Can you use a whiskey barrel as a planter?
Whiskey and Wine barrels are perfect for organic gardeners. They are made of solid oak which will hold up to rot and decay for years. They are non toxic and won’t release chemicals or toxins into your soil like Plastic containers could. I recommend using wood when possible since it is a natural substance. I. 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.Choose and Prep Your Barrel First, choose your whiskey barrel. It should have proper drainage holes in the bottom to let the water out and prevent your plants from getting too much water. Next, fill your container three-quarters full with potting soil to give your plants a sturdy and nourishing foundation.These containers have a lot of soil capacity for a much bigger plant. 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.Because of their size, whiskey barrels are amazing planters for vegetables. A tomato plant will live its best life in a big old half-barrel planter. Half barrel planters are perfect for any large container garden. Try a combination of herbs, flowers and vegetables.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.
How to prepare a whiskey barrel planter?
Put a bucket upside down in the bottom of your barrel then go buy a plastic wash basin, poke holes in the bottom of the basin. Add dirt and plant your plants in there and sit on top of the bucket in barrel. Drill a minimum of 4 holes around the base of the barrel for either an upright planter or 4 holes on the side that will be lying on the ground for a planter lying on its side making it look like your flowers are pouring out of it.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!
How long do whiskey barrel planters last?
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. A barrel creates and maintains a watertight seal by the wood of the barrel staying well hydrated with the product it contains (whiskey, wine, beer, etc. So as received, the barrel will hold water! There may be small leaks at first, but as that wood rehydrates, it will reseal.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.Well, sure, if you can find one that holds water and has never held anything toxic or nasty. Sadly, wooden barrels aren’t common anymore, and if you do find one, unless it was intended to be used for aging wine or whiskey, it may not even be water-tight.Water will not push barrels into air, they remain waterlogged in source/flowing water.
How to preserve whiskey barrel planter?
Add a protective coating There are a number of different sealers you could use that would do the trick. Our craftsmen over in the barrel shop like to use polyurethane. You’ll want to pick up an exterior-grade polyurethane if the decor is going to be placed somewhere outside. Over time the exterior of your barrel will show wear. Lightly sand your barrel with a fine sandpaper. Wipe off any debris with a clean cloth, and apply a coat of water based varnish on the outside of the barrel. Barrels left without liquid will dry quickly and no longer hold liquid without leaking.One common method is to apply a waterproof sealant or coating to the exterior surface of the barrel. Silicone-based sealants or marine-grade finishes are popular choices, as they provide a durable barrier against moisture. Before applying any sealant, ensure the barrel is clean and dry.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.Secure the liner around the rim of the barrel using staples or strong tape. Fill with potting mix: Add a drainage layer of gravel or stones to the bottom (if you didn’t drill holes), then fill the barrel about three-quarters full with a good quality potting soil or compost mixture.One common method is to apply a waterproof sealant or coating to the exterior surface of the barrel. Silicone-based sealants or marine-grade finishes are popular choices, as they provide a durable barrier against moisture. Before applying any sealant, ensure the barrel is clean and dry.
Do whiskey barrel planters need drainage holes?
These containers have a lot of soil capacity for a much bigger plant. 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 like to layer some plastic milk or water bottles on the bottom of barrels. This saves on the amount of potting soil needed to fill the containers. The barrels also have drainage holes. I always empty the soil into a wheelbarrow first if I move a barrel planter to another location.
Do barrel planters rot?
One thing to consider when looking for an Oak Barrel Planter for your garden is whether or not it will be able to stand the test of time in your outdoor conditions. It is essential that your oak barrel planter is strong to stop internal rot and the barrel inevitably breaking down. It’s generally recommended that whisky barrels are re-used at most four times in the trade, or two to three times (before they no longer impart flavour from the wine or spirit in the wood) for Scotch whisky, totalling around 50 years of usage.The classic way to use a oak whisky barrel is when they are cut in half filled with soil and flowers a-plenty. This simple and elegant planter solution adds a rustic charm to any space.There are more than 600 oak species, but the type used for American whiskey barrels is Quercus Alba, also known as American oak or white oak.Are whisky barrel staves good firewood? The short answer is yes, but not straight from the distillery yard. When milling Oak for barrel staves the blanks are specified as the very best oak, so they are arguably the best species for burning to start with.Whiskey is typically aged in barrels for several years. It depends on the type of whiskey and the desired flavor profile, but it usually ranges from two to twenty-five years. The most common types of wood used for barrels include American white oak, French oak, and Spanish oak.