Gardening in Planter Boxes: A Guide

Date published 18 November 2021

Planter boxes offer the inclusion of greenery within the built environments that our quickly developing society demands. That’s their beauty – they allow us to reconnect with the natural world where that would usually pose quite a challenge.

Looking to incorporate planters into your space, but unsure where to start? Read our guide below, which provides answers to several of the most asked questions about planters.

What is a Planter Box?

Sometimes referred to as planter troughs, elevated garden beds or anything in between, planter boxes are used to house plants, produce or even trees in a safe and secure environment above ground. Being raised up off the ground, they have several benefits that include easy watering, maintenance, and care.

They also make a striking addition to urban spaces, incorporating the natural environment into places where you would usually struggle to find greenery.

What Can I Plant in my Planter?

Depending on your planter, it can be a breeze to use them with a wide array of plants and greenery.

While more traditional planters that you may find in someone’s backyard are best suited to small herbs and vegetables, the planters you might find in a public space can accommodate shrubs and small trees!

What Size Planter Do I Need? How Deep Should it be?

Depending on your intended use of the planter, you may need more or less space to arrange your plants within.

This question really does depend on the greenery that you intend to add into the space. Trees with complex root systems will inherently require a larger planter to allow for unbridled development of their root systems. They will often require a planter all on their own. They will also need taller planters, as the depth required is far more significant than a smaller plant – as one can imagine.

If you are planting small plants or shrubs in your planter, then a typical planter may be able to support multiple different plants all at once. Smaller plants or herb gardens won’t need a great deal of depth, as these have predominantly smaller root systems.

Where Should I Place my Planter?

Work with the space that you have allocated. Think with your end use of the space in mind. If the plants contained within are going to need regular tending and care, you may want to consider keeping space around it on all sides to ensure easy access. Planters that are less than roughly a metre wide are usually able to be access completely by just one side, depending on your own height and reach.

Planters should also be placed in an area with adequate sunlight. If the planter sits alone in an area of full sunlight, you’ll need to find plants that are hardy and can handle said heat. A hybrid space, where there are periods of both full sunlight and shade is better suited to plants that are a little less durable.

As a general rule, you should also always place your planters in an area where they will not be disturbed too much by foot traffic or other disturbances.

What are the Benefits of Planter Boxes?

The addition of greenery into urban or metropolitan areas can be the perfect way to soften the harshness of said environment. Plants, trees and other types of greenery provide subtle psychological benefits, especially in environments where people are working.

They also allow unique opportunities for wayfinding and the design of their surrounding space. Making use of a ‘green’ wall to block sight or sound from one area to the next can be as effective as a more traditional wall, all with the familiar allure of a growing piece of greenery.

Raised planters also allow you to get your plants off the ground, where they can be more easily infiltrated by rodents or insects.

The protection a planter gives extends past that which is above ground. Planters give the plants within a secure barrier between their delicate roots and the outside. Compared to a tree planted in the ground in a public space, planters prevent the stress that can come with concrete pathways and foot traffic that may compress the surrounding soil and inhibit growth.

Planters are fantastic options for your urban or residential space. They allow greenery to thrive in places where they aren’t expected to – such as public concourses and places of business.

If you’re in the market for a planter or trough, you can find our full range of planters available online.  Add a planter to your free quote today!