One of the most inexpensive materials to use to fill large planters is potting soil. It is widely available at garden centers or online, and can be purchased in large bags at a fairly low cost. Depending on the types of plants you are growing and the size of the planters, you may need to mix in compost, peat moss, and other amendments to increase the fertility of the soil.
As an alternative, if you don’t need drainage in the planters, you can use large bags of peat moss, which is more lightweight and easier to handle. You can also use a combination of both potting soil and peat moss to fill large planters.
If the planters need drainage, then you’ll need to add holes for drainage – for this, you can use gravel, broken clay, or washed marble chips. This can be more expensive than potting soil, but still relatively inexpensive.
Additionally, you may decide to purchase large bags of mulch from garden centers or online, which can make for attractive and economical ground cover for large planters.
What can I use instead of a planter box?
If you’re looking for an alternative solution to the traditional planter box, there are several creative and interesting options available. Here are some ideas to get you started:
• Turn a trunk, basket, or any other type of container into a planter- this is a great way for adding a unique look and feel to your outdoor space.
• Utilize wall space by constructing a living wall or vertical garden- this can be done with a variety of different materials, from cedar planks to metal troughs, baskets, or wire frames.
• Create a low-lying garden bed- this is a wonderful way to add color, texture, and depth to your outdoor area and surrounding landscape.
• Repurpose a large wooden crate- this is a bargain-friendly and creative way to add an enjoyable touch of charm to your outdoor space.
• Upcycle a large pot, tray, or bowl- this can make a truly unique planter box and is great for any type of garden or large decorative display piece.
• Construct wooden or metal planter stands- depending on your available space and desired look, there are plenty of metal or wood standing planter options that can fit any space or style.
No matter what the size, budget, or style, there is an option available to fit any type of planter box you’re looking for. So if you’re in need of a quick and interesting update to your outdoor area, these ideas can help make your space a true masterpiece.
How do I make a cheap large planter?
Making a cheap large planter can be done in several ways. One option is to get a large plastic storage bin or a used barrel and cut a hole in it for drainage. If you choose to use a barrel, make sure you have disinfected it to remove any chemicals that could be harmful to plants.
Make sure the container you use has adequate drainage holes, as too much water can suffocate a plant’s roots. To make it look nicer, line the planter with burlap, felt, or other decorative fabric and add a few inches of soil.
Once they’ve been filled, you can add a few sturdy sticks or branches at the edges of the planter to give your plants somewhere to climb. To complete your planter, add your desired plants, top it off with some soil and water, and enjoy your new large planter.
With a little creativity and some DIY-savvy, you can create a cheap large planter that looks great and helps your plants thrive.
How do you make an inexpensive planter box?
Making an inexpensive planter box is a great way to give your garden a pop of color without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips on how you can make an affordable planter box:
1. Visit your local home improvement store such as Home Depot or Lowe’s and look for plain wooden boxes. Wooden boxes are easier to decorate and take less time and money to assemble.
2. Look for untreated, unvarnished boards and lumber. This is the most cost effective way to create your planter box.
3. If you have basic tools such as a saw and drill, you can assemble your planter box easily. Simply cut the boards to the desired size and use the drill to attach them together. If you don’t have these, you can use a screwdriver to attach the boards together.
4. Decorate your planter box with any type of stain, paint, or trim to give it a custom look.
5. Add a lining to your planter box with a heavy plastic such as polyethene or latex. This will help contain the soil and pre-treat the box against moisture and insect damage.
6. Fill the planter box with your desired type of soil, adding compost or fertilizer as needed. Plant the plants or seeds according to the specific directions.
With these simple steps, you can easily design and assemble an affordable planter box for your garden. Enjoy your affordable outdoor materials, and don’t forget to water and care for your plants.
How do I build a cheap raised garden bed?
Building a cheap raised garden bed is a great way to add beauty and functionality to your garden space. The key to creating a raised garden bed cheaply is to use salvaged or second-hand materials, wherever possible.
In addition, you can also use upcycled materials for a more creative and low-cost approach.
To begin, you will need to gather the materials and components for the garden bed. These items can include wood, bricks, stones, and other materials. If you are using upcycled materials, you may have to spend time sourcing them, and may even have to take apart existing furniture or objects to get what you need.
Once you have the materials, you will need to measure and mark the area where the raised bed will be placed, using a measuring tape and marking pen. Then, level the ground and prepare the soil – adding organic matter, mulch, and fertilizer, if necessary.
Next, you will need to begin assembling the pieces and components of the bed, which can include attaching the sides and bottom with screws, using nails and brackets to secure the corners, or placing stones and bricks together in a row to make a border.
Finally, it’s time to add the soil and plants. If you are looking for a cheap option, try mixing compost and garden soil. Once the bed is filled, you can sow your seeds or arrange any plants you have purchased.
Add a layer of mulch to the top to keep weeds at bay and retain moisture.
With a bit of thought and creativity, it is possible to create a cheap raised garden bed that looks great and serves its purpose for years to come.
How can I make big planters at home?
To make big planters at home, you will need a few simple materials and tools, including wood, screws, a saw, sandpaper, drill or screwdriver, and any type of sealant or waterproofing material you would like to use.
Additionally, it may be helpful to have a few planter-building plans or guides to help guide you during the process.
First, measure the dimensions of the planter you would like to build, keeping in mind where you will place the planter and any additional features (e. g. , drainage holes) you would like to include. Once you have determined the measurements, the next step is to purchase or find the necessary materials and tools.
If you are unable to find the materials or are uncertain about which type of wood to use, consult with a professional at a home improvement store or lumber yard.
Once you have acquired the materials and tools, the next step is to cut the wood to the appropriate sizes and create the frame of the planter. Using a saw, cut the boards to size and make sure to sand down any rough edges.
When cutting the wood, be sure to account for the thickness of the wood in your measurements to ensure a precise fit. It’s also important to pre-drill any holes that may be needed to fasten the planter later.
After you’ve cut and shaped all of the pieces of the frame, attach them together with screws. If you’re uncertain about the best way to attach the pieces, there are many resources available online that can provide guidance.
Once the frame of the planter is complete, you can begin to seal or waterproof the wood. Choose the method or material that best suits the type of wood you used and the specific planter you have created.
Finally, you can add the soil and plants of your choice, and your planter is officially ready to be enjoyed!
Do planters need drainage holes?
Yes, planters need drainage holes in order to allow the excess water to drain away from the roots of the plants. Without drainage, the water can become stagnant in the planter, which can cause the roots to rot, leading to the death of the plant.
Furthermore, when the water is allowed to drain away it prevents an excess of moisture from building up in the soil- which can lead to overwatering, fungal diseases, and root rot. When adding drainage holes to a planter, it is important to also place a layer of gravel or stones at the bottom, as this will allow for additional drainage and provide a space for any excess water to collect- so that it can be poured out as needed.
How can I make cheap planters look expensive?
One of the easiest ways to make cheap planters look expensive is to purchase them in different colors and materials. For example, a metallic planter with a glossy finish is often more expensive than a plastic planter, but it can also transform the look of a room.
Additionally, adding accessories like ribbons, flowers, or stones to the planter can help to make it look more expensive. If the planter is a clear material, such as glass, you can fill it with a variety of small items such as pebbles, shells, or potpourri for a unique and expensive look.
Finally, a simple coat of spray paint can turn a basic plastic planter into something stylish and modern.
How do you use a planter without drainage holes?
Using a planter without drainage holes is possible if certain steps are taken to ensure your plants are getting enough water and are not at risk for overwatering. The most important thing to consider is the type of soil you use.
When planting in a planter without drainage holes, use a light, well-draining soil that is designed to retain water. You can also create your own version of soil by adding perlite, peat moss and/or compost to a potting mix.
Additionally, you can also add some topsoil or sand to the mix to ensure the soil will retain moisture.
It’s also important to water your plants properly in a planter without drainage holes. Make sure you water your plants deeply and slowly, so the soil can absorb the water. After this, wait for the soil to become almost dry before you water again.
This will prevent overwatering and help you maintain the ideal moisture levels for your plants. Additionally, you can also use a hygrometer, which is a device that measures the soil’s moisture in a container without drainage holes.
Finally, you can also use a saucer or tray underneath your planter to prevent water leakage. This will help to collect any excess water that might run off, so it can evaporate or be taken away after the plant has been watered.
What do you put in the bottom of a raised garden bed?
The bottom of a raised garden bed can be filled with a variety of materials, depending on the type of bed and what is being grown. Generally, the choices can be between using soil, mulch, sand, gravel, or other drainage materials.
For soil, it is important to use quality, nutrient-rich soil so that plants can have the best conditions possible to thrive. Soil should be mixed with organic matter like compost or manure to ensure the plants have access to the nutrients they need.
Mulch is another option for the bottom of a raised garden bed and helps to retain moisture for the plants, as well as suppress weeds and regulate the temperature of the soil. Mulch can also be mixed in with soil for an even better mixture.
Sand is another choice for the bottom of a raised garden bed, although it should be mixed with soil for better water retention and drainage. Gravel can offer better drainage than other materials and can be used on its own or mixed in with soil and mulch.
Finally, other materials like fabric liners, sheet plastic, and commercial drainage layers can be used to provide even better drainage, as well as help to protect the garden bed from compaction and waterlogging.
It is important to ensure that all materials used in the bottom of a raised garden bed are of the highest quality to ensure the best growing conditions possible.
Can I put a raised garden bed on top of grass?
Yes, you can put a raised garden bed on top of grass. The advantage of doing so is that the soil in the raised bed will be better-draining and more fertile than in the ground beneath. It will also help reduce the amount of weeds that may take root in the ground below.
This is especially useful if you are looking to plant vegetables, as it will make them easier to access and maintain.
In order to put a raised bed on top of grass, you’ll first need to remove the top layer of grass and weed. This can be done by either hand-digging or using a spade, rake and hoe. Once that is done, it’s important to line the sides of the raised bed with newspaper, cardboard or landscaping fabric to help prevent grass and weed growth.
The raised bed can then be filled in with a mix of either potting soil and compost, or topsoil and peat. Once that is done and the soil is level, you can start planting.
Overall, it is possible to put a raised garden bed on top of grass, but it is important that you prepare the ground first and use an effective liner to help prevent weed growth in the bed and beneath.
This will create a better planting environment for your vegetables and reduce the number of weeds and pests you will need to contend with.
Does a planter box need a bottom?
Yes, a planter box should have a bottom in order to capture any excess moisture from the soil and prevent it from draining out. This is especially important if the planter box is to be used outdoors, since excess moisture can quickly lead to rot and other damage to the box and its contents.
A bottom also provides additional stability to the planter box and ensures that the plants inside remain secure. Additionally, having a bottom to your planter box can help protect against some pests and unwanted intrusion, such as insects or animals.
