Waterproofing Wine Barrels

[ninnymary]

One of my parents just gave me a wine barrel that my husband cut in half to make planters. I couldn't believe it as I had been looking in craigslist for a month! Nobody knew that I was looking for one. I plan to put a blueberry bush in each one.

My husband says I should seal it so that it can last longer. What can I use that would be organic or safe? I've heard of lineing it with plastic but am concerned it might affect drainage.

Mary

 

[lesa]

Gee, Mary I used those half barrels for at least 10 years- with no sealing, or liner. I got rid of them because I was ready for a change- they were still in good shape....My only complaint about them was that I had them on a sidewalk and they left a rust ring, which I have never been able to remove. I think they will work great for blueberry bushes.

 

[thistlebloom]

I've never sealed mine either, and they last a good long time. The thing to do is to raise them on some bricks to keep the bottoms out of the soil, or up off the pavement, and a layer of small rocks in the bottom for good drainage helps too. The bottoms are usually the first thing to go.
Enjoy your blueberries Mary!