Barrel Planters

Our barrels are made from reclaimed oak casks cut in half, previously used to distil drink such as whisky, wine or ale.

If you are filling your half barrel planter with soil to plant you will need to add drainage as unlike our other planters these do not come pre-drilled with drainage holes.

Oak staves are naturally rot resistant and often still infused with the alcohol's tannins - a coat of wood oil once a year helps slow weathering.

Moisture keeps oak staves swollen and tight. After planting, regular watering usually maintains enough humidity inside the barrel. If you store an empty planter over winter, mist the interior once a month or keep it in a shaded area to prevent shrinkage. If hoops still slip, gently tap them down with a rubber mallet.

With good drainage and routine watering, up to 10 years is common. Raising the planter on pot feet or bricks and avoiding constant soil contact with the outer base extends life. Re‑tighten hoops and reapply sealer every few seasons if you want maximum longevity.

Empty, a 70cm cut whiskey half-barrel weighs 25–35 lb (11–16 kg). Filled with moist soil it can reach 200–250 lb (90–115 kg). Place it in its final position before filling, or use a sturdy dolly.

Optional. Leaving the wood unfinished lets it age to a silvery grey. A breathable, water‑based exterior wood sealer slows rot and preserves the original barrel markings. Avoid thick varnishes that trap moisture; barrels need to “breathe.”

Yes—dwarf fruit trees, Japanese maples, blueberries, even roses thrive in half‑barrels. Make sure the plant’s mature rootball fits (roughly 15–18 in deep), and feed with slow‑release fertilizer or annual compost top‑dressing.

They are not strictly necessary but a breathable landscape fabric can help extend your planter's life.