A novel Container

8 years ago

A large stump in my back area has started to decay, from the centre outward. I have now dug out all the decayed stuff and am left with two individual holes 19 inches and 15 inches deep, about 10 inches wide, and wonder if I could use these as planters. They are in full sun and I thought I could fill them with a good potting mix, but is this feasible? If yes, should I line them with some heavy plastic with holes for drainage.

Secondly, I am left with several bags of beautiful 'decayed stuff' which has the feel of compost . Is this useful in the garden? Does it have any nutrients? How could I use it? Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you.

Featured Answer

tropicofcancer (6b SW-PA)

8 years ago

I had been doing this on oak stump about 3 ft high from the ground and about 30 inches in diameter. It works great. Consider trailing plants near the edges and some uprights at the center. Last year I had an extra sweet pepper seedling and planted in the center and did quite well. The tree was cut around 14 yrs back and I had been doing this for about 7-8 yrs now. It is dis-integrating faster now and may be I will get another year or two out of it.

This pic was from 2015. The stump is in our front yard. And people walking by always stop a bit to examine it.

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Comments (6)

albert_135 　 39.17°N 119.76°W 4695ft.
8 years ago
We've a locust, I think, growing in the center of an old Russian olive stump. Four or five years old, perhaps five inches in diameter, taller than the house.
Paul MI
8 years ago
"...and wonder if I could use these as planters. ... thought I could fill them with a good potting mix, but is this feasible? If yes, should I line them with some heavy plastic with holes for drainage."

Yes they certainly can be used as planters.

No, don't bother lining them. Either way they will decay since they will be outside. How fast that will occur depends upon the current state of decay, the type of wood, and your environment. Simply enjoy them while they last.

"I am left with several bags of beautiful 'decayed stuff' which has the feel of compost . Is this useful in the garden? Does it have any nutrients? How could I use it? "

Absolutely. It can be mixed in with your garden soil or compost or scattered on top of the garden to be worked in over time.
northerner_on thanked Paul MI
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bossyvossy
8 years ago
Ditto what Paul said
northerner_on thanked bossyvossy
northerner_on
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you so much for your information. This is one of the sunniest parts of the backyard and I am so glad to be able to use it. I have seedlings that I have grown under lights and many of them are suitable for this stump.

Tropicofcancer, my stump looked much like your photo. about 2 years ago, but this year the forward facing side has crumbled and it was much easier to get to the centre and hollow it out, since it's quite tall. And thanks Paul for the information about the decayed stuff - does it have a name?. I am starting new raised beds and so it can be put to good use. Now if only it would warm up. It's still too cold to do much up here but plant peas. Happy gardening!!
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
8 years ago
In same zone as you - it has been quite warm lately. 26*C during day. I am late again with peas, lettuce should have been planted out (still in cell blocks!). My problem is rabbit(s) that come to feed on it daily!

Pls. post photo of your stump when planted. I need to hollow up one in front; tree was taken down just last November and stump is quite short. But I rather plant it than have it drilled and spend $260 on new plants!