Most wooden barrels are watertight, although they may not be instantly watertight on arrival. If the wood is very dry (as is often the case when the barrel planter arrives), it will have shrunk and there will be gaps for water to leak through. After a couple of weeks of holding water, the wood should expand and seal any gaps. This is worth remembering if you’re aiming to use the half barrel planter as a mini pond or water feature. Plastic barrels are a great, low-maintenance alternative . They can be left outside year round and are watertight. One of the best things about plastic planters is that they can even be used as small ponds and water features . Look for a plastic that is described as UV-resistant as this will stop the barrel’s colour fading in the sunlight.

They tend to be more expensive than plastic barrels, so might not be as suitable for those on a tight budget. Some maintenance is required as well, such as treating the wood against rot, which should be done yearly. Most people find their wooden barrel planters can last at least 20 – 30 years if looked after well. Alternatively, this Temesso Barrel can be used as a mini pond or rain barrel. It becomes watertight once the wood is sufficiently waterlogged – this causes it to expand and fill any gaps. Given that the barrel arrives relatively dry, it can take up to two weeks for it to be sufficiently watertight not to leak.

23" Barrel Garden Planter

Weighing a light 1.4 kg, it’s also practical to move around the garden, whilst still feeling solid and robust. In fact, it’s so watertight that many customers have even reported using the Oakwood Barrel Planter as a small pond, or water-feature, to great effect. Utilise the half barrel planter specifically for growing a selection of fresh herbs. Its ample size provides enough space to cultivate various herb varieties, allowing you to enjoy the convenience of having flavorful herbs right at your fingertips.

Here’s a more in depth look at each type of planter, to get a feel for their pros and cons as well as whether they’d be the right choice for your garden: Authentic, Upcycled Wooden Barrels It’s straight forward to drill holes in either wooden or plastic planters. This is usually possible using a cordless drill and a drill bit. Cut in half from genuine oak Scotch whisky barrels to create the perfect barrel planter for your plants, herbs or trees. Transform the half barrel planter into a small water feature by adding a fountain or water pump. This creates a soothing and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and unwinding in your outdoor space.If you’re looking to use your half barrel as a planter, you’ll need to make sure it has drainage holes. Most half barrel planters don’t come with pre-drilled drainage holes, regardless of whether they are made from wood or plastic. Despite looking like part of a wooden barrel, this planter is in fact made from recycled plastic. It therefore has the charm of a traditional planter, but can be left outside all year round without the fear of applying waterproofing treatments or dealing with wood rot. For reasons of hygiene and safety, personal grooming products, cosmetics or items of intimate clothing cannot be returned.

The ‘copper’ option uses warmer tones, fitting in with oranges and browns in the garden, whilst the ‘pewter’ model works well with cooler tones like stonework and gravel. Of course, neither planter is actually made from genuine metal, and is instead constructed from realistically-moulded plastic. Larger barrels, with a diameter of approximately 70 cm, are perfect for shrubs and small trees. Smaller barrels, with a diameter of approximately 50 cm, can be used for herb gardens and flower beds. Drainage holes are important for growing plants as they stop water stagnating at the bottom of the barrel. If water pools at the bottom of a pot with no escape it can cause the plant’s roots to rot. It can also become a playground for bacteria which can transmit disease to the plant via the roots. With its dimensions of 45cm high and 75cm wide, this half barrel planter offers generous space for various plants, including shrubs and trees. Its generous dimensions make it a versatile option for creating captivating floral displays or adding greenery to outdoor spaces. It’s made from solid oak, resulting in a fully rustic appearance, with metal bands around the wooden slats to hold it all together.These are approximately 24" - 25" in diameter and 16"-18" in height. They come rustic, freshly cut, and from whole barrels for you to use and finish how you wish! Temesso create several different type of barrel planter, and their Wine Barrel Planter – Rustic has a darker, more aged look than some of their other models. Furthermore, it’s watertight, and can be used as a pond or water feature as well as a planter. If the wood is too dry, the barrel will not be watertight until it has expanded – this can be the case when it first arrives.