If you want to add something unique and stylish to your garden, how about making a gabion planter.
Gabion baskets filled with stones can make amazing planters that are both functional and eye-catching. Plus, they’re super durable and easy to customise.
So if you fancy giving it a go, here’s a step-by-step process of creating your very own gabion planter.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
First things first, you’ll need to gather all the materials for your gabion planter project. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Gabion baskets – choose baskets that have a narrow depth if you are forming a planter with walls. If you are creating a self-contained planter from a single basket, you will need one with sufficient width.
- Stones or rocks – Pick rocks to suit the look you want; pebbles, granite, or limestone are popular options.
- Geotextile fabric – this keeps the soil in place and stops it from leaching into the stones
- Soil – high-quality soil and compost
- Your favorite plants
Quick Tips:
- Basket Size: Decide on the size of your planter beforehand. Gabion baskets come in various sizes, so pick one that fits your space. Check out our range of baskets.
- Stone Selection: You can also use lesser-quality materials, such as rubble, to fill the areas of the basket that won’t be on show, saving money and being more environmentally friendly.
Step 2: Assemble the Gabion Basket
Once you have your materials, it’s time to assemble your gabion basket. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to put it together. This involves connecting the wire panels with clips or coils.
Helpful Hint:
- Assembly Area: Assemble your basket close to where you plan to place it. Gabion baskets can get heavy once filled with stones.
Step 3: Prepare the Base
Before you start filling the basket, make sure you prepare a solid base. A level area with good drainage is ideal. If needed, you can lay down a layer of gravel or compacted soil to create a stable foundation.
Pro Tip:
- Foundation: A solid base will keep your planter stable and prevent it from sinking or tilting over time.
Step 4: Line the Basket (Optional)
For extra stability and to keep the soil from leaking out, you can line the inside of your gabion basket with geotextile fabric. This step is optional, but it can help extend the life of your planter.
Easy Trick:
- Lining: Cut the fabric to size and use clips or ties to secure it to the basket.
Step 5: Fill the Basket with Stones
Now comes the fun part – filling your gabion basket with stones! Start with a layer of larger stones at the bottom, then add smaller ones as you go up. Make sure the stones are packed tightly to keep the structure stable.
Filling Tips:
- Facing: Pay particular attention to the faces that will be on show. Take time to select and place stones. Once you are happy, you can backfill with more stone or cheaper material, such as rubble.
- Containers: If you are creating a planter from a single basket, you can use a bucket or other container set in the basket to hold the soil and then fill in the stone around the edges (make sure you have drainage holes in your container.)
- Packing: Pack the stones tightly to prevent them from shifting and to avoid any large voids.
Step 6: Add Soil and Plants
Once your basket is filled with stones, it’s time to add soil. Fill the centre of the basket with good-quality garden soil, leaving enough room at the top for your plants. Then, plant your chosen flowers, herbs, or succulents.
Planting Advice:
- Soil Quality: Use a mix that’s suitable for the plants you’ve chosen.
- Arrangement: Plan your planting layout before you start to ensure an attractive final look.
Step 7: Water and Maintain
After planting, give your new gabion planter a good watering. Keep an eye on the moisture level, especially during dry spells. Gabion planters generally have good drainage, so you might need to water more frequently.
Maintenance Hacks:
- Regular Check: Check the stability of the stones and the health of your plants regularly.
- Weeding: Keep the planter free of weeds to give your plants the best chance to thrive.
Wrapping Up
There you have it – a step-by-step guide to making your very own gabion planter! With a bit of effort and creativity, you can create a stunning feature for your garden that’s sure to impress. So go ahead, gather your materials, and get started on your gabion planter project. Happy gardening!
