Roots crowding sides in DIY crate planters?

LeafyLife

The urban planters ended up holding steady moisture through those dry stretches far better than the ground beds ever did. I lined a few salvaged crates with burlap and added a simple gravel layer at the bottom, then tucked in the seedlings with the usual compost mix, but now the larger roots are starting to crowd right up against the sides in a way that feels tighter than expected.

UrbanForest

Those salvaged crates do keep the moisture steadier, but once roots press tight against the sides the burlap starts holding them in place instead of letting them spread. Moving the biggest ones into something deeper before they stall is the usual next step.

LeafyLife

The roots on the bigger seedlings are curling along the burlap more than pushing down, especially after the recent warm spell. Haven’t moved any yet, but the ones in the deepest crates still seem less crowded than the rest.