Winter does not mean garden life comes to a stop. There is still plenty that can happen outdoors, and a bit of attention now keeps things in shape while everything else slows down. Planters are one of those useful pieces in the garden that carry on quietly through colder weather. Whether they are at the edge of a patio, around a courtyard, or by a front gate, they tend to stay out all season.
Still, come January, it is fair to pause and ask whether leaving a hardwood planter box outside in low temperatures, endless rain, and the odd frost is a good idea. Some wonder if they will start to come apart or lose their finish. Others wonder how to make use of them when not much is growing. These are good questions, especially if you want yours to last more than a few seasons.
We have worked with outdoor hardwood long enough to know what it can take on, and where it needs a bit of backing up. Here is what to know about using a hardwood planter box through winter and why getting a few small things right can make a difference.
Understanding How Wood Reacts in Winter
Cold months bring the most straightforward test for anything left outdoors. You get repeated rains, damp days with no sun, frosty mornings, and slow, steady temperature swings. For timber, that is a tough mix.
Hardwoods, the kind often used for outdoor furniture or planters, hold up far better than softwoods. They are denser, less likely to soak up water quickly, and more stable overall. Even so, no timber is completely immune to change. Grain can lift, joints can shift, and untreated surfaces can begin to mark or discolour. The key reason is moisture. Water gets into unsealed corners or under edges, then freezes or stays too long, stressing the structure as it thaws or lingers.
Compared to softwoods, which can feel flimsy or split easily, hardwood tends to stand firmer under pressure. It does not twist or split with every change in weather. Still, it does move slightly, especially if it has not been treated or checked in a while. That leads to finishes looking uneven or planters rocking where they used to sit flat.
Setting expectations helps. The reality is not about staying perfect, but knowing what is normal and how to slow wear down.
What to Plant (or Leave) in Winter Planters
January will not bring a rush of flowers, but that does not mean your planters have to stay empty. Evergreen choices like boxwood, small pines, or winter hellebores offer life and colour without much need for care. They stand up well to cold and give structure against grey skies.
Hardy perennials that keep their leaves also work well. Their roots hold the soil, helping with drainage and stability in heavy rain. A hardwood planter box with dormant soil and a covering of bark or gravel can be a way to stop it turning to mud and to keep the structure sound until planting season returns.
It is completely fine to leave planters empty in January. If you skip filling them, tip out leftover soil, clear any old roots, and stack the box in a dry shed if you have space. If kept outside, do not cover it too tightly. Good airflow keeps moisture from getting trapped inside and causing mould or soft patches.
JAKK makes garden planters from dense hardwood, with routed drainage holes to keep water moving and slatted bases for extra airflow, both help handle damp UK winters.
Where You Place It Makes a Difference
Where your planter sits is key. Tucking it beside a shed or wall may sound smart, but it can keep the area damp and still, especially if there is little sun or airflow.
Pick a spot with some height, a paved stretch, patio, or gravel pad. Avoid letting it sit in bare soil, where rain can pool and soak the base. If water collects around the area, raise the box with pads or bricks to give drainage. Even a few inches can make the difference in stopping rot or softening that creeps up from the ground.
Shade is a factor too. Sun is rare in January, but picking a location that catches a little light helps dry everything off. Even weak sun or a soft breeze stops the green film and moss from setting in fast along joints and edges.
A heavy hardwood planter is less likely to tip in winter wind, but if kept empty it can shift. Boxes with wide feet or a broad base stay more stable on stone or deck and avoid wobbling in gusts.
Keeping It in Good Shape Through the Season
Winter maintenance is simple but worth a few minutes every couple of weeks. First, check drainage holes are clear and not blocked by roots or packed compost. Remove moss or leaf piles from corners and slatted bases. If algae grows on the outside, wipe it off with a soft brush and warm water to slow deeper damage.
Check if your planter’s oil or finish is still working. If water beads and rolls off, the topcoat is fine. If it soaks in or darkens quickly, it is time for a top-up. That is easiest to do on a dry spell, even in winter, there are windows where oil can set before another storm.
Keep an eye out for ice that builds up along the base or in corners. Light scraping takes care of it without much fuss, and it keeps stress off any potential weak spots.
A few checks between freezes make it easier to spot problems early instead of getting a surprise in spring.
Why Hardwood Planters Work All Year When Treated Right
A hardwood planter box is made to handle winter with a bit of help. Quality timber is built for bad weather. The extra care comes from drainage, a solid finish, and a sensible place to sit out the season.
Planters last longest when kept on a dry spot, checked for moss and water build-up, and oiled when needed. Those with ventilated bases or wide feet do best through the wet and cold, keeping shape and good looks for years. Winter does not have to be the end of the season for outdoor planters. With a bit of prep and quick checks, your garden will stay tidy, and ready for whatever spring brings next.
A tidy garden doesn’t need to wait for spring, and neither does planning ahead. If you’re after something that handles the weather without losing its shape, a hardwood planter box is a solid pick. At JAKK, we make each one by hand, using durable timber and careful joinery to help it sit well through rain, frost and everything in between.