The best plants to place in a wooden planter will vary depending on the size of the planter and the light available in the area where the planter is located. Larger planters are most suitable for vines, trees, and shrubs such as clematis, jasmine, and hobblebush.
For smaller planters, annuals and perennials such as impatiens, petunias, and coral bells are great options. If your planter receives full sun, some good choices include marigolds, nasturtium, salvia, and alyssum.
If the planter is in partial shade, consider hostas, ferns, and ajuga. Additionally, many herbs, including chives, thyme, oregano, and lemon balm, do well in wooden planters. Many succulents, including hens-and-chicks and other sedums, are also suitable for wooden planters and can be combined creatively with other plants for a unique look.
What do you put in a wooden planter?
Wooden planters are great for adding a rustic touch to your outdoor space, and they’re also durable, making them a great choice for your garden. When it comes to what to put in your wooden planter, there are many options.
Flowers are a classic choice, and they come in many different varieties and colors to suit any style. Herbs are another option as they bring a wonderful aroma to your outdoor space and can be dried and used for cooking, or kept as decorative ornaments.
If you want something a bit more creative, you could try a terrarium or plants that need minimal tending, like succulents and potted cacti. You can even use your wooden planter to create an edible garden with vegetables and fruits like tomatoes and strawberries.
Whatever you choose, the possibilities are endless with a wooden planter!.
Can you put plants in wooden pots?
Yes, you can put plants in wooden pots. Wooden pots make for versatile container gardens for both indoor and outdoor plants. Additionally, wood is an easily renewable resource that allows gardeners to create sustainable planter boxes and containers.
Wooden pots come in a variety of sizes and shapes, which makes them ideal for designing a container garden. Wooden planters also hold moisture in well, helping to provide the proper soil environment for healthy root development.
You can paint, stain or seal them, or leave them natural to make them perfectly suited to your style and garden space. However, as wooden planters are porous, they tend to eventually become waterlogged.
If left unchecked, this will cause the wood to begin to rot. To mitigate this, it is important to use a material like a plastic liner to remind inside your wooden pot to protect its bottom from water damage.
How do you waterproof the inside of a wooden planter box?
To waterproof the inside of a wooden planter box, the first step is to ensure the wood is completely dry and free from any cracks or splits. Once the wood is dry, you can apply a sealant such as a wood sealer or a waterproofing paint like a marine-specific paint or a product specifically designed for waterproofing wood.
Depending on the type of wood, you may also want to apply a coat of primer before applying the sealant or waterproofing paint. Make sure to apply the sealant or paint in multiple coats to ensure complete waterproofing.
After the sealant or paint has dried, it is important to test the planter box by filling it with water to ensure it is adequately waterproofed. Additionally, you should inspect the planter box periodically to check for any signs of water damage to ensure the inside of the planter box remains waterproofed.
How long can plants stay in nursery pots?
The length of time plants can stay in nursery pots depends on several factors, such as the type of plant, the size of the pot, the outdoor temperature, and the amount of light the plant gets. Generally speaking, most plants can stay in a nursery pot for anywhere between 1 to 2 years before needing to be transplanted.
Younger plants in smaller pots may need to be transplanted sooner, while older plants can last a bit longer in larger nursery pots. Additionally, plants in warmer climates may need to be repotted more frequently since the soil in the pot may dry out quickly, while plants in cooler climates need less repotting.
In some cases, plants in larger pots may actually remain in their original pot for longer as they outgrow it. In this situation, it’s important to supplement the existing soil with fresh, nutrient-rich potting mix to help the plant thrive.
Ultimately, it’s important to keep an eye on the condition of the plant and the potting soil. If the plant is looking small and the potting soil is depleted, then it’s time to transplant the plant into a bigger pot with fresh potting soil.
How do you plant flowers in a wooden box?
When planting flowers in a wooden box, it’s important to make sure that it has proper drainage as well as nutrient-rich soil. To achieve this, start by line the bottom of the wooden box with a layer of landscape fabric.
This provides a layer of protection from rot and insects. Place a layer of gravel on top of this for excellent drainage.
Next, mix compost and soil to create a nutrient-rich blend. You can also add sand or perlite to improve aeration and drainage. Fill the wooden box up to within an inch of the top with this nutrient-rich blend.
For lightweight flowers, such as petunias, use a half-and-half mix of potting soil and compost.
Water the soil prior to planting the flowers. When spacing the flowers, remember that larger plants need more room to grow, whereas smaller flowers can be planted more closely together. Use the plant tag to determine proper spacing for each species.
Once all the flowers are in place, water again. Be sure to check the moisture level of the soil every day, and water as needed. Lastly, keep the box in a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day.
What happens if I don’t repot my plant?
If you don’t repot your plant, it could have a variety of detrimental results. Generally, when a plant has outgrown its existing container it starts to run into issues with the inability to absorb and store enough moisture and nutrients.
Roots can become pot bound and start to wrap around the container, resulting in worse aeration and nowhere to access new soil. The plant might become stressed, resulting in slow or stunted growth, discolored leaves, or even plant death.
In addition, if the old soil isn’t replaced regularly, it can become toxic to the plant, as essential nutrients become depleted over time and disease and pests can become a problem. By repotting your plants into larger, fresher soil and a larger container, the root system can expand to better absorb and store moisture and nutrients, allowing the plant to flourish.
How do you keep wood planters from rotting?
Wood planters are a beautiful touch to any outdoor space but can quickly deteriorate if not properly cared for and maintained. To prevent your wood planters from rotting, there are several steps you can take.
First, choose an outdoor-grade wood such as cedar, teak, or redwood, as rot-resistant woods are best for planters. If you prefer to use regular wood, you can seal it with an outdoor sealant or varnish used for decks and siding for added protection.
Be sure to minimize moisture exposure, as excessive water can rot wood. Place wood planters on a proofed surface, such as a concrete patio or stone walkway, which will repel moisture and protect the wood from the ground up.
Additionally, inserting a soak-proof liner into the planter will help protect it from excess moisture.
Adding drainage to your wood planters is also important, as the water needs a way to flow out, so keep in mind to drill several holes in the bottom of the planter.
Finally, wood planters should be given protective coats of waterproof enamel during the winter months, which can help protect the wood from extreme weather. Consider keeping your planters in a sheltered area during the winter months for extra protection.
By following these tips, your wood planter can remain in good condition for many years to come.
Should I seal my planter box?
Yes, it is important to seal your planter box in order to protect it from the elements and retain its beauty and integrity. This can be done in two ways. Firstly, you can seal the box with a polyurethane or sealant.
This helps protect the wood against water, UV rays, and other environmental factors. It also helps retain the color and natural finishes of the box. You can also choose to seal the top of the box with a clear mulch or a sealant to further protect the contents of your box from the elements.
Sealing your planter box can extend the life and beauty of your planter box, so it is important to consider this when looking to protect your planter box from the elements.
How do you protect wood in a raised garden bed?
First, prior to installation make sure to treat the wood with a waterproof sealant to prevent moisture from easily permeating the wood fibers. This should be done at least once a year. Second, use galvanized hardware to fasten wood slats together, which should help protect against rust and decay due to moisture.
Third, pile a layer of gravel beneath the wood to create a barrier from ground moisture. Finally, keeping the raised bed from laying directly on the soil will help to protect the wood from dampness and rot.
If the bed is constructed properly, with the right materials and proper maintenance, the wood should be protected from the elements and last for many years.
Do wooden planters need to be lined?
Yes, most wooden planters need to be lined if you intend to plant anything in them. Lining a wooden planter is important for many reasons, as it helps to protect the wood from water and moisture and prevents the soil from directly contacting the wood.
Not only does a liner protect the wood, but it can also help to improve soil drainage and keep the soil aerated. A plastic or rubber lining is usually best, as it is the most durable and moisture-resistant option.
Even if the planter you have has a water-resistant sealant on the outside, it’s still a good idea to line the interior to maximize stability and protect the wood from rot. It may also be necessary to line your wooden planter if you are planting edibles, as some woods may contain toxins that could leach into the soil.
Do you line a raised planter box?
Yes, I do like a raised planter box. Raised planter boxes are great for gardening because they make it much easier to access for planting, pruning, and weeding. Raised planter boxes also provide improved drainage and make it easier to monitor the soil moisture content, which is important for plant health.
They can be customized easily to fit any space you have available, and they can range in size from small to very large. Raised planter boxes are visually appealing and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so you can easily find the right design to fit your style.
They can also make it easier to introduce or remove cultivars quickly, allowing for experimentation or seasonality with your plants. Finally, raised planter boxes reduce back strain due to the elevated height of the boxes, allowing you to work without bending or kneeling.