Table of Contents
Lightweight Filler for Pots Recycle Plastics. Plastic Water/Soda Bottles. Reuse Packing Materials. Unused Plastic Pots Turned Upside Down. Recycled Crushed Cans. Natural Materials. Recycled Cardboard, Newspaper (Also for short term use only.).
Should I put anything in the bottom of my planter?
The myth is, gravel or rocks in the bottom of a plant pot will improve drainage. This is false. Do not put rocks in the bottom of plant pots. Putting gravel or rocks in your plant pots with drainage holes does NOT improve drainage, it instead increases the water saturation zone that leads to root rot.
What do you put in the bottom of an outdoor planter for drainage?
This is a common piece of gardening advice, but it’s true only for pots that don’t have holes. If you’re placing a container plant inside a larger, hole-less container, putting coarse material in the bottom of the outer container helps keep the plant’s roots out of excess water.
Should I put rocks in bottom of planter?
In general, it’s not necessary to put rocks in the bottom of plant pots. One rock to cover the drainage hole is enough – just enough so that the soil doesn’t leach out of the bottom but water can flow freely through the pot. Putting rocks in plant pots doesn’t aid drainage or improve air circulation.
Can you put mulch in the bottom of pots?
You can use large pebbles (cleaned), plastic mesh, heavy mulch (wood chips and the like), or special drainage materials available at your garden store. Put enough of whatever you choose to cover the bottom of the pot evenly.
Can you put Styrofoam in the bottom of a planter?
Packing Materials Styrofoam peanuts do an excellent job. Make sure they’re secured within a bag to keep them stable and in place. It also makes your life easier if you decide to repot the plant. You can use styrofoam blocks also.
How do you make good drainage for potted plants?
Placing a layer of gravel or broken pottery pieces on the bottom of the container, below the soil, can help stop the flow of dirt through larger holes. Alternatively, instead of using gravel to prevent the potting mix from escaping through the drainage holes, use a landscaping fabric.
What can I use instead of plant saucers?
Similarly trim down cleaned plastic soda or water bottles to use under smaller pots. Plastic refrigerator storage containers that have lost their lids make a cheap alternative to plant saucers. Some premade pie crusts or purchased pies have sturdy pie plates that make good drip trays for single containers.
What can be used instead of perlite?
What is a good substitute for perlite? Rice husks. Pumice. Horticultural grit. Granite gravel. Vermiculite. Calcined clay. Bark. Peat.
Will Styrofoam hurt plants?
Myth #1: Styrofoam Improves Drainage in Containers In fact, if you are using a pot with little to no drainage, adding Styrofoam packing peanuts could do more harm than good. Because the synthetic material used in traditional Styrofoam peanuts contains no nutrients, it provides no value to the growing plant.
Why do they put Styrofoam in potting soil?
It is widely reported that mixing Styrofoam in potted plant soil can help save money, as it will make the soil last longer. Also, it will keep the soil moist for a long time, cutting down on the amount of watering needed to sustain a house plant.
Can I use plastic bags in the bottom of a planter?
Whatever you use as the buffer between the potting soil and the base of the container must be permeable to allow water to drain through. Do not use a large plastic bag or piece of plastic to prevent the soil from falling down to the bottom of the pot, unless there are holes drilled in it.
What can I put under my planter to catch water?
Saucers under plants are shallow dishes used to catch excess water that drains from a container planting. While growers are sometimes able to find matching pot and saucer sets, it is more common that containers do not come with one, and the saucer must be bought separately.
Do planters need liners?
You need to line your planter box if it’s made from wood or metal. The liner will help prolong the planter’s life. You don’t need to use a liner if the planter is made using plastic, ceramic, or concrete as they are quite durable by themselves.
Do outdoor plants need saucers?
Therefore, you need plant saucers under all your outdoor plants. There are a few ways that potted plants without saucers could lead to expensive deck or patio repairs. If you have a wood deck, plant saucers help protect the boards from excess water that can cause warping, water damage, and rot.
What else can you put in a planter?
Fill small pots with sand and small shells. Place a votive candle in the center. Plant flowers or green plants in your planters to use as table decorations at a party or reception. Use clean terra cotta pots to bake individual loaves of bread.
What do you put in outdoor planters?
Good fillers include salvias, verbenas, ornamental peppers, and wax begonias, as well as foliage plants like parsley or licorice plants. You may also want to include a plant for height, such as purple fountain grass. Add a trellis or pillar to a container and you can use a vine to add height to the composition.
What do you line a planter with?
Line the entire planter with a sheet of plastic, trimming it so that it reaches but does not go over the rim. Staple the plastic all the way around the rim. Using a screwdriver or sharp stick, poke through the drilled drainage holes to let excess water drain out of the plastic liner.
