Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

What to use to line planters?

FlyDragonFlyDragon Posts: 834
in Problem solving
I've got three of those wooden planters with trellis attached to screen my wheelie bins.  I've put them on to castors so I can plant them up but still move them to get the bins out! 

What do people recommend to line them with?  I've seen people mention using the plastic from compost bags, but I don't have any lying around!  Is landscape fabric appropriate or does it have to be a thick plastic?

I thought about just placing pots in there, but I think the plants will do better if they have the maximum amount of space possible. 

Thanks in advance. 

Posts

  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995
    Shower curtains.  Get some heavy duty ones.. they are about 10GBP each.. but they are clear and will last for years.  You could probably get two done with one shower curtain.. or maybe all three..depending on the size.  Just make sure to take it all the way across the bottom and pull a bit out of the holes to keep the wood from being in contact with moisture.  Maybe consider painting the inside as well (while you wait for the shower curtain to ship).. even house paint you have laying around will add some measure of protection.  
    Utah, USA.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    It needs to be plastic to stop water penetrating and rotting the wood so weed membrane won't do as it's porous.    A good, thick bin bag will do as long as it's stapled or tacked on tight at the top and the shower curtain is a great idea or you can usually buy plastic sheeting by the metre form big rolls at the DIY store.   

    I would also oil the wood first as this gives it a protective seal - teak oil is good or just ordinary olive oil for cooking will do (not extra virgin) - or if you have some oil based paint around that will help.   Make sure you pierce plenty of holes in the base to let water escape and have a layer of gravel, expanded clay pellets or polystyrene packing shells at the base too and cover that with landscape fabric so water can escape and your planting medium doesn't get mixed in and clog it.
    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 2020
    I used thick bin bags or it might have been a rubble sack and staples too. I overlapped them to allow for drainage.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    There's plenty of cheap pond liner available too. It's ideal. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • FlyDragonFlyDragon Posts: 834
    Thanks all, I never would have thought of shower curtains!!  

    The wood is already treated and painted so hopefully should already have a bit of protection.  

    @B3 I thought about just using normal bin liners but was worried they wouldn’t be strong enough? 
Sign In or Register to comment.