The clocks have moved forward; spring has sprung, and now is the perfect time to get your garden summer-ready. But what if you do not have a lawn? Or find yourself limited on outdoor space? Choose garden planters! They are ideal for adding colour and character to patios, terraces and balconies. And best of all, they are available for properties of every size.
We will explain everything you need to know about container gardening in this comprehensive guide, so grab your gardening gloves, and let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of garden planters.
A Guide To Garden Planters
Garden planters remain one of the UK’s biggest gardening trends, so it is no surprise that they come in numerous materials, shapes, sizes, and designs. Plastic garden planters, metal garden planters, ceramic planters, and terracotta garden planters are popular choices for contemporary landscapes. But wooden garden planters remain the number #1 choice with British homeowners.
Wooden garden planters are not only hardwearing, aesthetically pleasing, and suitable for all types of container gardening, but they are more sustainable than many of the alternatives. But of course, not all wooden planters are the same, and if you want to invest in those that are kind to the environment, you should look out for FSC or PEFC certification.
What is FSC?
FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council. Since its foundation in 1994, the council has developed a pioneering forest certification system, and only those forests managed to its strict social, economic and environmental standards achieve FSC certification.
If your wooden garden planter bears the FSC label, you can be confident that it is from sustainably sourced materials and a responsible choice for your container garden.
What is PEFC?
Like FSC, the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation committed to promoting sustainable and responsible forest management.
Forests managed to PEFC international standards and achieve the organisation’s endorsement and forest certification. So, if you are looking for a timber garden planter as green as your fingers, look out for the PEFC label.
How To Choose The Right Garden Planter For Your Plants
Potted plants work beautifully inside and out, and they can instantly transform an urban living space into a lush green landscape, but you need to make sure you meet their needs. Understanding which planter size they need to grow and knowing when they need re-potting is the first step in creating the perfect container garden.
Sizing Up Wooden Garden Planters
The general rule is to choose a wooden garden planter five to ten centimetres larger in diameter than your plant. In doing so, you provide ample room for growth, aeration, and drainage. If your plant has long roots, go for the larger end of the scale. For slow-growing succulents, use smaller planters. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the ideal planter for the job:
What To Plant In Small Wooden Garden Planters – 20cm x 20cm
Small garden planters measuring up to 20cm x 20cm are well-suited to seedlings, nursery plants, small succulents, and common garden annuals such as Calendula, Nasturtium and Cornflowers. They are also suitable for herbs such as parsley, sage, and chives and small fruits such as a single strawberry plant.
You can grow flowering plants such as marigolds and zinnias in a small planter, but keep an eye on the soil. Smaller pots dry out much faster than larger pots and need frequent watering.
What To Plant In Medium Wooden Garden Planters – 40cm x 40cm
Medium wooden planters up to 40cm x 40cm are ideal for creating a vegetable garden in smaller spaces. They can easily accommodate large herbs such as mint, lavender and rosemary or leafy vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, spinach, and arugula.
You can also use medium-size garden planters for larger succulents or two or three annuals such as pansies, petunias, and agapanthus. You can achieve a good blend of colours with wooden planters of this size, yet they are small enough to fit on most balconies or patios.
What To Plant In Large Wooden Garden Planters – 60cm x 60cm
If you have space for a large garden planter, you can plant almost anything you like. Wooden planters of this size are ideal for larger vegetable plants such as broccoli, cauliflower, tomato plants, and courgettes. And they are perfect for small fruit trees, dwarf citrus trees, and decorative shrubs.
You can also use a large wooden planter to establish a pollinator garden. Plant with bee-friendly herbs such as wild marjoram, fennel, and chives, and nectar-rich flowers like Angelica, primrose and sweet violet to get your garden buzzing.
What To Plant In Extra Large Wooden Garden Planters – 80cm x 80cm
You can instantly transform an outdoor space with an extra-large garden planter. Fill it with evergreen shrubs, orchard fruit such as apple, pear, and plum trees, a family-size vegetable patch, or add some colour with vibrant, seasonal blooms. The container gardening possibilities are endless.
Chose extra-large wooden garden planters for adding character to paved areas, styling up empty corners, and dividing spaces in larger backyards. You could instantly boost your home’s curb appeal while creating a greener, cleaner environment for your local wildlife.
If your outdoor space needs a makeover, choose wooden garden planters. They are environmentally friendly, easy to care for, and perfect for container gardening – with no mowing necessary! For more helpful guides and gardening tips check out our blog.
