Tips and Installation
TIPS
Features & Benefits
- Made of durable polyethylene with molded-in color
- Water-minder™ feature helps control watering and extend watering intervals
- Brackets included for easy mounting on walls and under windows
Potting Soil & Recommendations
Best long-term results will come with use of a small amount of perlite medium around the outside of the water-minder tray. Finish filling the planter to the bottom of the rim with a light to medium weight potting soil.
34" planters require approximately 36 quarts of soil, 44" planters require 48 quarts and 18" square patio planters require 56 quarts.
- Choose a medium weight potting soil that won’t pack down in a driving rain or bake like clay in the sun.
- Routine use of plant food, according to manufacturers’ directions, will dramatically increase the health, beauty and fullness of the plants in your Madison planter.
Drainage
The Madison planter comes with a water-minder tray in the bottom of the interior. The inverted tray creates space for water storage. It is a key element in extending the time interval between watering. Ambient conditions and plant selection are also important factors for determining watering requirements.
Planters used outdoors will require drainage holes to be drilled on the centerline of the bottom of the planter (center of the hump). From the underside of planter, drill 3/8" (9mm) drainage holes approximately 6" apart on the centerline in the hump. Drainage holes drilled on the flat areas of the bottom will defeat the water reservoir and negate the benefits of the water-minder.
Planters exposed to rainfall or sprinklers need drainage. Turn the planter over and drill 3/8" holes through the center rib on the bottom of the planter at 6" intervals. It is important that you drill holes on the center rib and not into the water minder.
Painting
Your Madison planter is made of polyethylene with color and UV blocker infused throughout. The color will not scratch or peel off. To change or refresh the color, consult your paint professional.
INSTALLATION
Mounting Instructions
Mounting brackets are supplied for mounting the Madison planters on walls and under windows. The brackets and planters are designed to hold 100 pounds (45 kg.) in the 44" planter (3 brackets), and 75 pounds (34 kg.) in the 34" planter
(2 brackets). To hold this amount of weight, the brackets must be mounted to solid wood walls or studs behind the siding. Lightweight wood, aluminum or vinyl siding will not hold this amount of weight by itself.
Two brackets should be mounted as closely as possible to the ends of the planter. A third bracket, if required with the 44" planter, should be centered. If you cannot find studs compatible with these spacings, consider mounting a 2x10" treated board to the wall and mount the brackets at the proper spacing on the board.
Hardware (two screws per bracket) is included.
Safety Note: The screws included with the bracket are only for application on wood walls and railings. Hollow core wall (siding) or masonry surfaces require other fasteners. Consult your hardware store if you do not know what to use.