How to Turn a Whiskey Barrel into a Garden Planter
As an Amazon Associate, Island Barrel Company earns from qualifying purchases. It does not change the price you pay, and we only list gear that makes sense for a real bourbon barrel.
Most of our half barrels end up as planters. The weathered oak looks right at home on a patio or deck, and it fits in with all the green we've got here on the island.
What You'll Need
- 1 x Island Barrel Company Half Barrel ($65)
- Drill with a 3/4" or 1" spade bit for drainage holes
- Landscape fabric (optional)
- About 100 litres of quality outdoor potting mix
- Your choice of plants
Step 1: Prepare the Barrel
Drill 5 or 6 drainage holes in the bottom, 3/4" to 1" across. Without them the roots sit in water and rot. If you like, lay a circle of landscape fabric over the holes so soil doesn't wash out.
Step 2: Treat the Wood (Optional)
The char inside already protects the wood. If you want the outside to last longer too, rub on an exterior wood oil or some linseed oil. Keep it off the inside if you're growing food.
Step 3: Fill and Plant
Fill it with potting mix, stopping 2 to 3 inches from the top. Some things that do well in a half barrel:
- Herbs (basil, rosemary, thyme, mint)
- Strawberries
- Ornamental grasses
- Lavender
- Mixed annuals for colour
Tips for Vancouver Island Gardens
Island weather is mild and wet, so a barrel planter can stay outside all year. Set it on bricks or pot feet so the bottom isn't sitting in water. Over winter, leave hardy plants in or swap in something seasonal.
Want more on drainage, filler, and soil? Read what to put in the bottom of a whiskey barrel planter, or browse our barrel planter supplies.
Order a half barrel and we'll set up a pickup time at our yard in Errington.
Barrels From This Guide
Gear We Recommend
As an Amazon Associate, Island Barrel Company earns from qualifying purchases. It does not change the price you pay, and we only list gear that makes sense for a real bourbon barrel.
Bosch Daredevil spade bit set (13 pc)
Barrel bottoms are 1" thick white oak. A sharp 3/4" or 1" spade bit drills clean drainage holes without splitting the staves.
Tip: Drill 5 or 6 holes spread across the bottom, not one big hole in the middle.
Check price on Amazon.ca(opens in a new tab, affiliate link)All-purpose potting mix
Garden soil compacts and drowns roots in a container. A bagged potting mix stays light and drains well through wet coastal winters.
Tip: Plan on about 100 litres for a half barrel filled to the top, or 60 to 70 litres if you use filler in the bottom.
Check price on Amazon.ca(opens in a new tab, affiliate link)Planter pot lifters / feet
Lifting the barrel an inch off the patio lets the bottom dry out between rains. It's the easiest way to make a barrel last longer.
Check price on Amazon.ca(opens in a new tab, affiliate link)
