Wood Container Gardening Ideas

Window boxes full of flowers are cheerful and welcoming.

Wood is a natural material that weathers with age, making it a lovely choice for container gardening. While teak, cedar and redwood are especially moisture- and weather-resistant, keep in mind that moisture and exposure to the elements will cause wood to slowly decompose. Protect your wood planters by using moisture-proof inner liners, and paint or or seal the wood using a product safe for plants.

Planter Boxes and Window Boxes

Whether large and square or long and narrow, planter boxes and window boxes are a classic gardener's staple. When left natural and allowed to become gray and weathered, wooden planters gain an earthy, woodsy feel. When painted in crisp white or black, they lend your garden an air of formality.

Half Barrels

A wooden barrel, cut in half, can be used as a planter.

Half barrels come in different sizes but are commonly quite large, and for their size, are relatively inexpensive. Because of their size, you can use a large half barrel to hold a small tree, or plant it with a variety of plants to create a miniature garden. Although half barrels are made mostly of wood, their metal reinforcement straps help them withstand the elements. You can find half barrels for sale at many home and garden centers.

Hollow Logs

A hollow log makes a charming and unexpected planter. Add a liner to hold soil in place, then fill a hollow piece of cut log with soil, flowers and plants. Another option is to plants flowers in a hollow tree stump that is still rooted in your yard. Stump removal is expensive, grueling work, and using the stump as a planter can beautify the eyesore until you're financially or physically ready to tackle removing the stump.

Wooden Crates

An old wooden crate can be repurposed as a planter.

Whether old or new, a wooden crate makes an affordable, attractive planter box. Crates painted or printed with advertising, or covered in chipped, peeling paint, provide plenty of shabby chicness for your garden or patio.

Wooden Tool Boxes

A wooden tool looks charming when filled with plants and flowers.

A simple open-topped wooden tool box makes a cute planter that can sit atop a patio table or potting bench. This style of toolbox looks especially charming when you set a row of small clay pots inside. If you like, fill the clay pots with herbs for a mini herb garden.

References

• The Organic Gardener: Container Gardening
• All About Planters: Wooden Planters and Planter Boxes Add Natural Charm