what do you put under planters

What should you put in the bottom of a planter?

If you have recycled plastic lying around, such as water or soda bottles, grocery bags, or milk and juice jugs, use them to fill the bottom of your large planter. The plastic is of more use in the base of your large planter than in a landfill.

What do you put under outdoor planters?

Use something called pot feet Aliases of pot risers & deck protectors…. These are usually stone, concrete, or pottery and they simply sit under the pot holding it up about an inch from the ground so that drainage holes remain clear and airflow is allowed under the pot.

What can I put under my planter for drainage?

Perlite is a soil amendment that improves drainage and encourages root growth. It can also help keep the soil from getting compacted in a container. Some potting soil already includes perlite, but it can be purchased separately and then mixed into soil.

What goes under a 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.

Should plant pots be raised off the ground?

Air circulation under a container also contributes to the health of the plant's roots. So, even on stone, tile, or concrete, where you're not concerned about rot, lifting your pots a few inches is important.

What do you put at the bottom of a large planter?

Light materials you can use to fill the bottom of your large planter include:Water/soda bottles.Water or milk jugs (lids on, if possible)Solo cups (turned upside down)Take-out plastic food containers.Empty detergent bottles.Nursery pots and 6-packs (turned upside down)Unused plastic pots (turned upside down)

What can I use instead of plant saucers?

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.

Should I put gravel 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 can I use instead of rocks in a planter?

I've already said you can have one rock, but what if you have a tiny pot that doesn't have the spare real estate for a rock? Instead, you could line the bottom of the pot with some kitchen towel, newspaper, or even a bit of coffee filter paper.

Do planters need a base?

Bed Height for Drainage Raised planters do not have a base, meaning that the soil of your planter drains down to the topsoil on the ground. This provides a depth of 11 or 12 inches before the planter's soil drains down into the ground, thereby avoiding water-logged soil.

Do planters need saucers?

Whilst they aren't necessary, plant pots use saucers to collect the water that drains from your pot. Without this, it can easily spill onto your carpets, floors and furniture. So after each watering, your saucer will capture the excess water, preventing any spillage in your home.

How do you weigh down a planter?

Use heavy organic materials at the bottom of your planters to help add additional weight to your planters. This is especially helpful if you are using plastic planters, that don't have much weight to begin with. We recommend using organic materials, such as pieces of bricks or broken clay pots.

Should I put gravel 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 a wooden planter?

To improve drainage, place a layer of broken terracotta pots, pebbles or Styrofoam packing peanuts on the bottom of the planter.

What can I use instead of rocks in a planter?

I've already said you can have one rock, but what if you have a tiny pot that doesn't have the spare real estate for a rock? Instead, you could line the bottom of the pot with some kitchen towel, newspaper, or even a bit of coffee filter paper.

How do you weigh down a planter?

Use heavy organic materials at the bottom of your planters to help add additional weight to your planters. This is especially helpful if you are using plastic planters, that don't have much weight to begin with. We recommend using organic materials, such as pieces of bricks or broken clay pots.