Using a liner in your wooden urban planter box is essential for protecting the wood from moisture and soil, which significantly extends its lifespan. But with several options available, choosing the right one is key to your gardening success. So, what is the best liner for a wooden planter box?
The most recommended and versatile liner is a permeable landscape fabric. This material is an excellent choice because it acts as a barrier that contains the soil while still allowing excess water to drain out freely. This prevents the wood from staying constantly wet and rotting, but also avoids waterlogging the soil, which is crucial for healthy plant roots. Landscape fabric is also breathable, promoting good air circulation.
Let's compare it to other common options:
* Plastic Liners (e.g., trash bags): While cheap and readily available, solid plastic is generally a poor choice. It traps water at the bottom, creating a swampy environment that leads to root rot. If you use plastic, you must carefully puncture numerous drainage holes.
* Pond Liners: These are very durable and effective at protecting the wood. However, they are impermeable. You must create a drainage layer of gravel at the bottom and ensure there are adequate holes for water to escape to prevent drowning your plants.
* No Liner: Skipping a liner is not advisable for long-term use. The constant contact with damp soil will cause the wood to decompose much faster.
A simple step-by-step guide to installing a landscape fabric liner:
1. Measure and Cut: Measure the interior length, width, and depth of your planter box. Cut a piece of landscape fabric to size, ensuring it will cover the bottom and all sides with a few extra inches of overlap.
2. Place the Liner: Press the fabric firmly into the box, molding it to the corners. If your box is large, you can use a staple gun to temporarily secure the top edges to the wood.
3. Create Drainage: Before adding soil, place a 1-2 inch layer of gravel or small stones at the bottom of the lined box. This further improves drainage.
4. Add Soil: Fill your planter with high-quality potting mix, and you are ready to plant.
By choosing a breathable landscape fabric liner and ensuring proper drainage, you will create a healthy environment for your plants and enjoy your beautiful wooden planter boxes for years to come.