Trough advice!

[Collinsc]

Hi All

I'm totally new to gardening and seeking some advice please!

I'm looking to get a few troughs like this: https://www.gardenstoredirect.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=579

My questions!
1. Am i correct in saying a trough like this (that has a flat bottom) will mean that the grass beneath it does not grow? and will it kill the grass forever if the trough left there for a long period?

2. This is a deep trough - i assume it will need A LOT of soil. What sort of soil should i use?

3. Should the trough be filled to the top, or nearly to the top with soil?

4. One trough i plan to put in an area that has virtually no sunlight - what types of plants could i plant in this one?

Many thanks!

 

[YumYum]

1. Grass will not be able to grow through the planter but grass/weeds will likely grow again when the planter is moved.

2. A potting mix should be fine.

3. Fill it up near to the top if you want. You can put wood in the bottom so you don't have to buy as much potting mix. Search for Heuglekulture (or whatever that word is).

4. Probably not any kind of vegetable that I can think of unless you can get away with leaf lettuce in the dead heat of summer, maybe.

 

[Tetters]

Hello @Collinsc , welcome to the forums. Blimey, they are expensive plant pots! Is there a reason you can't dig a patch up and plant into the ground? Yes, the grass underneath will die if you do this.
If you use these things, they will most likely take at least 50 ltrs of compost, or soil, or a mixture. Plants in a box will need more attention regarding watering and feeding. They will need decent sized holes in the base, and horticultural grit to aid drainage.
There are many plants that will enjoy living in a shady place like hostas and fuchsias -and lots more, including spring bulbs.
Your compost or soil will compact over time, and will probably need topping up, but fill them up if you can to start with anyway.
My best advice to you would be to consider making some beds in the ground to make the best kind of display.
Consider too growing some vegetables if you can. They are getting scarce now in the shops - a situation not likely to improve. Home grown vegetables - without poisons that are systemic in those from the supermarket are better for your health by far.

 

[Collinsc]

i've since changed my mind on the planters! will post back when decided exactly what to do.


thanks for both responses.