Herb planter drainage

[Puddlesplasher]

Looking for some advice for an inexperienced gardener!

I have bought a planter similar to the one pictured. It has no drainage holes in the bottom of each trough and I was wondering what the best way of growing plants in it. Should I drill some holes in it and then compost? Or no holes , gravel in the bottom and then compost or just gravel and keep the plants in their pots?

The only instruction that came with it was a suggestion that I could line the troughs with a bin bag to prolong the life of the planter. I am planning on growing herbs, cherry toms and possibly some strawberries.

I would drill holes in the bottom, a lot of herbs are Mediterranean and need good drainage (things like thyme, oregano and basil), they really don't do well in wet soil.

I can't see a picture but be aware that tomatoes need lots of water and feeding that won't be tolerated by many other plants (especially most herbs).

Sorry I forgot to attach the picture. Thanks for the advice. So I'll drill holes. Should I keep them in their pots or plant in the compost?

Hmm. I don't think there'll be enough room for a tomato. I'd probably just have pots in herbs in there, like in the picture.

Or you could use it to plant a hanging basket type display.

I think it will last longer if you keep plants in pots and then put it away over winter.

It's wood, so you don't want standing water in there because of rotting, so drill holes. But if the compost gets dry (and it will - none of us is perfect) it will be difficult to re-wet, so grow in pots standing on a plastic tray or old saucers to catch the water that runs through and allow it to soak back into the pot from underneath.

Herbs and strawberries would be fine. Cherry tomatoes too if you get a variety that says it's OK for patio pots. Be prepared to water a lot, and use liquid tomato feed (better than general plant feed for anything where you want to encourage flowers or fruit).

Actaually, depending on the workmanship, you may not need holes. Try pouring some water in and see how well it drains of its own accord through the gaps between planks.

@MereDintofPandiculation I'll try that. Many thanks for everyone's suggestions.

I also agree to drill holes, herbs prefer to be a bit on the drier side and yeah you don't want water standing on wood it'll ruin your nice planter. Simply a couple of holes then a bit of gravel/grit will be all it takes I think x

herbs prefer to be a bit on the drier side The mediterranean herbs do (rosemary, thyme, oregano, savory etc). Basil is a tropical plant and prefers to be warmer and with moist soil. Mint likes rich moist soil, chives, parsley, dill are other things that don't want to be on the drier side.