How to Line a Round Pot or Planter

To line a round pot or planter, measure the inside diameter, choose a liner that matches it, cut drainage holes to line up with the pot's own holes, and fill with potting mix. A liner keeps wet soil off the pot walls, which helps protect timber, metal and porous materials and reduces staining underneath.

Why line a round planter?

• Protects the planter. Wet potting mix against timber, metal or unsealed concrete can lead to rot, rust or staining over time. A liner keeps the soil away from the walls.
• Keeps water where plants need it. Porous pots such as terracotta and timber draw water out of the soil. A liner reduces that loss.
• Makes replanting easier. The soil sits in the liner, so the pot stays cleaner.

Liner, saucer or coco liner: which is which?

These are often confused. A saucer sits under a pot to catch water that drains out. A coco liner lines an open wire basket or hanging planter. A liner bag sits inside a solid pot and holds the potting mix, separating it from the pot wall. If you want to protect the inside of a decorative pot, a liner bag is the one you need.

Step 1: Measure the inside of the pot

Measure the inside diameter across the top, not the outside. Then measure the depth you want to fill with soil.

Step 2: Choose the right size

OAKENZ Round Planter Liners come in two sizes:

• Small: for round planters with an internal diameter of 15 to 16 inches
• Medium: for round planters with an internal diameter of 17 to 18 inches

Both suit a soil depth of up to 11 inches. They can be used in deeper planters as long as the soil level stays at or below 11 inches.

Step 3: Fit the liner and cut drainage holes

1. Place the liner in the pot and shape it against the sides and base.
2. Mark where the pot's drainage holes are and cut matching holes in the liner. The liners are supplied without holes so you can position them to suit your pot.
3. Never leave a liner without drainage. A sealed liner holds water around the roots.

Step 4: Fill and plant

Fill with potting mix, plant, and water thoroughly. To help hold moisture and keep weeds down, lay a wool mulch mat on top of the potting mix.

Which pots can be lined?

Round liners suit timber, plastic, resin, ceramic, terracotta, concrete, stone and metal planters. For half wine and whiskey barrels 25 to 29 inches across, use a Half Barrel Liner instead, and for square planter boxes use a Square Planter Liner.

Raise the pot too

Lifting a large pot slightly off the ground lets water drain away and air move underneath, which helps the surface below dry. Barrel Feet also work under large round pots.