Question: How To Build Outdoor Planter Boxes?

What wood is best for planter boxes?

Wood options for Raised Garden Boxes

• Redwood or Black Locust – Definitely the best option for raised garden boxes in terms of longevity because they are naturally rot-resistant and have been known to last up to 20 years.
• Cedar – Another rot-resistant wood, cedar can last 10-15 years and looks gorgeous.

What do you line planter boxes with?

Line the entire planter with a sheet of plastic, trimming it so that it reaches but does not go over the rim. Staple the plastic all the way around the rim. Using a screwdriver or sharp stick, poke through the drilled drainage holes to let excess water drain out of the plastic liner.

How do I keep my planter box from rotting?

Peat moss mixed with vermiculite or sand is a perfect choice. Do not use garden soil as this is far too heavy and will compact together, therefore preventing adequate drainage. Sit your planter box on top of some bricks or pieces of wood to allow at least 2 inches of space for air circulation.

Do wooden planter boxes need to be lined?

A wooden box may need drainage holes, depending on how porous it is without them. Line your planter boxes porous landscape fabric. The goal here is not to prevent the wood from getting wet—that’s impossible in outdoor settings—but rather to prevent the potting soil from directly contacting the wood.

How do you waterproof a wooden planter?

Line the inside of the wooden planter box with thick plastic. Thick, 6 mil polyethylene sheeting, commonly used for greenhouses, works well — but even a plastic trash bag can be used to waterproof the inside of the planter. For best results, fold the trash bag in half to double the thickness of the liner.

What do you put in the bottom of a large planter?

Lightweight Filler for Pots

1. Recycle Plastics. Plastic Water/Soda Bottles.
2. Reuse Packing Materials.
3. Unused Plastic Pots Turned Upside Down.
4. Recycled Crushed Cans.
5. Natural Materials.
6. Recycled Cardboard, Newspaper (Also for short term use only.)

Can I use plywood for a planter box?

Untreated plywood is safe to use on your garden bed, so it is the best option. you’ll need to replace it every few years, but you’ll not need to worry about the toxic chemicals getting into your garden. If you go with the treated plywood, it is best to line some thick plastic to help keep things safe.

Should I line my raised garden bed with plastic?

You can line your raised bed to make it more durable and to prevent toxics from leaching into the soil. For lining, use landscape fabric found at garden supply stores or cloth fabric from clothing. Avoid non-porous plastic, as it can retain too much water and discourage beneficial insects and worms.

Should I put rocks in bottom of planter?

In general, it’s not necessary to put rocks in the bottom of plant pots. One rock to cover the drainage hole is enough – just enough so that the soil doesn’t leach out of the bottom but water can flow freely through the pot. Putting rocks in plant pots doesn’t aid drainage or improve air circulation.

What do you put in the bottom of a planter for drainage?

Instead of putting rocks in the bottom of big porch planters, fill the bottom with sealed empty plastic 20 ounce bottles! They give the pot the drainage it needs, without adding all that extra weight!

How do you plant in a wooden planter box?

Directions:

1. Line the entire wooden box with black plastic.
2. Add an inch of the small pebbles or rocks to the bottom of the box to filter the water.
3. Fill the box with an organic potting soil mix.
4. Arrange the flowers making sure to give enough room for plants to grow.

How deep should a planter box be?

For most plants, a 6-to 8-inch-deep planter box is sufficient. The depth may vary for some vegetables, however. Turnips, cucumbers, broccoli, beets, lettuce and green onions can all grow well in a planter box at that depth, but other vegetables, like cabbage, need a deeper depth of at least 10 inches.