A garden trough is a planter that is typically made of stone, concrete, or other, similar material. These are sturdy containers that are generally used for growing herbs, vegetables, or flowers. Such troughs usually come in various shapes and sizes, so that different types of plants can be grown in them. Sometimes, they can actually be former feeding troughs that have been converted for garden use. They are usually purchased or homemade.
Many farmers no longer use long, concrete troughs for feeding their livestock. Sometimes these containers can be found lying in fields or in old barns. Many times they are given away by their owners because they are no longer needed. Those who obtain one of these troughs can easily use it for plants.
These planters can also be purchased from a retailer that specializes in nursery products. Many home improvement stores also carry them, usually in the lawn and garden sections. They may also be available for purchase from an individual who makes them as a hobby.
A garden trough must have drainage holes in its bottom to keep water from remaining inside the planter. This may not be a problem if the trough is purchased from a garden supply center, as these models typically already include drainage holes. If a gardener is using an old farm trough, drilling such drains may be necessary.
These containers are generally available in many shapes. One of the most common is a long, rectangular trough that looks something like a windowsill flower box. Other garden troughs may be square or oval-shaped. There are also very large, round planters like these that can hold tall plants or even small trees.
Garden trough planters also come in various sizes. Small ones can be around 4 in (10.16 cm) long and 2 in (5.08 cm) deep. Large, round containers are sometimes as much as 10 in (25.4 cm) in diameter, with a depth of up to 18 in (45.72 cm).
If a gardener has only a small amount of available landscaping space, or if he wishes to create a planting accent area, a garden trough can help. These unique planters are generally easy to find and affordable for many people. This decorative addition to a home landscape can add beauty to a property, and is likely to last for many years.