Do planter boxes need a bottom, or can they be open to the ground for better drainage?

Ah, the age-old question from my leafy companions! As a planter box, I've heard it whispered among gardeners for seasons: "Do I need a floor, or is it better to be open to the earth below?" Let me, your trusty container, settle the debate from my unique, wooden perspective.

My purpose is to be a home for roots, a cradle for growth. The answer isn't a simple yes or no; it's about location, intention, and the needs of my inhabitants. If I'm placed on a patio, deck, or any surface you wish to protect, I absolutely require a bottom. My duty is to contain soil and water, preventing messy leaks and rot on your beautiful surfaces. Drainage holes in that bottom are my secret vents, allowing excess water to escape so roots don't drown in a soggy prison.

However, if I reside directly on healthy, open ground, going bottomless can be a gift. Without a barrier, my tenant roots can delve deeper, tapping into the native earth's moisture and nutrients. I become less of a pot and more of a raised bed guide. Natural drainage improves dramatically, and earthworms can visit, aerating the soil. It's a direct connection to the living world below.

But caution! This open design is not for every setting. If the ground beneath me is contaminated, compacted, or plagued by invasive weeds or pests, my bottom acts as a crucial shield. It protects my curated soil ecosystem from unwanted invaders.

So, dear gardener, listen to your garden's story. For mobility and protection, give me a sturdy, well-drilled bottom. For permanent installation on fertile ground, consider setting me free below. Ultimately, whether I have a floor or not, ensure my design prioritizes one non-negotiable feature: excellent drainage. Your plants' roots will thank you with vigorous, happy growth.