Lining a planter will help keep it in prime condition for years to come. So whether you want to protect your favourite old planter designs, or ensure your new planters stand the test of time, our helpful guide will show you how to line a planter in just a few simple steps.
Do planters need to be lined?
Planters do not always need to be lined. However, lining a planter has lots of benefits for both your plants and the durability of your planter. A lined planter is less likely to rot from the inside, which is especially important with wood planters that are less robust than, for example, stone planters and terracotta planters.
Lining a planter also reduces evaporation from the soil during the warmer months. This is especially helpful in keeping your plants well watered and healthy.
Plastic sheeting is the best material for lining a planter with. Pond liners work well for lining the bottom of planters as they are robust and can easily be shaped into the perfect size to fit the dimensions of your planter. Pond liners are also thick enough to reduce any evaporation of water from the soil.
Step by step guide to lining a planter
Ensure the planter is clean before you begin to line it
Take your pond liner and cut it into roughly the same dimensions of the planter’s inside cavity
Push the liner into the base of the planter
Cut several drainage holes in the bottom of the liner using household or gardening scissors
If you have a plastic or wood planter, you can stick the liner to the sides of the planter using glue or staples at this stage
Once the planter is filled with compost, simply trim away any excess liner from the top.
What do you line the bottom of a planter with?
As well as lining your planter with plastic sheeting such as a pond liner, you can add even more to its base to help with drainage.
Layering small to medium pieces of broken and unwanted plant pots or chipped crockery will prevent compost loss out of the drainage holes in the base. Likewise, this simple action will also stop the drainage holes from becoming blocked.
For small planters that are hard to fill with broken pieces, try lining their bases with old newspaper instead. The newspaper will allow excess water to drain freely away through the drainage holes, but prevent the compost from being flushed out.
Nicola Clements has been working with brands and publications in the gardening and lifestyle sectors for many years. As well as regularly writing forThe English Garden‘swebsite, Nicola is also a contributing gardening editor toWildflowermagazine. In her spare time, Nicola can be found pottering in her garden, where she hones her skills, ready to pass on her expert advice to amateur and seasoned gardeners.
I would advise lining them with either weed matting to stop the soil escaping or drain matting to stop both soil and particles. You should find this step-by-step guide helpful: How to fill a raised garden bed by @Noelle. Within it, Noelle shows how to use drain matting to line a planter box.
I would advise lining them with either weed matting to stop the soil escaping or drain matting to stop both soil and particles. You should find this step-by-step guide helpful: How to fill a raised garden bed by @Noelle. Within it, Noelle shows how to use drain matting to line a planter box.
Pond liners work well for lining the bottom of a planter. Simply push the liner into the base of the planter and cut drainage holes in the bottom using household or gardening scissors.
You then need to line the planter with a plastic sheet. Staple the plastic to the planter's sides and poke a few holes into the bottom to let the water drain. The liner shouldn't go over the rim of the box but should be close to the top to line it properly.
Cardboard or newspaper: Cardboard is a great option if you are on a budget. You can line the bottom of your raised garden bed with cardboard and newspaper to deter pests and weeds. In order to minimize the amount of chemical substances, choose cardboard that has no tape and minimal markings.
Put those old newspapers and Amazon delivery boxes to good use and fill the bottom of your large planter with a mix of them crushed down. Again, these materials will break down over time, so they're best suited for those repotting regularly.
You can use rocks, pieces of concrete or bricks, gravel, and/or pebbles. The benefit of using these types of rubble to fill your planter is that they have some weight to them. Weight can help anchor a tall planter that may be prone to tipping over.
- Landscape fabric allows for proper drainage while also preventing soil from escaping through the gaps in the wood. - Place the landscape fabric inside the planter, making sure it covers the bottom and sides, with excess fabric hanging over the edges.
Plastic liners are excellent for retaining moisture, which can be particularly beneficial in terracotta or metal planters that do not naturally retain water well. They are relatively inexpensive and readily available, making them a popular choice for both casual and serious gardeners.
As a final reminder, avoid lining your garden beds with plastic. Doing so prevents drainage and could drown your plants' roots with too much water. If you have a weed and pest problem, consider installing a combination of metal mesh and fabric or hardware cloth and cardboard to address both issues simultaneously.
Plastic liners are excellent for retaining moisture, which can be particularly beneficial in terracotta or metal planters that do not naturally retain water well. They are relatively inexpensive and readily available, making them a popular choice for both casual and serious gardeners.
As a final reminder, avoid lining your garden beds with plastic. Doing so prevents drainage and could drown your plants' roots with too much water. If you have a weed and pest problem, consider installing a combination of metal mesh and fabric or hardware cloth and cardboard to address both issues simultaneously.
To put it simply, you should put a layer of organic material at the bottom of your garden bed, which will break down and enrich the soil. This can include compost, or woody material such as logs, dry wood, branches, and leaves.
Introduction: My name is Terrell Hackett, I am a gleaming, brainy, courageous, helpful, healthy, cooperative, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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