Lining a planter will help keep it in prime condition for years to come.  So whether you want to protect your favourite old planter designs, or ensure your new planters stand the test of time, our helpful guide will show you how to line a planter in just a few simple steps.

Do planters need to be lined?  

Planters do not always need to be lined.  However, lining a planter has lots of benefits for both your plants and the durability of your planter.  A lined planter is less likely to rot from the inside, which is especially important with wood planters that are less robust than, for example, stone planters and terracotta planters.  

Lining a planter also reduces evaporation from the soil during the warmer months.  This is especially helpful in keeping your plants well watered and healthy.

What is the best material to line a planter?

Plastic sheeting is the best material for lining a planter with.  Pond liners work well for lining the bottom of planters as they are robust and can easily be shaped into the perfect size to fit the dimensions of your planter.  Pond liners are also thick enough to reduce any evaporation of water from the soil.

Step by step guide to lining a planter

1. Ensure the planter is clean before you begin to line it
2. Take your pond liner and cut it into roughly the same dimensions of the planter’s inside cavity
3. Push the liner into the base of the planter 
4. Cut several drainage holes in the bottom of the liner using household or gardening scissors
5. If you have a plastic or wood planter, you can stick the liner to the sides of the planter using glue or staples at this stage
6. Once the planter is filled with compost, simply trim away any excess liner from the top.

What do you line the bottom of a planter with?

As well as lining your planter with plastic sheeting such as a pond liner, you can add even more to its base to help with drainage.  

Layering small to medium pieces of broken and unwanted plant pots or chipped crockery will prevent compost loss out of the drainage holes in the base.  Likewise, this simple action will also stop the drainage holes from becoming blocked.  

For small planters that are hard to fill with broken pieces, try lining their bases with old newspaper instead.  The newspaper will allow excess water to drain freely away through the drainage holes, but prevent the compost from being flushed out.

Nicola Clements has been working with brands and publications in the gardening and lifestyle sectors for many years.  As well as regularly writing for The English Garden‘s website, Nicola is also a contributing gardening editor to Wildflower magazine.  In her spare time, Nicola can be found pottering in her garden, where she hones her skills, ready to pass on her expert advice to amateur and seasoned gardeners.