chances of rotting.
Can you use pressure treated wood for planter boxes?
Yes, you can use pressure treated wood for planter boxes. Making planter boxes out of pressure treated wood can make them more durable and longer-lasting since it is resistant to rot and insects. Pressure treated wood is treated with chemicals like copper which helps to protect the wood and make it less prone to decay.
It is important to note however, that pressure treated wood is not edible and should not be used to create planters that will contain edible plants. In order to ensure safety, the pressure treated wood should be sealed with a water-resistant sealant before it is used for any planter boxes.
This will help to keep hazardous chemicals from leaching into the soil or the edible plants that are being grown.
Should I line my wooden planter box?
Yes, you should line your wooden planter box. This is because lining the box will help keep it from rotting or deteriorating over time from water and soil. You can line the box with plastic sheeting, such as a heavy-duty plastic garbage bag, or with a special lining for plant boxes such as black plastic root barrier.
The liner will also help in keeping weeds from growing in the box and will protect the wood from water damage, helping to extend its life. Additionally, if you choose a liner with an Osmotic film, it will help the box to hold moisture and nutrients better so that your plants will be healthier in their new planter.
What do you put at the bottom of a planter box?
At the bottom of a planter box, it is important to use something to create a barrier between the soil and the pot in order to improve drainage. Commonly used materials include various sizes of pebbles, lava rocks, river rocks, or pieces of broken terra-cotta pots.
You should avoid using large pieces of organic material, such as leaves or wood chips, as this can lead to them compacting and blocking drainage. If you are using a lightweight plant such as a wildflower or a weed, you can use newspaper or cardboard as a form of weed suppression, as long as you keep it from touching the soil.
Additionally, lay a layer of landscape fabric to prevent the soil from washing away and to stop the roots from growing together. Finally, add a layer of soil mix on top to fill the planter before planting.
Can you use bin bags to line planters?
Yes, you can use bin bags to line planters. Bin bags do a great job of helping retain moisture in soil and prevent soil from spilling out of the planter. It also helps to protect against frost and damp in the winter months, and can reduce weeds from the soil.
When using bin bags to line a planter, make sure that you cut a few holes in the sides to allow for drainage. Additionally, be sure to use a type of bin bag that is thick enough to retain water, but still porous enough to allow excess water to escape.
This will help to ensure that your plants stay healthy year-round.
Should raised beds be lined?
Raised beds don’t necessarily need to be lined – it all depends on what you’re planting and your goals for the bed.
If you want to increase fertility and help keep out weeds, then lining the raised bed with a material like cardboard, newspaper, or weed barrier fabric can help achieve that. Lining the bed can also help preserve the soil and keep it from eroding with the rain.
Some people also line their raised beds with plastic to create a warm, humid environment that helps to speed up germination.
On the other hand, if you’re planting something that doesn’t require a particularly rich soil, like a dry-tolerant plant, you may not need to line the bed at all. It can actually be better to skip the liner altogether if you’re not looking for a particular effect, since it can be hard to get it out once it’s been installed.
In the end, whether or not you choose to line your raised bed is up to you. Consider your goals for the bed, the type of soil you’re working with, and the kinds of plants you’re growing before you make your decision.
Do you need to seal planter boxes?
Yes, it is recommended to seal planter boxes to help protect the wood from moisture and insects. Sealing your planter box with a waterproof sealant will prevent damage from the weather and insects, both above and below ground.
There are special sealants specifically designed for outdoor wood and planter boxes that have improved waterproofing, UV and mildew protection. When choosing a sealant, it is important to ensure that the sealant is compatible with the type of wood you are using.
If you have built a planter box from pressure-treated wood or cedar, you may want to apply a wood sealer for extra protection. Applying a sealant should be done after the box is constructed. To apply the sealant, first, clean the wood with a mild detergent, allow it to dry, then brush on the sealant.
Allow the sealant to cure, according to the instructions on the sealant container, before putting soil and plants into the planter box.