Caring For Cedar Planters

To protect your cedar planters against the elements, you can put a stain on the wood. A semi transparent stain would be best since this will still show the wood grain. You can also just put on a varnish or clear stain. Make sure the stain you use is for outdoor use - a deck or trim stain will work.

Yearly maintenance is important for all your garden and patio areas and planters are no exception. If you are using them to grow plants that only last for the summer season, it is not a bad idea to take your cedar planters indoors for the winter. Remove the plants and all dirt first and clean the planter out. Storing them inside will add to the life of the planter since it will not be exposed to the harsh winter weather.

If your cedar planters show any signs of mold or mildew, this should be removed immediately. This may be difficult if there is a plant growing inside as you will have to take care not to kill the plant with this harsh treatment. You can buy commercial products that kill mold or make a treatment of your own by combining 1 gallon of water, 1 cup bleach and 2 cups ammonia free dish washing detergent. Spray the mildewed area with this solution and let sit for 20 or 30 minutes then clean thoroughly.

As wood planters go, cedar planters are a good choice since cedar has a natural resistance to mildew and rotting- in fact, the substances that make it resistant is also what gives it it’s wonderful fragrance. To help prevent rot, make sure there is good airflow between your planters and the surface they sit on. If the planter doesn't already have legs, then set 4 rocks or blocks on the edges to keep the bottom off the ground and allow good air flow.