Best whiskey barrel planter

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Which whiskey barrel planter is best?

A whiskey barrel planter is spacious, sturdy and features rich natural tones that look beautiful in any garden. It brings a refined yet rustic look to any outdoor space and is particularly suited to plants that require more room to grow.

The Best Choice Products Set of Three Rustic Barrel Planters is a full planter set featuring stunning, matching wood barrels in different sizes.

What to know before you buy a whiskey barrel planter

Wood vs. resin

Most solid wood whiskey barrel planters are made from oak, acacia, walnut or maple. These barrels are water-resistant and hold up well. If you’re looking for a barrel that’s fully waterproof, then a resin barrel designed to mimic wood is your best option. Resin is lightweight and very durable, though you will forego natural wood tones.

What to plant

Whiskey barrels are great for planting a wide variety of plants based on your climate and sunlight exposure.

Annuals: You have to replant these each year, but they tend to last well through the season. They are also easy to swap out. Since whiskey barrels are large garden focal points, you don’t want to get stuck with wilting flowers halfway through the planting season.
Water plants: If you’re willing to set your barrel up with a water pump, you can grow a water garden. This will require sealing the inside, creating drainage, and lining the base to prevent rot. Water plants that grow well in a barrel planter include water lilies, papyrus, Japanese sweet flag, elephant ears, pickerel weed and parrot feather.
Vegetables: Barrels are well-suited for growing vegetables. They are great for little patio gardens. Some vegetables that grow well in a barrel are lettuce, onion, spinach, tomatoes, peppers, carrots and peas.
Dwarf trees: Small fruit trees don’t require a lot of space and are often self-pollinating. Dwarf apple, pear, key lime, fig and pomegranate trees are all excellent choices.

Whiskey barrel sets

Since different whiskey barrels have different wood tones and grain, it’s a good idea to buy a full set of planters to ensure a few of them match. Sets come with two to five barrels and cost less than if you purchased five single barrels separately. Sets can come in one size or assorted sizes.

What to look for in a quality whiskey barrel planter

Protective coating

While whiskey barrels are naturally durable, a protective coating will make them last longer. A polyurethane coating or sealer prevents water damage and rot. Keep in mind that a coated barrel won’t have that rough, unfinished look of natural wood and might have more of a shine to it.

Drainage

Proper drainage is key when it comes to planters. Drain holes release excess water and promote healthy soil, helping your plants thrive. Depending on the size of the barrel, you’ll likely want four to six evenly-spaced holes. Each hole should be 1/2 inch to 1 inch in diameter.

Handles

Handles aren’t just decorative on a whiskey barrel planter; they make moving the barrel much easier. Plenty of wood barrels feature metal handles that match the barrel’s hammered metal hoops. Resin and plastic planters are less likely to have handles.

How much you can expect to spend on a whiskey barrel planter

A single whiskey barrel usually costs $20-$100. This varies based on material, size and quantity. A set of two to five barrels costs around $50-$350.

Whiskey barrel planter FAQ

How big is a whiskey barrel planter?

A. A standard barrel planter is about 10-25 inches in width and height. Larger and smaller sizes are available if you have different planting needs, but you usually won’t see a barrel planter larger than 35 inches wide.

Does a whiskey barrel planter need to be lined?

A. You do not need to line a solid oak barrel on the inside, but it’s very helpful to prevent rot. A lining also helps the soil retain moisture, which some plants need. Consider what plants you’re putting in the planter before deciding on adding a liner.

What’s the best whiskey barrel planter to buy?

Top whiskey barrel planter

Best Choice Products Set of Three Rustic Barrel Planters

What you need to know: The set comes with three stained wooden planters featuring metal hardware. The large barrel is 18 inches by 14 inches, the medium barrel is 15 inches by 11.5 inches, and the small barrel is 11.5 inches by 10 inches.

What you’ll love: These are made from real wood that looks beautiful with a stain finish. Each well-made barrel is durable and has built-in drainage holes.

What you should consider: These barrels only come as a set, and you can’t get three of the same size.

Top whiskey barrel planter for the money

Fox Valley Traders Realistic Wood-Look Barrel Planters

What you need to know: This set comes with four round matching plastic planters. Each measures 8 inches by 13 inches.

What you’ll love: These are lightweight but durable. Each barrel is weather-resistant and features built-in drain holes. It’s a great price for a four-piece set.

What you should consider: The faux wood is a nice touch, but it lacks the visual appeal of real wood.

Worth checking out

Southern Patio Whiskey Barrel Planter

What you need to know: This high-density resin planter comes in two colors. It measures 9.1 inches tall by 15.4 inches wide and has a 15.4-inch diameter.

What you’ll love: It’s attractive, durable and lightweight. The resin even mimics woodgrain detailing. It’s also weather-resistant and UV-resistant.

What you should consider: There is a central plug but no additional drainage at the bottom.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Loons in advanced talks on transfer of Argentine midfielder Joaquin Pereyra

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Minnesota United has signed three new players over the previous month, and head coach Eric Ramsay said Tuesday there’s potential for more to join them.

One target surfaced Friday.

The Loons are in “advanced negotiations” to sign 25-year-old Argentine attacking midfielder Joaquin Pereyra from Atletico Tucuman, a source confirmed to the Pioneer Press on Friday. South American reporter Cesar Luis Merlo said details still need to be completed on a proposed deal through the 2027 MLS season.

“As we said, we wanted to be very active this window with — we’ve made a decent start with the three that we have seen so far,” Ramsay said. “Hopefully we can build upon that, but it’s not always as straight forward as things might seem.”

Pereyra primarily plays as a left-sided midfielder and is known more for his creative playmaking than his goal-scoring. He also appears to be a willing defender who could help MNUFC press opponents higher up the field.

Pereyra has four assists and no goals in 742 minutes for Tucuman in 2024, according to fbref.com. He is in his fourth season with the Tucuman in Argentina’s Primera Division; he had four goal contributions in 2,224 minutes in the 2023 season and three goal contributions in 2,267 minutes in 2022.

At age 17, Pareyra’s professional career started at Rosario Central in Argentina, where he played sparingly in five seasons. He played for Famalicao in Portugal in 2020-21.

Two questions

The summer transfer window closes Wednesday, and burning questions remain for Chief Soccer Officer Khaled El-Ahmad.

What is his plan to upgrade the defensive midfield? And how does he plan to improve the squad within MLS?

El-Ahmad has added at center forward, wingback, center back and a winger — not including Pareyra — but MNUFC has yet to address the No. 6 role.

The Loons brought in Carlos Harvey and Alejandro Bran before the season, but the primary starters (when healthy and eligible) remain Wil Trapp and Hassani Dotson. Both Trapp, 31, and Dotson, 27, are in the last years of their contracts. The club holds options on both players for 2025.

If Pareyra’s transfer gets done, that would be another player to push the level of the first team and show how busy El-Ahmad has been this summer. While he’s not expected to revise the entire roster in 2024, a plan for defensive midfield is increasingly among the club’s biggest unknowns.

El-Ahmad traded away Wayzata native Caden Clark to CF Montreal this week, but he’s yet to acquire a player from within the league. There’s talent, potential, affordability and know-how within MLS and El-Ahmad needs to show where he sees value.

Newcomers availability

MNUFC and its three new players — striker Kelvin Yeboah, center back Jefferson Diaz and right wing back Matus Kmet — have been working on work visas with their respective countries.

“I know these things can take unexpected terms, but as I think things stand, hopefully Jefferson and Kelvin and Matus will be good to go for (training on) Monday,” Ramsay said. “And we will give them two clean weeks in the buildup to Seattle, and we will add what we can on top of that. That would be a nice position to be in for sure.”

The Loons are planning to have a to-be-determined friendly match on either Aug. 16 or 17 and then a full week build-up to the restart of MLS play versus Seattle Sounders at Allianz Field on Aug. 24.

Briefly

Sang Bin Jeong has been away from the club for a personal reason since July 23, but is expected to return early next week, Ramsay said. … The Loons had eight first-team players start the MNUFC2 match with The Town on Thursday: Trapp, Dotson, DJ Taylor, Zarek Valentin, Hugo Bacharach, Samuel Shashoua, Jordan Adebayo-Smith and Clint Irwin. MNUFC2 winger Loic Mesanvi smacked a long-range strike in the 1-1 draw. The Loons earned on additional point in penalty kicks.

St. Paul’s new sales tax to prop up $2.9 million multi-sport field at Victoria Park

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Soccer, baseball, flag football and lacrosse are on the horizon for Victoria Park.

St. Paul voters went to the polls last November and approved a 1% municipal sales tax to prop up the capital city’s roads and parks. On Friday, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter was scheduled to show off the future fruits of that spending — a new $2.9 million multi-sport synthetic turf field planned at 852 Hathaway St., where a petroleum tank farm was once situated in the West Seventh Street neighborhood off the banks of the Mississippi River.

The mayor, who has dubbed the new sales tax the “Common Cent” program, has called the new funding source the lynch pin for cementing Victoria Park’s long-planned sport field, which will be under construction at the north end of the 40-acre site through next spring. Also expected to attend the 1 p.m. groundbreaking were St. Paul Parks and Recreation Director Andy Rodriguez and City Council Member Saura Jost.

The turf field has been more than a decade in the making, and still has further to go.

The city adopted the Victoria Park Long-Range Plan in 2013 after the tank form was restored and its land was transferred from the city’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority into city parkland. The multi-sport field is expected to host soccer, baseball, flag football and lacrosse, and eventually lighting, a restroom building and other furnishings. The city has left open the possibility of adding spectator seating and more trail connections.

About two-thirds of funding comes from the “Common Cent” sales tax. Additional funding sources include the HRA’s land transfer funds, the Twins Community Fund and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation Program.

The sales tax, which took effect April 1, is expected to collect nearly $1 billion in the next 20 years, generating about $738 million for street improvements and about $246 million for parks and recreation facilities improvements. More information about Victoria Park is online at stpaul.gov/victoriaparkproject and about the Common Cent is online at stpaul.gov/salestax.

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The Loop 2024 Fantasy Football Preview: The Rookies — You’re in good hands with these receiving gems

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Over the past decade, one of the most striking trends in the National Football League has been the devaluing of the running-back position.

While the top rushers in the league have had trouble getting paid as much as their receiving and quarterbacking cohorts, they’ve still proven to be invaluable to fantasy football success.

Four of the past five years, we’ve made a ball-carrier the No. 1 rookie pick in our fantasy previews (Josh Jacobs, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Breece Hall, Bijan Robinson).

But no such luck this year. Pass catchers reign in our 2024 list, led by a talented trio that begin their NFL fantasy careers as must-starts.

1. Marvin Harrison Jr. (Cardinals WR)

The son of a hall of famer and a future hall of famer himself? Yes, the hype around Harrison has been feverish. That’s due to his last two seasons at Ohio State (144 catches, 2,474 yards, 28 touchdowns). He’ll be the obvious No. 1 target of Arizona QB Kyler Murray, and he’s the only player on this list who could conceivably finish in the fantasy top 10 this season.

Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes is tackled by Benjamin Morrison #20 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish after a reception during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on Sept. 23, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

2. Malik Nabers (Giants WR)

The latest model of LSU superstar receivers, Nabers made like Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase with a three-year tally of 189 catches, 3,003 yards and 21 TDs. He begins his career as the Giants’ No. 1 offensive threat. The only thing that could hold him back, and likely will hold him back, is the mediocrity of New York incumbent quarterback Daniel Jones.

Malik Nabers #8 of the LSU Tigers runs with the ball as Jacoby Mathews #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies defends during the first half at Tiger Stadium on Nov. 25, 2023 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

3. Rome Odunze (Bears WR)

He helped lead Washington to the national championship game last season with 92 catches for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns. And now he’s in the Windy City to pair up with Caleb Williams in what could be an explosive Bears attack. The only issue for Odunze’s fantasy value is that, playing beside veterans D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen, there are many mouths to feed.

Cam Lampkin #3 of the Washington State Cougars tackles Rome Odunze #1 of the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium on Nov. 25, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

4. Jonathon Brooks (Panthers RB)

Brooks blossomed as a senior at Texas with 212 touches for 1,425 yards and 11 touchdowns. Despite a knee injury he suffered at the end of last season, he’s still the top rookie running back of this class. He won’t be ready for the first few weeks, but he should eventually push his way past Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders into a starting role in Carolina.

Jonathon Brooks #24 of the Texas Longhorns breaks a tackle attempt by Siale Esera #54 of the Brigham Young Cougars in the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Oct. 28, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

5. Brock Bowers (Raiders TE)

Georgia’s three-time All-American was one of the greatest tight ends in college football history, scoring 31 touchdowns as a Bulldog. And he will quickly rise near the top of the fairly thin crop of fantasy tight ends. Could he challenge Davante Adams for the Raiders’ receiving lead? The biggest liability for both is Vegas’ meager QB ranks (Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew).

Brock Bowers #19 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after scoring the go-ahead touchdown against the Auburn Tigers during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Sept. 30, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

6. Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars WR)

The other standout LSU receiver, Thomas last year had 68 catches for 1,177 yards and 17 TDs. He posted a sizzling 4.33 time in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. If QB Trevor Lawrence doesn’t have a rebound season, he won’t be able to blame it on a pass-catching corps that also includes Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis and tight end Evan Engram.

Brian Thomas Jr. #11 of the LSU Tigers catches a pass over Daedae Hill #6 of the Central Michigan Chippewas during the second quarter at Tiger Stadium on Sept. 18, 2021 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

7. Caleb Williams (Bears QB)

The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 draft pick threw for 10,082 yards in his last three seasons at Oklahoma and Southern California. His 93-14 touchdown-to-interception ratio glitters, but he often did not in big games. But he’ll be heading an overhauled Chicago offense that, in addition to Odunze, added veterans Allen and D’Andre Swift.

Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans reacts against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on Oct. 14, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

8. Trey Benson (Cardinals RB)

The clear No. 2 rookie running back had almost identical seasons the past two years at Oregon and Florida State. He totalled 343 touches for 2,267 yards and 24 touchdowns. He’ll be taking some of the workload from starter James Conner and will be a significant player in the ascending Arizona offense.

Running back Trey Benson #3 of the Florida State Seminoles runs the ball by safety Jalen Stroman #26 of the Virginia Tech Hokies during the second half of play at Doak Campbell Stadium on Oct. 07, 2023 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)

9. Xavier Worthy (Chiefs WR)

Patrick Mahomes’ newest ally starred for three years at Texas, with 197 receptions for 2,755 yards and 26 TDs. But his most impressive number is the record 4.21-second time he posted in the 40 at the NFL combine. With Rashee Rice facing a possible suspension, Worthy will be high on Mahomes’ target list along with another newcomer, Marquise Brown.

Xavier Worthy #1 of the Texas Longhorns reacts after a touchdown in the third quarter against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Nov. 24, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

10. Jayden Daniels (Commanders QB)

The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner had an off-the-charts season at LSU, completing more than 72 percent of his passes for 3,812 yards and 40 TDs. Even more impressive: only four interceptions. But he’s pretty skinny by NFL QB standards, so we’re guessing he won’t be duplicating the 10 rushing touchdowns he had last season in Baton Rouge.

Jayden Daniels #5 of the LSU Tigers runs with the ball during the first half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Tiger Stadium on Nov. 25, 2023 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

11. Ladd McConkey (Chargers WR)

McConkey was one of the many standouts at Georgia, where in three seasons he tallied 132 touches for 1,903 yards and 18 TDs. He lands with a rebuilding Chargers team led by new coach Jim Harbaugh. With the exits of Keenan Allen, MIke Williams, Austin Ekeler and Gerald Everett, QB Justin Herbert will need McConkey to quickly emerge as a weapon.

Ladd McConkey #84 of the Georgia Bulldogs catches a 14 yard touchdown in the third quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at SoFi Stadium on Jan. 09, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

12. Keon Coleman (Bills WR)

The Bills said goodbye to Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, who combined for 152 catches last season. In comes this Florida State standout, who caught 51 passes for 660 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Seminoles. He’s the seventh rookie on this list who has at least a chance to lead his new team in receptions.

Keon Coleman #4 of the Florida State Seminoles makes the game-winning catch against Jeadyn Lukus #10 of the Clemson Tigers in overtime at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 23, 2023 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)

13. Blake Corum (Rams RB)

The hero of Michigan’s 2023 national championship team had two sterling seasons with the Wolverines, rushing for 2,708 yards and 45 touchdowns in 2022-23. He scored in 26 of his last 27 games. Corum could see regular work in L.A. as he’s behind only Kyren Williams on the depth chart. Coach Sean McVay will not let this talent go to waste.

Blake Corum #2 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in overtime against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on Jan. 01, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

14. Ricky Pearsall (49ers WR)

Pearsall started at Arizona State and finished at Florida, where he scored six TDs and caught 65 passes for 965 last season. A very athletic addition to a 49ers receiver corps that is a bit up in the air because of the uncertain status of disgruntled Brandon Aiyuk.

Ricky Pearsall #1 of the Florida Gators catches the ball on a kickoff by the Oregon State Beavers during the first half of the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Dec. 17, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)

15. Adonai MItchell (Colts WR)

Mitchell transferred from Georgia to Texas and posted strong numbers last season (55 catches, 845 yards, 11 TDs). He could find his way into the starting lineup with the Colts, who have only one top-flight receiver in Michael Pittman Jr.

Adonai Mitchell #5 of the Texas Longhorns catches a touchdown pass as Josh Newton #2 of the TCU Horned Frogs defends during the first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium on Nov. 11, 2023 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

Other notable rookies

Jaylen Wright (Dolphins RB), MarShawn Lloyd (Packers RB), Xavier Legette (Panthers WR), Drake Maye (Patriots QB), J.J. McCarthy (Vikings QB), Bo Nix (Broncos QB), MIchael Penix Jr. (Falcons QB), Ben Sinott (Commanders TE).

Jaylen Wright #0 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs the ball against the Texas A&M Aggies in the fourth quarter at Neyland Stadium on Oct. 14, 2023 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

Coming up

August 18: Veterans that we’re not especially high on for this fantasy season.

August 25: Veterans that we’re rating higher than the experts’ consensus.

September 1: Our annual Nipsey Russell-inspired NFL Preview.

You can hear <a href=”http://www.twincities.com/author/kevin-cusick/” target=”_blank”>Kevin Cusick</a> on Wednesdays on <a href=”http://bsblog.com/podcasts” target=”_blank”>Bob Sansevere’s “BS Show” podcast</a> on iTunes. You can follow Kevin on <a href=”http://twitter.com/theloopnow’” target=”_blank”>Twitter — @theloopnow</a>. He can be reached at kcusick@pioneerpress.com.