Flower boxes advice/help

c.p.w.g.w

So I managed to get a few pallets in work, so decided to try my hand at making a raised flower bed...

So I have a few questions?

1- what should I line the box with

2- should I put a base on it or leave it

IMG_20210724_182453144_HDR.jpg

IMG_20210724_182446569.jpg

Attached are a couple of pictures of the box...it doesn't look very pretty I agree, but I will be painting it with some paint I used to paint the timber shed

Fine Cheers

Damp proof membrane (DPC) should do the trick. You will be watering so need to protect the timber. Suggest you put a bottom in it with timber. Doesnt have to be too deep but I'll leave that to the garden experts.

looksee

If it is not going to have legs it does not need a bottom. If it is to stand on soil then line with plastic that covers the inside walls and turns into the bottom by a few inches.

If it is to stand on concrete then you will need a gap between the box and the ground. Concrete will not provide drainage and the box will turn into a sump. In order to create drainage the box will have to be lifted off the ground by an inch or two, and a base put in. The base will need to have holes in it. Easiest way would be to space out the slats a bit, line with polythene then cut several slits in it to correspond with the gaps in the slats.

c.p.w.g.w

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117660667#Comment_117660667

For Boxes sitting in grass/soil:

Just cover the walls of the boxes internally and leave a bit extra to sit on the grass/soil, but no need to cover the grass/soil completely at the bottom...is that correct?

irishbuzz

Would something like Classi Seal or even a tanking slurry be a better option than DPC here?

looksee

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117663623#Comment_117663623

Yes, the main reason for the little flap at the bottom is so that the soil doesn't leak out of the bottom of the box and lift it. If you are putting it on grass I would suggest a few layers of cardboard to discourage weeds, it will rot away fairly quickly so no problems with drainage.

On the tanking paint, I'd be doubtful about that - a bit of plastic/polythene is a lot easier and less likely to contaminate the soil.

wildwillow

Line sides and a few inches into the base with damp proof or plastic. I really wouldn't paint them as it will be hard to keep it looking good. Grow a few plants which will droop over the sides, eg, aubretia for all year round interest and some summer bedding.

They look wonderful as they are, and easier to plant without clashing with paint colour.

c.p.w.g.w

Cheers guys...

Just one last question...125 or 300 micron DPM?

Will it make a difference for what I'm using it for?

policarp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117676339#Comment_117676339

Just use a heavy duty plastic bag cut to size and maybe use duct tape to join and temporarily hold it together.

standardg60

They look great.

Use soil or compost/ soil mix to fill them so they won't dry out as easy.

The soil and compost bags are ideal liners.