Whiskey Barrel Planters — Summer & Winter Planting Guides
Two easy, zone-9b friendly barrel designs you can copy today—plus printable planting guides to take to the nursery.
Size
Standard 26″ half barrel (≈ 3.5–4 cu ft)
Standard 26″ half barrel (≈ 3.5–4 cu ft)
Sun
Summer: 4–6+ hrs • Winter: 3–6 hrs
Summer: 4–6+ hrs • Winter: 3–6 hrs
Soil
Lucky Cat 9b Mix
Lucky Cat 9b Mix
Feed
Bio-tone at planting • Garden-tone monthly
Bio-tone at planting • Garden-tone monthly
Water
Drip (2–4 emitters) or daily hand-water in peak heat
Drip (2–4 emitters) or daily hand-water in peak heat
Summer Whiskey Barrel (Thriller-Filler-Spiller)
| Role | Plant | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Thrillers | Umbrella Palm; Swiss Chard; Angelonia (use all three) | 3 total |
| Fillers | Yellow Zinnias; White Vinca; Pink Vinca; Oregano | 5–7 mixed |
| Spillers | Trailing Vinca; Creeping Thyme | 2–3 |
Zone 9b tip: offer afternoon shade during extreme heat; add a 2″ mulch layer to keep roots cool.
Winter Whiskey Barrel (Cold-Season Color)
| Role | Plant | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Thrillers | Swiss Chard; Dianthus | 2 total |
| Fillers | Romaine Lettuce; Red Leaf Lettuce; Oregano; Violas; Pansies; Dwarf Kale | 7–9 mixed |
| Spillers | Lobelia; Creeping Thyme | 2–3 |
Zone 9b tip: water when the top 2–3″ are dry; avoid constantly soggy roots in cool weather.
How to Plant a Whiskey Barrel (Fast Method)
- Prep: Drill drainage if needed; add a square of mesh.
- Soil: Fill with Lucky Cat 9b Mix; blend in Bio-tone at planting.
- Layout: Place your thrillers first, tuck in fillers, then set spillers at the rim.
- Water & Mulch: Soak thoroughly; add a 2″ mulch layer.
- Care: Feed monthly with Garden-tone; deadhead to keep blooms coming.
Watering & Care (Zone 9b)
- Summer: Check daily; drip 2–4 emitters (1 GPH) for 20–40 min as needed.
- Winter: Water less frequently—don’t let containers dry out completely.
- Sun: 4–6+ hours; give afternoon shade if leaves scorch.
Grab the printable guides to take shopping:
Summer Guide (PDF) Winter Guide (PDF)