Liners for Planters
Want to know what the best liners for planters are?
Here is a helpful guide to tell you about what makes a good liner, show you how to fit a liner and let you know where you can buy liners for planters.
PLANTERS – What are they and what are they good for?
Your garden is an extension of your home. Even more so, since COVID-19 lockdowns began.
In our homes we like to move furniture around every now and again, to spruce things up a little.
Planters, in some respect, are like furniture within our Gardens. They are appealing to the eye and relatively light-weight, allowing you to move them to different locations when you fancy a change.
Troughs or Planters can also offer a bit more height, as they generally sit on the ground.
They come in all different shapes, sizes, colours, materials and styles. There is a planter out there for everyone. Ready to transform any dull patio or porch.
Types of Planters
Planters come in different styles. Some are made from metal, such as wrought iron planters. Others can be made from various woods or plastics for example.
The difference in styles, may dictate how you care for the planter and which type of liner that you may require.
Many wooden box style planters and even plastic planters may not require a liner whatsoever. So, this blog may not be for you.
..A little tip though.. Ensure water drains well through the planter. Holes at the base will be required. A base layer of gravel can also keep the drainage working well.
Does my Planter need a Liner?
The typical type of planter that requires a liner are usually of a wire or bar style structure. There are also plastic trough planters with open side.
You pretty much knowing by the look of the planter whether if it requires a liner or not. If there are gaps that compost will fall through, then the likelihood is that a liner is needed.
What type of Liner do I need for my Planter?
There are a wide range of liners out there. Some have been used for many years and some are new products fresh on the market.
However, when wanting to know what makes a good liner for planters, there are some key characteristics that are required for the liner to work successfully.
1 – Adequate Drainage
Drainage is so important for a planter, or any container for that matter. Water must pass through and not stagnate in the bottom. If this occurs, it could damage the plants and effect the success of the plants growth.
2 – Moisture Retention
Plants like the compost to be full of moisture. So, any material that helps keep as much of the moisture taken from watering (or rainfall) the better. It has to be a good balance between draining the water and retaining the moisture.
3 – Material Strength
Some Planters have wide gaps between bars, so a strong liner is required to avoid splitting. You will find in many cases that a liner bulges between the bars, creating further room for the plants to grow. This is fine, as long as the liner holds.
4 – Material Thickness
Make the most of the Planters space, by using a thin material to line it. It is amazing how much room some liners can take up, stealing valuable growing space for the roots of the plants.
5 – Plant Ability (Side-Planting)
Not for every planter, but for many the bars provide an opportunity to show off a little. Planting the sides of your planter can give a fuller display, especially with flowering plants such as Million Bells.
Some liners are perfect for this task and some are not very good at all.
6 – Bird Resistant!
Many people face this same issue of birds stealing their liners. It happens a lot, so don’t fall victim this year. Ensure you purchase liners for planters that don’t breakaway.
Above details many of the things that you need to ensure to successfully line a trough planter. There are of course some other things to consider, such as Cost, Reusability, Size and obviously how good it looks. So, consider these additional factors when selecting the correct liners for your planters.
Where Can I Buy Liners for Planters?
In recent years, the cost of many liners has increased with the competitiveness of the pound.
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, availability of the Planter Liners has also been an issue.
Finding a UK manufacturer of liners for planters will keep a hold on both of these concerns, plus will help boost the future of manufacturing and supply in the UK for the future.
The Amateur’s Answer Universal Liner is our own product which is available for purchase directly from this website. See the link to our Shop below…
The Amateur’s Answer Lining System is an Easy to Fit, Competitively Priced, Re-Usable Liner that can be supplied to fit all shapes and size containers from 10” Hanging Baskets to 10 foot long planters.
Plus, our liner is designed to fulfil all of the important Characteristics of a successful lining system.
See how easy it is to fit a Trough Planter by watching the Demonstration below…
There are alternatives liners for planters on the market, which offer may of the same benefits and will act as a good option. Online marketplaces such as Amazon or EBay are there with various options, if you are unable to make it to the garden centres.
Whichever liner you choose for your Planter, make sure you consider the important characteristics mentioned above. These will help ensure healthy plant growth and a successful display this year.
How to Fit a Liner for Planters
Fitting a liner can be quite simple, especially if you choose a moulded style coir that is made for your exact style planter… However, it can be a bit trickier if you are purchasing a replacement. You may find that you are unable to buy an ‘Off the shelf’ item.
Here is an quick example of how to fit a replacement liner, that will fit any Planter, Wall Trough or Window box up to 48” wide.
The Amateur’s Answer Universal Liner – An ideal Liner for Planters solution..
PURCHASE A LINER FOR YOUR PLANTER HERE
Hanging Basket Liners
The Amateur’s Answer Lining System is a great liner for planters, but we also have a pack option specifically for Hanging Baskets.
You can purchase a pack of 3 ‘easy to use’ Hanging Basket Liners that fit any type of Hanging Basket up to 16” diameter.
PURCHASE 3 LINERS FOR YOUR HANGING BASKETS HERE
Further Information
Our family has been in the business of making hanging baskets for over 25 years. Starting in a garden Nursery in North Yorkshire, we have created thousands of baskets for many customers.
Here are a few blogs that we have created to help you with creating planters and hanging baskets. Click on the links below to read more…
WHAT ARE THE BEST PLANTS FOR HANGING BASKETS?
SIDE PLANTING A HANGING BASKET WITH LARGE CELL PLANTS
WHEN TO PLANT A HANGING BASKET?