Urban gardening brings life to concrete jungles, but protecting your planter boxes is crucial for their longevity. Whether you have wooden, metal, or plastic containers, a proper liner is your first defense against rot and decay.
For wooden planter boxes, which are particularly vulnerable to moisture, lining is essential. Start by applying a waterproof sealant to the interior wood surfaces. Then, the most common and effective liner is landscape fabric. It's permeable, allowing excess water to drain while containing the soil. Simply staple or tack the fabric to the inside walls, ensuring full coverage.
A plastic liner is another excellent option. You can use a heavy-duty plastic bag or a custom-cut sheet from a storage tote. Remember to puncture drainage holes in the bottom to prevent waterlogging. For a more rigid solution, consider a pond liner or a specially designed plastic planter insert.
Beyond liners, ensure your planter box has adequate drainage holes at the bottom. Placing a layer of gravel or pebbles beneath the soil layer can further improve drainage and prevent the holes from clogging.
By taking these simple steps to line your urban planter, you'll significantly extend its life, allowing you to enjoy a thriving garden for seasons to come.