Whiskey Barrel Planter Tips

Using a whiskey barrel planter is an ingenious way of container gardening. What a spectacular way to practice green gardening. Why, you might ask?

Using half of whiskey barrels or oak wine barrels is a wonderful way to recycle something that normally would have been discarded.

We've seen them used for years, so, what a terrific, tried and true method to accomplish a magnificent display.

Here you'll learn the do's and don'ts when utilizing whiskey barrels for a container garden. While realizing the truth that they literally do last for years, and sometimes many, many years.

I personally know that my father has used them as planters for nearly two decades. Wow, that's a long time!

Fertilizing the Plants in Your Whiskey Barrel

Don't be afraid to experiment a little with Miracle Grow Water Soluble Fertilizer. For example, my Grandmother dilutes into a 50 gallon drum of water. Then uses that mixture to water her flowers every time.

Watch the video for another way to cheat a little!

Also find in the video below some terrific tips on drainage for your whiskey barrel.

With the weight of the whiskey barrel and the container mix, find out why using a half whiskey barrel as a container garden, poses a unique drainage situation.

Also in this video, find a suggestion for a fertilizer that will last the entire summer. Also find out why you can cheat a little bit on a "miracle grow formula" when using these huge wooden barrels as Container Gardens.

Great Whiskey Barrels, FREE Shipping

Take advantage of these deals, and have the barrels shipped directly to your door. We can't find fault with this idea! Tips for planter use are below each barrel picture.

Tip: Always plan the position your whiskey barrel before you plant it. Once it's full of earth and plants, moving it is a serious pain in the neck (not to mention the lower back!). A full whiskey barrel (full of plants, that is) could weigh 150lbs or more.	Tip: Consider the color scheme you're hoping to achieve before you order a whiskey barrel planter. Pale colors are usually harder to blend than darker ones. Do you want the planter to stand out, or let the plants do all the talking?
There are some really creative whiskey barrel planters on the market today. This, and the one to the right, is an in-built water feature. For those of you who want a real talking point on your patio or rooftop garden!	Another water feature whiskey barrel. This one is a two-tier planter that is very original looking, and makes a beautiful focal point for your container gardening efforts.
Tip: A whole barrel is no use as a planter. But it makes a GREAT table for your patio garden! Get a couple of bar stools for it, and use matching barrel planters to complete the look.	Chocolate brown is the new black. This planter would look great filled with a bright flower display, or overflowing with strawberries, squash, or tomatoes.
Tip: Ensure your whiskey barrel planters have drainage holes in the bottom, to prevent root rot. This occurs when roots sit in over-wet soil for too long. Drainage is essential to successful container gardening.	Tip: It's not necessary to use real wood. This fiberglass alternative weighs less than a regular wooden barrel, and comes in different sizes to suit the needs of your project. You can also find barrels made from other woods, like cedar (see left).