Wooden planters are a popular choice for growing your very own plants and vegetables. With so many people turning to gardening to help with mental health, it is no wonder that growing your own herbs and vegetables has also become quite popular. Even in the smallest gardens, well-placed quality planters can be used successfully.
Why Choose Wooden Planters?
It is common to use wood planters due to their durability and affordability. A variety of natural materials are used to make wood containers. Common types include rosewood, hemlock, cedar, fir and pine.
Planters made of wood do not hold too much moisture, providing good drainage for plants. They’re also aesthetically pleasing, which is why they are the perfect addition to a patio, balcony or home garden.
Here are other reasons why you should consider using wooden planters for your garden:
Eco-friendliness
Outdoor wood planter boxes are made of materials that are freely available in nature. For this reason, wood boxes are naturally more eco-friendly than plastic boxes.
Appearance
Natural wood has a soft, sophisticated appearance, and it also complements green plants nicely. The natural beauty of wood makes it excellent for outdoor use. For instance, decorative bamboo planters make lovely hanging baskets because of their natural appearance. If you have small wooden planters, you can also spray paint them in whatever colour you prefer.
Weight
Wood planters are relatively lightweight, making them easy to move from one place to another.
Compatibility with small spaces
Since they come in a wide range of sizes, planter boxes can fit and look great on any porch, patio, balcony and more. They can transform any outdoor area into a charming mini garden.
Accessibility
If it is difficult for you to bend and stoop when gardening, raised wooden planters can make gardening easier.
How to Prepare Planters for Summer
Summer is the perfect time to create beautiful planters for your outdoor space to make it look more inviting. Summer planters add a nice splash of colour to any garden and can be prepared easily. Here’s how you can prepare your wooden planters in time for summer.
1. Choose the right-sized planter and plant
Garden wooden planters come in a range of sizes. However, you need to decide on the size that’s right for your garden. Taking measurements of your space is the best way to determine which planter size will work well for your area.
When it comes to choosing your plants, there are various factors to consider. Typically, planting annuals in a summer planter makes the most sense. Annuals are planted every year and survive for only one season. When the season is over, you’ll remove them from your garden, dispose of them and bring in new plants for the following season. Note that some plants aren’t suited to planter boxes unless you have the appropriate soil depth. Some examples of flowers you can plant in your planter boxes are impatiens, tuberous begonias, petunias and geraniums.
2. Keep your planter clean and disinfected
This step is crucial, especially if you are reusing an old pot. If it was holding a sick plant, the planter is likely to harbour bacteria or fungi, which can transfer to your next plant. This is something you can take care of by using common disinfectants. Apply bleach or whatever surface disinfectant you prefer. Remove all dirt, and clean the inside as well.
3. Be on the lookout for damages
Outdoor wooden planter boxes are exposed to harsh weather conditions. As the wood ages, it can become damaged due to temperature changes and other climatic factors. If there are cracks, you can seal them with bonding materials. Alternatively, you can also replace the planter with a new one.
4. Check the planter’s drainage holes
For your plants to thrive and grow, drainage holes are essential. The absence of drainage holes will lead to plants rotting. Ceramic flower pots have pre-drilled holes for draining excess water. On the other hand, wooden planters often have slots in the bottom. The slots allow water to flow out easily.
5. Line the planter before adding filler and a screen
A liner is the most effective way of preventing deck planters from rotting. An inner liner keeps water and fungi away from wood planters.
If you have large planters for growing flowers, some filler will be necessary. A filler can reduce the amount of soil you need. If you use the most suitable filler, you will prevent the planter’s wooden structure from warping. For smaller planter boxes, like 10 inches or less, simply skip adding filler and go to the next part, which is adding a barrier. Over the filler material, lay a barrier such as a plastic screen or a layer of planting cloth. This prevents soil from falling into the filler and simplifies postseason clean-up.
6. Pick the most suitable soil and fill the planter
Use the most suitable soil for your plants, regardless of the type of soil in your area. After picking an appropriate type of soil, adding it to your planter is the next step. You can opt to cover the soil with colourful pebbles after you’re done with the planting to prevent weed growth.
7. Choose where to place the planter box
The plants you intend to grow in your planter box need enough sunlight, so consider this when picking where to place it. For instance, a full day of direct sunlight is best for vegetables.
8. Don’t forget care and maintenance
Wood planters need some TLC to prevent rot. You can apply varnish, polyurethane or lacquer to protect the wood from moisture and deterioration.
Liven Up Your Summer Garden with Enterprise Work’s Wooden Planters
Enhance your outdoor space by displaying colourful summer plants in premium-quality planter boxes. There are many ways to spruce up wooden planters, such as using chair legs to elevate the pot or opting for a wood window planter box.
Whether you require small or large garden planters, Enterprise Works can offer you a suitable planter box for your garden needs. Contact us for information by calling or emailing us.
