lining for a planter

[Jupiter01]

Hi All,

I am building a two tier planter. Work in progress picture attached. The base will be constructed of gravel boards.
What should I line this with so that the soil doesn't seep through the joins and allows for appropriate drainage too. I can drill some holes at the bottom of the planter to aid with this too.

Would appreciate some advise on this topic please. Thanks in advance.

 

[JohnD]

A plastic or metal bucket, tray or similar container so that the wood is not in contact with the soil or the ground. Otherwise it will rot.

It will be easier to buy your container first and then build the ornamental wooden cladding to fit.

 

[Jupiter01]

I was planning to pour in soil/compost into the planter and then plant whatever I choose in a given season. Hope that makes sense.

 

[Notch7]

I used epdm for a planter I built -I just folded the corners so there werent any joints

I actually bought a sink waste for the bottom -it tightens down nicely on the epdm.

 

[Jupiter01]

Epdm will work our very expensive. The base is 1.8m x .70 and I then have all of the sides to line too. Any alternatives?

 

[SFK]

Line with Damp Proof Membrane stapled to the sides? £9
https://www.screwfix.com/p/capital-valley-plastics-ltd-damp-proof-membrane-black-1000ga-4-x-3m/50464
SFK

 

[Minatoar]

Damp Proof Membrane would retain water, I used Heavy Duty Weed Control fabric stapled in place
https://www.screwfix.com/p/apollo-heavy-duty-weed-control-fabric-14-x-1m/93943#_=p

 

[StephenOak]

I used Heavy Duty Weed Control fabric stapled in place

This "Allows water ... to penetrate", so will not prevent the wood from getting wet and, eventually, rotting.

Never done this but, AFAIUI, you need something impermeable (to water) on the sides and either something permeable or nothing on the base.

Epdm will work our very expensive. The base is 1.8m x .70

Do you need to cover the base? What will be under the planter? Can you just leave it open at the bottom and let water run out (and plants possibly grow into the ground)?

If you do need to cover the bottom, surely that should be done with something that lets water through. Otherwise when there is heavy rain the planter will get waterlogged.

 

[scbk]

To be honest, I've built plenty of planters, never lined them, and never had a problem with soil/compost coming out.

 

[Jupiter01]

I need a base as it is going on concrete.
@scbk does your wood not rot without any lining? If not, I'm tempted to use the weed fabric as a belt and braces method.

 

[scbk]

The wood will rot either way, liner or not. If anything having a sheet of plastic behind it might just trap moisture against the wood

If it's going on concrete you'll need little feet (or sit it on bricks) so the planter doesn't become a pond

 

[Jupiter01]

It’s got feet which raise it off the ground. To put this into context, if I have tantalised timber which I plan to give another coat of rondeal, how long will it take to rot?

 

[foxhole]

You could use dpc sheet folded to line box.

 

[Jupiter01]

I think there are a few practical options being proposed by way of lining:

1. Do nothing
2. Use memberane for sides and nothing on the base
3. Use weed control fabric on base

Any validations on the above or any other suggestions?

Pictures attached

 

[Jupiter01]

Hi Guys,

I was wondering if anyone can add to the conclusion I've reached above?