With spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start preparing your garden for a new season of planting and potting.
As the days grow longer and temperatures begin to rise, it’s important to refresh your raised beds and wooden planters after the harsh winter months.
In this blog, we’ll explain why spring is the ideal time to get your wooden planters ready, the simple cleaning and maintenance you can do at home, and the essential garden furniture you need to make the most of your garden this season.
Why Spring is the Best Time to Pot Up Wooden Planters
Spring sets the foundation for the entire gardening year.
After months of prolonged rain and frost, your wooden planters have had time to dry out, making now the ideal moment to carry out any repairs or timber maintenance before the busy growing season begins.
Preparing your wooden planters early allows you to plant crops, herbs and flowers at their optimal time, giving roots the chance to establish properly and encouraging stronger, healthier growth throughout the season.
Inspecting Your Wooden Planters After Winter
Winter can be particularly harsh on outdoor furniture. Prolonged rain, frost and fluctuating temperatures all put added pressure on timber structures.
Whilst our pressure-treated Swedish Redwood is designed to withstand the elements, carrying out light maintenance each spring will help extend the lifespan of your wooden planters and keep them looking their best.
After winter, you should inspect your wooden planter for:
- Signs of rot, particularly around the base and the corners
- Any structural damage caused by frost movement
- Loose boards or fixings
- Damaged or won protective linings
Addressing any small issues early prevents larger problems later in the season and ensures your planter is ready for new healthy growth.
How to Clean and Prepare Your Wooden Planter
Before the gardening season begins, it’s important to properly clean and prepare your wooden planter to give your plants the best possible start.
Steps include:
- Removing old soil, roots and any built-up debris
- Brushing timber to remove dirt, algae, and grime
- Check and replace fabric liners if needed
- Add fresh drainage material, such as gravel
- Apply exterior wood oil to dry or weathered timber
If you choose to apply a protective oil, ensure the timber is clean and fully dry beforehand.
Use a treatment suitable for outdoor use and safe for planters, especially if you’re growing herbs, fruit or vegetables.
Read our guide on how to treat your outdoor wooden garden furniture.
A little preparation now will improve drainage, encourage healthy root growth and help protect the timber throughout the growing season.
How to Protect Your Wooden Planters
To extend the lifespan of your wooden planter and create the best possible growing environment for your crops, we recommend the following steps:
1. Elevate the Planter
Raise your planter off the ground using bricks, pot feet or wooden slats.
Elevating the planter will improve airflow underneath and prevents excess moisture from becoming trapped at the base, which can lead to rot overtime.
2. Line the Planter
Line the inside walls of the planter with a heavy-duty plastic sheet, pond liner or landscape fabric.
This helps protect the wood from constant contact with damp soil. Be sure to leave the bottom open to allow excess water to escape freely.
3. Seal the Inside
Because the inside of the planter is continuously exposed to moisture, applying an exterior-grade wood sealer is essential.
Use a high-quality, outdoor wood sealant to protect against water damage and extend the life of the planter. Allow the sealer to fully cure before adding soil or plants.
Essential Timber Planters and Garden Accessories for 2026
Investing in high-quality, handmade timber garden furniture helps you create an outdoor space you can enjoy for years to come.
Our top products include:
-
Personalised Raised Garden Bed Planter
Available in four tier options, our sturdy raised planters suit gardens of all sizes. With optional personalised engraving, they make a practical and eye-catching centrepiece for any outdoor space.
-
Cube Planters
Strong, sleek and versatile, our cube planters are ideal for patios, borders or entranceways.
The classic square design works with any garden style.
-
Wooden Potting Table
Make gardening easier this season with a durable wooden potting table.
Designed for practicality, our personalised timber potting table offers handy storage for tools and accessories while providing a sturdy workspace for planting.
-
Heavy Duty Garden Chair
Relax and admire your garden in our heavy-duty wooden chairs, built to stand the test of time.
With a smooth finish and rounded edges, they combine lasting durability with everyday comfort.
Ready to Upgrade Your Garden This Spring?
Choosing high-quality timber planters and garden furniture is an investment in both style and durability.
The right pieces can transform your outdoor space into something practical, personal, and built to last.
Explore our full collection today and find handcrafted timber pieces designed to elevate your outdoor space for years to come.