Millabit,

Hi. I live in Florida and Palm trees are quite common around here. You are correct that they do not like soggy roots, although, I would recommend watering them 1-2 a week for about a month or two just so the roots can take hold. After that, you don't have to worry about them as far as watering. Make sure that they do have well drained soil as most around here are planted in a sandy soil.

As to the depth, it really depends on the type I think. But, generally, with Palm trees, they have to be planted pretty deep. Generally, we plant them as deep as a foot or two from the bud (leaves) of the tree. But, since you don't have that much space, and they also will need to establish roots in the planter, I'd recommend planting them at a depth of atleast about 5-6 feet.

I hope this helps. Here's a website that might be useful to you in case I was given some wrong information about these trees (but my husband used to plant them at the Panama City Mall). http://www.palm-tree.net/
Ali

* * * *

a lot of palms have a deep growing taproot to derive moisture from soil. You should research palms with a shallow root system or choose alternative plants such as oleander or umbrella trees.

* * * *

I love the sweet scents wafting in the breeze. I stop to admire the vibrant colors of all living things. And people think me odd. Then ODD I am!!!

http://community.webshots.com/user/flugnash