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Wicker planters?

JoeXJoeX Posts: 1,783
in Tools and techniques
Hi all,

Ive got an old wicker picnic basket, and other smaller versions of basically the same thing.

Can these be repurposed as planters?

I mean it’ll look a bit odd, but will they function for a few seasons?

cheers

TP

Posts

  • herbaceousherbaceous Posts: 2,318
    Don't know about planters Tinpot but my daughter was given several wicker hanging baskets as a housewarming present. They have lasted two years but the weight of the soil and water are now deforming them to the point where it is impossible to water them at all.

    I imagine a similar problem might afflict the hampers you have. Don't let that stop you though, nothing ventured nothing gained! I have made so many ill judged, Heath Robinson stuff for my garden I should be an expert by now - sadly I'm not  :/
    "The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it."  Sir Terry Pratchett
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    They won't last long but you could help by spraying them with several coats of sprayed varnish and a plastic lining to keep water off them.   You'll then need holes in the plastic for water to drain.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • JoeXJoeX Posts: 1,783
    Hmm, that makes sense - although there’s no plastic involved.

    Maybe I’ll use them as shells around pots instead.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I have a painted wicker planter lined with plastic and have used it as a "cache-pot" in the house where it doesn't get weathered?    You could do that with your picnic basket  or just put a drip tray inside and stand pots in it which would let you change the display as the seasons progress.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    edited July 2018
    I stapled heavy duty black rubble bags inside,overlapping for drainage and planted it up with mint about 5years ago. It's showing some signs of age now but will last a few years yet.
    It's in a sheltered spot without much sun if that makes any difference.
    It's a very sturdy (thick sticks) trough shape 

    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Francis Tophill on her allotment this weeks Gardeners World, was using one for growing veg, but yes, I dont see why you can paint with varnish.  Wont last for ever though I have given up on those wicker hanging baskets, I wa sbought a loveely willow obelisk a couple of years back I know they arent cheap, it only lasted 2 years.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I made one, years ago and it lasted one summer.   One Belgian winter had it in pieces.  Wish I'd known to bring it in or protect it with varnish.   Here it is drying out so it wouldn't grow.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited July 2018
    I think they are great, with a plastic liner. Mine lasted about four years, and the liners can be used again. I have been recently wondering about wicker laundry baskets are planters - large, cheap, beautiful, will decompose fully, easily found second hand.
  • johngallagher928johngallagher928 Posts: 1
    Watering flowers in clay soil best tip
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    John, is that a question or a statement?
    In London. Keen but lazy.
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