Restoring wooden trough planter

Eileen33

Hi. I'm brand new to the forum. I'm trying to restore a wooden trough planter. It is attached to a wooden pergola in my mum's garden, and is not touching the ground, suspended halfway up the pergola. It had some wet rot inside, which I have treated with wet rot treatment. The trough has sentimental value for my mum and so am trying to restore it as best I can. I'm wondering what kind of paint or stain to use on the inside of it? We will be planting flowers in it, not edible plants. It hadn't been lined, but does have drainage holes. It has lasted already for about 7 years so far and I want to keep it going for another few years without having to empty it completely every year. Thanks in advance.

Fairygirl

Hi Eileen, I think you could use any of the garden wood paints or stains - there's loads of choice out there in almost any colour you can think of 

I'd be inclined to line it first though, just to help prevent any further rotting for as long as you can, as you obviously want to keep it in good repair as long as possible. I used a heavy duty black polythene for all my timber raised  beds, but if you turn an old compost bag inside out that would do the same job. The black inner will 'disappear' when the soil and plants are in place.

Eileen33

Hi Fairygirl. Thanks for replying   I have some cuprinol  ducksback in, which I was going to use on a shed, perhaps I'll use that. With lining it, I was worried moisture might get between the liner and the wood, do you think that could be a problem at all? The trough has got a triangular shape rather than square, if that makes sense. A triangular base, it goes to a point at the bottom.  

Fairygirl

I know the shape you mean Eileen. I wouldn't worry about moisture getting in- there will be plenty coming in all directions once it's planted up and being watered! It'll just help to keep all the moisture away from the timber especially if it's got a bit of wear and tear. Let it dry thoroughly before and after you've painted, and give it a few coats for extra 'belt and braces'  

Eileen33

Thanks. Do you attach the liner to the timber somehow or just place it in? Not sure how much time I've got now as weather forecast seems to be saying a few days of rain after today 

Fairygirl

I stapled mine in to get a neat edge but a few tacks will do the job though.  If you tuck it in the soil will hold it in place but I'd personally try and attach it if you can.

 

 

Eileen33

Ok,that looks great. Thanks for your help. I'll see what I can get done 

Fairygirl

Good luck