When it comes to lining a garden box, there are a few different materials you can use. However, it’s important to note that the purpose of lining a garden box is to help retain moisture and prevent soil erosion, while still allowing for proper drainage.
One common material that is often used as a liner is plastic. Plastic liners can help create a barrier between the soil and the surrounding environment, preventing the soil from drying out too quickly. It can also help to prevent soil erosion, especially in raised garden beds where the soil is more exposed. Plastic liners are relatively easy to install and can be cut to fit the dimensions of your garden box. However, it’s important to choose a high-quality, durable plastic that won’t degrade quickly in sunlight or leach harmful chemicals into the soil.
Another option for lining a garden box is landscape fabric. Landscape fabric is a permeable material that allows water to drain through while still preventing weeds from growing. It can be particularly useful in raised garden beds where weeds can be a nuisance. Landscape fabric is typically made from woven or non-woven polypropylene and is available in various thicknesses. It’s important to choose a fabric that is sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the soil and won’t tear easily during installation.
Wire mesh is another option for lining a garden box, especially if you want to protect your plants from burrowing pests such as gophers or voles. Wire mesh can be placed at the bottom of the garden box to create a barrier that prevents these pests from accessing the roots of your plants. It’s important to choose a mesh with small enough openings to keep out the pests you’re trying to deter.
In my personal experience, I have used both plastic and landscape fabric as liners in my garden boxes. For smaller, shallow boxes, I found that landscape fabric worked well in preventing weeds from growing while still allowing for proper drainage. However, in larger, deeper boxes, I opted for plastic liners as they provided a more effective barrier against soil erosion and moisture loss.
To summarize, when lining a garden box, it’s best to use a plastic liner on the inner sides to prevent soil erosion and retain moisture. For the bottom of the box, a more permeable material like landscape fabric or wire mesh can be used to allow for proper drainage. The choice of liner ultimately depends on factors such as the size of the garden box, the presence of pests, and personal preferences.
