Wooden crates as planters - line them before planting?

Question

Hello fellow Hometalkers! I've received some fantastic wooden wine crates that I'm planning to turn into an herb planter. I'd love your advice...should I line the wooden crates with something to help prevent the wood from rotting or becoming soggy? And if so, what would you recommend using? Thanks!

Jane White · Answer

Are the bottoms solid or slatted? It makes a difference. Eventually, any moisture will rot the wood unless it is protected. You may want to line the crates with a plastic & use pots that can be watered/drained before replacing in the crates. I like the crates! @Lavende

Dee · Answer

I have a double crate old one that I lined with plastic, heavy gauge. I used broken clay pots and stones looks really good and no rotted wood yet, good luck

White Oak Studio Designs · Answer

Will the plastic long and narrow/rectangular 'fernery' type pots (found at plant nurseries) fit in your boxes? If they do, you could put two of them in side by side and fill with plants. If not, I'd find a planter (square or rectangular if possible) fill that with flowers and slide into the box. Your soil and water will stay inside the second planter. You could always use a piece of tinfoil in the bottom of your wooden box as an extra layer of protector.

Magoo · Answer

I have used marine varnish on several wood items for plants ( helps with weather and rot protection), then line with heavy plastic, used broken pots or rocks for drainage. Some of my pieces are 10 years old!!

Jeanette S · Answer

As adorable as these are, I think I would find a different use for them. Attached to a sheet of plywood to the bottom and a set of small casters to make these into great storage bins for under a bed or in the bottom of a closet. Also, put in a soft pretty pillow and you have a one of a kind pet's bed! Or build a slatted stand and use these as drawers in a kitchen! Or just set one on the counter and use it as a spice container holder near the stove! Put a few wooden spoons in a Mason jar, your knife block in there and add your jars of spices...everything right at your finger tips...all you have to do is move it over and one swipe of the dishcloth does the cleanup! I would never use these outside. If you just line them up under the console table in the hallway and put small objects of interest in them would be better than putting them outside.

JMTaylor70 · Answer

Those are beautiful! Where did you get them? I have been going around to liqueur stores trying to find some and no one has them...

Pam @ Our Adventures in Home Improvement · Answer

I put burlap in the bottom of my wooden crates when I plant.  It holds the dirt in and allows the water to drain.  Those boxes are so neat!  Good luck!

White Oak Studio Designs · Answer

I didn't mean plastic plants but rather just the plastic pots to hold the live plants. A way to help keep the wood dry and stain free. Then a layers of tin foil to additionally protect the lovely wood crates. Have fun with it!

Kimberly Kay · Answer

If you have a Whole Foods near you you can maybe ask the wine department. I work there so I get mine for free. I love your idea of using it as a planter I'm going to have to try that. I have two sitting on my counter sideways and keep my canisters in them and it gives me a little extra shelving space on top for the small stuff. I love them.

Wooden crates as planters - line them before planting?

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Wooden crates as planters - line them before planting?

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