Hi Joe, I lined the sides of the planter only and one side is brick so l didn’t line that side. There are no holes to allow for drainage, l could drill some holes if l need to, the planter is 2feet wide and 1 meter depth. I used topsoil only. I’m just heading to get some canes to help support the laurels (as that’s what the guy who sold them to be has advised) l hope they settle and flourish! Kind regards
Okay, if the bottom of the planter has no holes then it’s possible they are getting flooded - depending on how much water has gone in and how slowly they drain through the wooden base. But for that to cause them to tip over I’d think you’d notice how wet the soil is. Nevertheless some drainage hole are wise - perhaps these could be drilled into the side at the bottom rather than emptying the whole planter.
To be honest, I’m not sure about the use of just soil - when I have done this in planters it causes drainage problems as mine has a lot of clay but it will depend on the quality of your soil. On the other hand laurels don’t need the nutrients of compost so it’s more soil composition Im thinking of.
Overall it’s imperfect conditions so I would stake them, trim them down next year and expect to keep their height down and water while they establish. But if you are aiming for a 3-4m hedge then you’ll need to completely reevaluate the situation.
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To be honest, I’m not sure about the use of just soil - when I have done this in planters it causes drainage problems as mine has a lot of clay but it will depend on the quality of your soil. On the other hand laurels don’t need the nutrients of compost so it’s more soil composition Im thinking of.
Overall it’s imperfect conditions so I would stake them, trim them down next year and expect to keep their height down and water while they establish. But if you are aiming for a 3-4m hedge then you’ll need to completely reevaluate the situation.