Can you use whiskey barrels as 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. The moral of the story is this: distilled spirits don’t have a shelf life. Unopened, you can keep them almost indefinitely, as long as you store it in a suitable place. Once you open them, you should drink them within about a year if you want to get the maximum pleasure from it.If a bottle is unopened and stored properly, it will last indefinitely. Whiskies get a lot of their flavours and characteristics from the time spent maturing in casks, which can range from a few years to several decades. Once whisky is bottled, the ageing process halts.If a bottle is unopened and stored properly, it will last indefinitely. Whiskies get a lot of their flavours and characteristics from the time spent maturing in casks, which can range from a few years to several decades. Once whisky is bottled, the ageing process halts.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.With appropriate care and maintenance, a whiskey barrel can last around 5 to 8 years as an outdoor planter.
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. 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.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.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.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.
Do you need to line a whiskey barrel planter?
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. 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.Most collectible bottles are over 10 years old and value usually increases with the age of the whisky. Whisky over 30 years old is the most sought after as it is the rarest. Any whisky bottled at over 50 years old is highly desirable and a very limited number of distilleries have released whisky over 50 years old.Whiskey Fungus is Harmless It lives on the outside of barrels, feeding on the ethanol vapors that escape during the aging process. There’s no evidence to suggest it harms people, spirits, or beer in any way. In fact, its presence is a testament to the authenticity and natural aging process of barrels.Introduction to Whiskey Barrel Storage Leaving them outside can expose them to weather that damages the wood and affects the aging process. However, some limited outside storage is okay if you take proper precautions. If storing outside short-term, choose a spot out of direct sunlight and weather.
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. Rinse it out meticulously with water, then let it air dry completely. Next up, grab your brush and apply a reliable barrel sealant like polyurethane, linseed or tung oil, or a dedicated wood sealant to the inside of the barrel. Make sure to wipe away any excess that might pool at the bottom.Maintaining your Barrel 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.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.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.Keep the barrel dry: Moisture is the main cause of rot in wooden barrels, so it’s important to keep the barrel as dry as possible. This means keeping the barrel in a dry place and making sure that it’s not exposed to rain or other sources of water.