Last Updated on March 15, 2022 by Mary Junriza C.
What can I use to fill the bottom of a large planter? This is one of the most questions we often hear and today, we are going to share some smart answers. But why do you need some alternative fillers? Can’t you just fill your pot with soil?
Well, potting soil is no cheap affair. When you have a large or commercial planter, the cost of planting can add up quickly. In truth, you don’t have to fill your large planter with soil unless you are budget-ready to purchase first-class soil for your succulents.
There are budget-friendly ways to fill your pot that will absolutely work well with your plants. Whether you are planting a succulent or a tree, this is a secret that most experienced planters won’t tell you outright. In this post, we’ll tackle the best alternatives to fill the bottom of a large planter to save more time, money, and energy.
Things To Consider When Filling the Bottom of your Pot
Before you think about what to put in the bottom of your planter to fill up, you should first make some considerations. To start with, you should know the particular prerequisites of the plant or tree you wish to pot. Contingent upon the kind of tree or plant, it will probably require various measures of room inside the pot or grower. You will then, at that point, know how much space you want to fill.
In the event that you just need to fill a modest quantity of space, you should opt for high-quality potting soil than simply using the ordinary soil from your garden. The soil from your garden is possibly polluted with weeds and different foreign substances that can upset your plant or tree’s development.
Take into consideration the need for well-fertilized soil and proper drainage. Ground souls usually experience issues with blocking the drainage, weight problems, and potential freezing during the winter season.
7 Popular Large Pot Fillers
There are many things you can put at the bottom of your planter. As long as they don’t have reactive chemicals, it is fine to stuff things in your pot, so you can save soil. In this section, we will give the most famous options when it comes to bottom fillers for large pots.
1. Recycled Plastics. As we all know, plastic pollution is rampant. So, if you want to contribute to the environment by reducing plastic waste, this is your most creative chance to do it. Simply cut some recycled plastic materials and fill the bottom of your large plant. You can use plastics from soda bottles, grocery bags, milk, or juice jugs. Just make sure, you watch them thoroughly. When you are done, it’s just like a mini compost pit you are making. But this time, you know a beautiful plant will be growing on top of it.
2. Packing Materials. You can involve pressing peanuts insofar as they’re not the sort that breaks down in the water. Styrofoam peanuts work effectively. Ensure they’re gotten inside a pack to keep them steady and set up. It additionally makes your life more straightforward assuming you choose to report the plant. You can also utilize Styrofoam blocks. Again, ensure they’re in a pack to keep them stable.
3. Metal Cans. A lot of us go through a lot of canned food sources every week. Take a stab at upcycling jars to fill your huge pot by squashing them and layering them to fill the bottom.
4. Plastic Pots. Plastic pots from chilled food sources or focus points can be valuable. Simply flip around them, so the level base is confronting upwards. This provides a solid foundation for your plant without destroying its balance.
5. Regular Materials. You might have a few normal materials around the house or garden that can be useful. Pine cones, wood chips, leaves, and sticks can be generally utilized. But note that they will separate over the long haul a reasonable decision for the occasional grower who repots routinely.
6. Waste Paper and Cardboard. Don’t burn the waste papers that have just gone through the shredder. You can layer them at the bottom of your planter to fill up the space. You can use it to fill 1/8 or 1/4 of the container, depending on how big your plant needs.
7. River Rocks. This can be useful especially if you are planting a tree. As the tree grows taller, its weight will carry off the planter and somehow cause it to topple. The rocks at the bottom will help add weight so it is not easily carried away by the mature plant.
Learn more about How To Cover Drainage Holes In Pots?
Filling Oversized Plant Pots – Takeaway!
What can I use to fill the bottom of a large planter? Have we answered your question? Well, filling up the bottom of your pot can be a daunting task. Make sure you have a helping hand so you can finish your project on time and with less stress.
Depending on your location, you can still find more pot fillers. So just enjoy the activity and make sure you have a good final output. Other materials that you can use as pot fillers are the following:
- Broken Pieces of Ceramic, Brick, etc.
- Cinderblock
- Large Rocks
- Wood Logs
FAQ
How Do You Fill The Bottom Of A Large Planter?
In the event that you have a lot of room to fill at the bottom part of your enormous grower, find the most suitable fillers that will not harm your plant. Start with rot-proof fillers and avoid anything that is pest-prone.
What Is The Best Thing To Put In The Bottom Of Planters?
Based on the above list of pot fillers, the best thing to use is recycled plastic. The reason is that it can stay there longer and it doesn’t mix up with the soil.
What Do You Put At The Bottom Of A Planter For Drainage?
If you want to improve the drainage of your planter, the best option would be some rocks. If you have a large planter, you can fill 1/8 to ¼ of it with river rocks. Don’t use the stones you can get from the sea because they are acidic and salty. The salts can later cause a build-up of minerals around your port, which can affect the growth of your plant. Note that putting rocks at the bottom of your planter will not only improve the drainage but will also enhance its sturdiness.
Is it still worth to buy oversized plant pots?
The quick answer is yes. Just because you need extra time to fill in the bottom of your large, it saves you more time repotting the plant in the future when it reaches maturity.
