When setting up an urban garden, one common question arises: should planter boxes be elevated off the ground? The answer is generally yes, and for several important reasons. Elevating your planter boxes, even just a few inches, provides crucial benefits that can make the difference between thriving plants and disappointing results.
The primary advantage of elevation is improved drainage. When planters sit directly on hard surfaces like concrete or decking, water can become trapped underneath. This creates perfect conditions for root rot and fungal diseases. By raising your planters on feet or blocks, you allow excess water to escape freely, keeping roots healthier.
Elevation also protects your surfaces from water damage and staining. The constant moisture from watering can degrade wood decks and leave mineral marks on stone or concrete. Lifted planters create air circulation that helps these surfaces dry properly.
Another benefit is pest prevention. Many insects and slugs have difficulty climbing up planter feet, giving your plants natural protection. The gap beneath also discourages rodents from nesting underneath your containers.
For urban gardeners with limited space, elevated planters make maintenance easier. You won't need to bend as far to tend to your plants, and you can more easily spot weeds or pests hiding beneath. The airflow underneath also helps regulate soil temperature, preventing it from becoming too hot in summer or too cold in winter.
While not absolutely mandatory for all situations, elevating your planter boxes is a simple step that significantly improves your gardening success. Use purpose-made planter feet, bricks, or wooden blocks to create that essential space between your container and the ground. Your plants - and your surfaces - will thank you for it.