Should I Line My Raised Garden Bed with Plastic Liner
In the gardening world, you need to be aware of a lot of things (if you want to be successful, of course). This is only fair because the plants need just as much care as anything else. But like most things in gardening, there are always a few things that people can’t seem to agree on. Our topic for today is whether you should line your raised garden bed or other planters with plastic. Let’s break this down together. Today, we will explore the pros and cons and the best practices for you.
Why Line Your Planters?
First things first - before we dive into the specifics, let’s talk about why you should consider lining your planters especially raised garden beds. Adding a liner can:
- Extend the Life of the Planter Material - If you use wood for your raised bed, the liner can help protect it from moisture. It will slow down rot and decay. This is especially important if you have untreated or natural wood because it tends to break down faster than treated lumber.
- Improve Soil Health – A liner can act as a barrier. It will keep the soil from falling out of the sides of the bed. Also, it will prevent ground contaminants from entering the area.
- Reduce Weeds and Pests – If you line the bottom of your raised bed, you can block invasive weeds and pests. Yes, this is a way to stop them from your garden.
- Help with Drainage - A good liner can help with drainage. This way, your plants will not get waterlogged during heavy rains.
To better improve the soil drainage and air circulation, here is an article introducing the differences between two filling methods in raised beds: Lasagna Garden Bed vs. Hugelkultur Garden Bed.
Should I Use Plastic Liner for Planter Box?
Finally, we’ve come to the big question. Here, you need to know that if you use plastic to line your raised planters, you will get some benefits. But, there are certain downsides that come with it too. That’s why we’re here - to help you make an informed decision.
Check out the pros and cons below:
- Moisture Barrier - Plastic can create an effective barrier that keeps moisture from directly contacting the sides of your raised planters, helping to extend the life of wooden beds.
- Weed Control - A plastic liner can block weeds. This reduces the amount of time you spend weeding.
- Soil Retention - Plastic prevents soil from washing out through cracks or gaps in the raised bed walls, keeping your garden looking neat and tidy.
- Protection - If your raised bed is laid out on a potentially contaminated ground (or you use treated lumber), a plastic liner can make a whole lot of difference. It provides a shield from chemicals or toxins.
The Cons of Lining with Plastic:
- Poor Drainage - Plastic is non-porous. This means it doesn’t allow water to pass through. If you don’t install it properly, it can trap water in the bed. This will lead to root rot.
- Heat Buildup - In hot climates, plastic can retain heat. It will cause the soil temperature to rise and stress the plants.
- Environmental Concerns - Plastic isn’t the most eco-friendly option. Over time, it can break down into microplastics. Then it can leach into the soil.
- Limited Life - While plastic can protect your bed for a while, it will eventually degrade and need replacing.
Best Practices for You to Use Garden Plastic Liner
If you decide to line your planter boxes with plastic, go for it! We are here to give you a few tips on how to do it right . First, use the right type of plastic. Choose thick, food-safe plastic sheets. Don’t use plastics that may release harmful chemicals into the soil. Second, add drainage holes. Punch holes in the bottom of the liner. It will allow for the excess water to escape. Third, secure it well. Staple the plastic to the sides of the bed so it doesn’t sag. The last but not least, combine with organic layers (see how to fill your raised planters with). This will help water flow more freely.
Some Alternative Garden Liner For You
There are other options to line your raised garden bed. These alternative raised bed liners might align better with your gardening style and environmental values.
1. Landscape fabric: A popular alternative to plastic. It’s porous, helps the water drain and provides a barrier against weeds and pests.
2. Burlap or Hessian Cloth: It is made of natural fibers, is biodegradable, and is eco-friendly.
3. Cardboard or Newspaper: the cardboard or newspaper is a great way to block weeds and improve soil quality over time. These materials break down and add organic matter to the soil.
4. Coconut Coir Mats: these mats are made of coconut fibers and provide a natural, biodegradable option for raised beds.
Here is an article introducing the best liners for metal raised garden beds. If you are interested, please check it now!
When Should You Avoid Plastic Liners?
There are some situations where using plastic might not be the best choice. First, in wet climates. If you live in an area where it constantly rains, plastic may trap too much moisture in the bed. This will lead to waterlog and root rot. Second, for root vegetables, such crops (carrots, beets, and potatoes) prefer deep, well-draining soil. A plastic liner would only restrict their growth. Third, eco-friendly gardening goals . If you want to create a sustainable, plastic-free garden, then this is not the option for you.
Our Take on Garden Plastic Liner
So, should we line our raised planter beds with plastic liner? The answer depends on our specific gardening needs and priorities. If we’re looking for durability and weed prevention, and we’re okay with the environmental trade-offs, plastic can be a practical choice - provided we take steps to address drainage.
However, if sustainability and long-term soil health are our main concerns, we’d recommend exploring other liner options like landscape fabric, burlap, or cardboard.
It’s all about finding the balance between practicality and personal gardening philosophy. Plastic has its pros and cons, so whatever you choose to do, we are sure you will do it perfectly.
The most important thing is to create an environment where plants can thrive. So, next time someone asks if they should line their raised garden bed with plastic you will know exactly how to help them!
