Soil for Big Backyard Planter

Brownstonistas,

We’ve got to fill some large planters (~9.5 cu. yds. and ~3.5 cu. yds.) with soil. The ground is still concrete and the borders are horizontal slats of wood (with about <1/4 inch gaps). We’re getting estimates to fill these (and presumably line, as well) but have no idea what to look for. Has anyone here had to do the same?

Allan78

in General Discussion 7 years and 6 months ago

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kassie319 | 7 years and 6 months ago

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You could line with pressure treated or marine plywood. You could chop the concrete out so you don’t need a bottom – if you do that there may be no real need for the slats at all.. I’ve lined planter sleeves like this with ridgid fabric backed drainage mat as well – a much easier DIY option. For the drainage layer at the base (depending on the depth of the planter) wrap 2-3″ of gravel in filter fabric and fill with soil.

randolph | 7 years and 6 months ago

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my planter is lined with zinc and has drainage holes on the bottom. not sure how deep yours are but I put about 12″ of gravel at the bottom to help with drainage and then a layer of weed guard fabric stuff and then the dirt on top of that.