Trough planters offer an ideal way to display flowers, herbs, and other plants that don’t do as well in traditional flower pots while being easier on your back and requiring less bending.
Succulent groundcovers make an excellent addition to troughs, including joint and cobweb hen-and-chicks (Sempervivum tectorum), dwarf mugo pines (Pinus mugo Slowmound), miniature aeonium (A. haworthii).
Size
Your garden size will determine which trough planters suit you; some shallow ones are great for herbs, flowers, and other aerial vegetables that grow above the soil, while deeper versions provide space for root vegetables such as tomatoes and beets. Some even feature insulation to keep their roots warm during the winter!
Trough planters come in an assortment of materials. Some are cheaper and shorter-lived, while others can last for years. Metal planters are durable yet lightweight, while plastic versions feature UV treatment to withstand adverse weather conditions. Concrete options also make excellent choices as they’re non-toxic and long-lasting options.
Trough planters come in a range of designs and prices. Some are constructed using natural materials, while others use wood, stone, or metal. Troughs can be used indoors or outdoors and come in various colors and finishes – with raw materials being preferable as they protect plants from pests and weeds, providing better air circulation than raised beds do! You could even use these planters as focal points in your garden space to bring personality into the area!
Material
When selecting a trough planter, durability should be top of mind. Metal planters offer long-term value as they’re corrosion-proof, weatherproof, and easy to maintain and clean. Plastic varieties offer lightweight portability and UV-treated UV protection from direct sunlight rays; even concrete models provide insulation during wintertime!
Trough planters are an ideal way to grow herbs, vegetables, flowers, and other plants that need to be above ground level. They are attractive to pollinators, and urban gardens can benefit from them too! When selecting your trough planter, it is essential to consider what kind of plants will be grown there, as certain varieties require deep roots that might not fit.
If you want to cultivate herbs, vegetables, or other plants that grow above ground, consider purchasing a 10-inch to 12-inch deep trough planter. However, plants with deeper root systems requiring 16-20 inch deep planters may be better.
Repurposing feeding troughs to create garden plots is an enjoyable and innovative weekend project that doesn’t require as much work as other gardening techniques, like raising beds or prepping in-ground plots. Plus, multiple height troughs can create tiered arrangements.
A trough planter is ideal for succulents, annuals, and alpine plants – tiny varieties like succulents that look striking when displayed vividly. You can also grow perennials and other plant varieties like purple rock cress, catchfly, and cryptomeria.
Drainage
One of the primary concerns with trough planters is drainage. Proper drainage will determine how your plants grow and ensure that they receive sufficient water to stay healthy. If soil doesn’t drain well enough, root rot can develop, eventually killing off any living thing inside it – To avoid this, ensure there are sufficient holes for proper drainage in your trough planter.
Additionally, it would be best to consider how you would prepare the planting area of your trough. A common way to use a trough planter is to create a self-watering system using wicks. A wick is usually composed of the capillary mat or absorbent tube-shaped plug that sits inside a farmer with one end in the reservoir and the other in the potting mix; when water from the pool is pulled up through capillary action into this wick, moisture seeps up through to roots of plants via capillary action before being sent up through these wicks into soil via capillary action wicks before eventually reaching roots of plants via capillary action into soil potting mix allowing moisture to get seeds of plants through capillary action to then go roots through infiltrative effort to reach sources of plants.
Other methods for preparing the planting area include adding a layer of gravel or other material to the bottom of a planter. This will prevent the potting mix from sticking to its container’s bottom and clogging its drainage hole, but be careful not to use too much as that could deprive its contents of vital nutrients.
As part of your efforts to ensure proper drainage, it’s advisable to periodically empty and clean out your reservoir each year to remove any roots or weeds that have grown into it. Furthermore, in colder regions where winters may bring freezing temperatures, draining the pool periodically may also be prudent to prevent ice build-up within it.
Wheels
Add wheels to an extra-large planter as an economical way to increase its functionality in any space, whether at home or commercial installations alike. By efficiently transporting or rearranging the planters in different areas of your room, adding wheels increases their versatility for use inside and outside your space.
Purchase of casters can be done online, at home improvement stores, or at hardware stores. Your choice of wheel will depend on the size and weight of your planter; larger models require larger wheels to support their weight while providing mobility. Furthermore, consider how long you plan to use your farmer and where its placement should occur before selecting.
Once you’ve selected your wheels, flip your planter over and use a Sharpie to mark their position with care. Be mindful not to place these markings near where you intend to drill holes to attach the wheels – each wheel comes equipped with four holes for adhesion purposes, so make sure the spacing between all four of your markings allows even placement around your planter.
When marking your planter, drainage holes are drawn for ease. Drainage holes ensure your soil does not become saturated when it rains, or you water your plants. After marking, drill these holes using a drill that uses bits rather than screws to avoid damaging its metal parts and remain inside your safety margins – however, be wary not to drill too close to its edges since you will require space for rolling it around when necessary. Also, ensure drainage at the bottom of your trough prevents excess soil from draining out when wet conditions arise!
Budget
Trough planters come at various prices depending on their size and material composition. Small troughs with shallow designs may cost as little as $30, while large ones with deeper designs may exceed $300. No matter its price point, you should always ensure it will last and be vital for use by checking its quality; also, look for materials that help your plants flourish, such as holding in heat during cold weather or providing protection from frost damage and UV light exposure.
A trough planter is an excellent way to add charm and visual interest to any garden by growing succulents, alpine plants, annuals, perennials, vegetables, fruit, and herbs. Finding an appropriate trough requires considering which types of plants you want to grow and how much space is needed – making your yard look even more inviting! A trough planter can add depth and visual interest.
On a budget, a feeding trough planter can be made from old buckets, troughs, and metal tubs to recycled concrete, flagstone, or bricks. If your budget doesn’t allow you to buy one new, consider asking friends or family if they have empty containers they are willing to donate as alternatives.
Budget-minded gardeners looking for an economical way to add planters are wise to invest in fiberglass planters as these materials are lightweight, solid, and long-lasting. Furthermore, fiberglass resists rusting while withstanding most weather conditions ranging from freezing temperatures to scorching heat without succumbing to breakages – saving money and hassle in the long run.
