Wood Planter Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a wood planter?

  Planters is a generic name for any container designed to hold plants. Wood planters, as the name suggests, are made of either softwood or hardwood. Hardwood is more expensive but naturally resistant to decay, while softwoods are cheaper and have to be treated to resist rot. As such, hardwood plant pots can last up to 40 years untreated, however, softwood plant pots typically need treatment but come at a lower cost.

  Look out for the term 'pressure-treated' (meaning the timber is resistant to rot) when browsing wooden planters.

• Which wood planter is right for me?

  At Primrose we have hundreds of ways of housing your plants, in any shape, material or colour you desire. Whether you're looking for a traditional design for your garden or something more unique to create a focal point within your home, there's plenty to choose from.

  But with all this choice, here’s a handy guide to help you decide which one is right for you.

  Location

  Are you looking to plant your flowers inside or outside? We have some lovely window boxes to help you grow fresh herbs in your kitchen. You can even personalise them with your own message! For your garden, we sell a wide range of wooden planters to house your growing plants. If you’d like to instantly brighten up your patio, have a look at our range of coloured wood planters.

  Shapes and Sizes

  You may have a vision in mind for your garden renovation or you might just be looking for some inspiration. Regardless, you’ll find a huge selection of wooden garden planters in our range.

  Our most popular options are our square and trough wooden planters. Square planters are great for framing doorways, while wooden trough planters work well alongside pathways and patio areas to divide the space. You can choose from a selection of styles too. Opt for natural wood or choose a painted option to coordinate with your other garden accessories. 

  If you’re looking for your next DIY project, we offer a central hub where we offer everything to grow your own plants successfully. 

• Do wood planters require maintenance?

  This depends on if your wooden planter is made from softwood or hardwood. Hardwood planters require less maintenance as their timber is more resistant by design. Softwood planters may need treating if they aren't supplied treated, as well as a yearly top-up of oils to keep them looking their finest. Wood treatment oils are available at your local hardware shop.

  A lot of hardwood planters will be guaranteed in excess of 10 years against rot and decay, but you can still paint and treat them if you wish. Just be sure to use a treatment that matches the wood the timber is made from. For softwood planters you may want to consider using a liner with your wood plant pots, which can act as a barrier from water and fungi.

  For a detailed guide on how to look after different types of planters, have a look at our blog post on how to care for your planter. 

• How much compost do I need to fill a planter?

  You can calculate how much compost you need for any planter by measuring its width, height and depth in cm and then dividing by 1000 to get the volume in litres. If the planter is not a square or a rectangle, simply approximate its dimensions. Compost is usually sold in litres, but you will likely need less than the total volume of the planter as you can mix it with garden soil. Do not compress the resultant mix as loose aerated soil produces the optimal conditions for plant growth.

  For more information read our 'How Much Compost Do I Need For My Planter?' guide.