To the centre of the Earth..

I WILL plant trees/large plants in a container. My plan - and please let me know if this is doomed to failure - although I cannot see why it would be - is to create a raised planter, say, 3 - 4ft across, 4ft deep, slightly raised from the ground. I think dig up the cement under the planter ( not all of it - just say a middle square ). We have a lot of clay soil underneath us, but would mix it up a little with general soil.

I will then get a small wooden/plastic box of sorts - attach to the underneath - from the planter to the ground. You wouldnt really see it as sitting more in the middle of the planter. Cut a hole in planter. And bobs your uncle.

I water as per the norm, some water will travel down in the middle - to the clay soil and some water will remain in the planter - draining freely through some little holes i drill as per the norm.

SO - why cant I plant a tree ( any nice type..not too big or wide and evergreen ideally - say 10ft high ) and a few smaller plants either side.

From the trees perspective its kindof in the ground - certainly once roots take hold - isnt it?

So - a clear - Yes/No re whether worth the effort, a few suggestions for decent plants, liking the 'med-style' ones, spikey, large overhanging leaf,
AND Should i line my planter with thicker material at the sides/bottom - allows water to seep though but stops soil hitting sides of planter...always thought it would rot the sides of the planter tbh - over time - but no real 'cheapish' alternative?

A few questions then to ponder whilst you sit in the garden on a hot day like today. As always apprecaite the replies.

 

I think that would work well @garjobo79

I'm wondering if the plants you mean are either Phormium, Cordyline or Yucca ?

 

Garjobo, clearly you have given this a lot of thought. I admire your determination to do what you want to do. Well done
I would line the sides but not the bottom.
Not sure I would break up the concrete though.....you will have a generous size container without connecting it to the soil; if you need to move the container one day it would be easier.
I would use a john innes compost in preference to multi purpose compost
Have you considered what plants you might like there?

 

Why don`t you just go for it @garjobo79 . You know what you will be doing before you even ask, and that has taken about four separate threads now.
If you plant a tree, remember that the roots will spread about the same width as the canopy.
Jolly good luck

 

As always I apprecaite the replies and will check images re the Yucca, glad that so-far at least no-one is saying it wouldnt work. I'm puzzled re 'not' to dig into concrete ( believe me i dont want too!!! but i am pretty determined when i get something in my head..my wife i can tell you is so against me messing about in garden again!! ) . I thought the whole point is - you HAVE to dig into garden soil because impossible for a tree to grow in a container.

Tetters - yes - 4 threads - however one became a musical. Also, one was about bad neighbours. Im in process of buying loads of wood for several planters - my new hobby for the next month. So really this thread is different to others, and am asking different questions.

 

If you're sure you dont need access to it, that your planting will be permanent, then by all means dig up the concrete.
It depends on what tree you decide on....ultimate size, vigour etc. How close to the house is this proposed planting?