Do whiskey barrels make good planters?
I’d say that a whiskey barrel exposed to the elements lasts as a plant container for about 10 years at most. My idea was to make them pretty and decorative, and hopefully prolong the deterioration of the wood. Properly prepared oak whiskey barrels can last 3-5 years as outdoor planters. The wood will eventually start to deteriorate, but you can get many seasons of use from a barrel with the right care and maintenance. Store the barrel in a sheltered area and keep the wood surface oiled or sealed for maximum longevity.While the whiskey is in wooden barrels, it is sealed to prevent oxidation which is the main mover of decay in whiskey’s flavors and compounds. As such, the aging process allows the whiskey to take on new flavors in the wooden barrel without going bad.Whiskey barrels have a limited lifespan but can be reused multiple times. Each reuse results in a smoother and less intense maturation than the first cycle. Typically: First use: new barrels provide the most intense contribution of flavors such as vanilla and caramel.So what happens to the used barrels? Many of them are shipped to Scotland, as Scotch has no laws requiring new barrels. Because much of the flavor has already been leached from the barrels, Scotch tends to be aged longer than bourbon.
Can whiskey barrels stay outside?
Can I leave the whiskey barrels outside? Absolutely! As with most wooden furniture, decks, or siding, wood tends to ‘gray’ over time if left unprotected. For barrels, this is often a desired appearance. Can I leave the barrel outside? Like any wood or wood furniture, rain, snow, and other moisture can decay wood if left unprotected. If leaving the barrel outside, we would recommend keeping it under cover. To add further product, consider coating the barrel in an exterior-grade polyurethane every year or two.Store Whiskey Barrels the Right Way Whiskey barrels for sale should be kept dry and cold away from direct sunlight. Heat and sunlight rot wood. Should bad weather force you to bring the barrel inside, cover it outdoors. Place the barrel on a platform or group of wooden blocks to keep it off the wet ground.If you do not plan to use the barrel for a period of time, clean out the barrel and store with water. Be sure to flush the water once a month to keep the barrel clean. This will ensure the barrel does not dry out.Whiskey barrels are made to hold alcohol, but are they actually waterproof? No, they’re not completely waterproof. Barrels are made of wooden staves held together by metal hoops. Even though the wood is treated and the barrels are tightly made, a little liquid will still seep through over time.
Do I need to drill holes in a whiskey barrel planter?
As shown in our video, drilling holes in the bottom of the planter is a critical step to ensure that the planter lasts as long as possible – and the plants inside the barrel stay healthy. If you don’t drill holes, then any water that eventually finds its way to the bottom of the barrel has nowhere to go. Whiskey barrels typically do not have drainage holes, so you’ll need to drill several in the bottom of the barrel before using it as a planter. Drilling holes allows excess water to drain and helps prevent root rot. Place the barrel on feet or blocks to allow for airflow under the barrel.On the same note, it is recommended to drill drainage holes in the bottom of the barrel planter to reduce the chances of rot inside. You may also consider covering the drainage holes with mesh to prevent any unwanted pests and insects from burrowing and making your planter their home!Once you get your barrel home and decide what you will be planting in it, you will need a drill with a large bit to make drainage holes in the barrel. Drainage holes should be drilled into the sides of the barrel between the bottom two metal straps.I prefer to line any barrels before planting, such as with plastic sheeting or old compost bags, to help them last longer. Ensure there are drainage holes. For plants loved by slugs, a barrel may not be the best choice as they provide plenty of hiding places.While not strictly necessary, lining a whiskey barrel planter can extend its lifespan. A thick plastic liner or specialized planter liner creates a barrier between the soil and the wood, reducing the risk of rot. Ensure the liner has drainage holes to maintain proper water flow.
What plants are good for whiskey barrel planters?
What flowers are good for whiskey barrel planters? Flowers like daylilies, hostas, marigolds, geraniums, and coneflowers are good for whiskey barrel planters. Oak whisky barrel planters are available in a variety of sizes and make a perfect addition to home gardening. Cut in half from Genuine Oak Scotch Whisky barrels to create the perfect barrel planter for your plants, herbs or trees.What flowers are good for whiskey barrel planters? Flowers like daylilies, hostas, marigolds, geraniums, and coneflowers are good for whiskey barrel planters.