5 Things You can use as Container Filler

Large planters are beautiful to look at. They can house big leafy plants, showy tropical flowers, and even small trees or shrubs that can give your patios, porches, and front doors a lush aspect.

While large containers have many positives, they require a surprising amount of soil to fill. It can be difficult finding enough soil to fill your large planters, especially as good quality soil can be on the more expensive side.

Below, we take a look at a few budget-friendly alternatives to soil that you can use to help fill up your big, gorgeous planters.

Cardboard and Newspapers

Using old cardboard and newspapers is an eco-friendly way to fill up your large planters as they will eventually break down and turn into compost.

Make sure to shred and tear them into small bits before using them as a filler; large sections of them will end up absorbing water that your plants’ roots will desperately need.

As these materials will eventually break down, it’s best to use them as a filler for plants that will need to be replanted often.

Empty Soda Cans and Plastic Bottles

Filling the bottom of your large planter with empty soda cans, plastic bottles, or milk jugs takes up a surprising amount of space. For extra space-saving, make sure to keep the caps on your bottles so that they remain full of air and don’t collapse under the weight of soil.

How to Fill Your Container

When filling your container with inorganic material, only fill about a quarter to one third of the container. Then, lay landscaping fabric on top to keep the soil drop dropping while still allowing water to pass and roots to grow.

Shrub and Tree Trimmings

Natural fillers, like pine cones, dried leaves, sticks, and trimmings are a great and easy way to fill up your large planter.

“As they break down, they will provide additional nutrients to your soil. This is the cheapest method as you can usually find these in your yard,” gardening expert Lindsey Chastain says.

This kind of filler is best used for plants that need to be replanted often, which means you’ll also need to refill your filler material.

“The only downside is they do break down over time so will need to be replaced every few years,” Chastain adds. “However, you should be replacing your soil that often as well.”

Bricks and Broken Pottery

Aside from eating up a good amount of space in your planter, large materials like bricks and broken pottery have the added benefit of being heavy. This means that they’ll keep your planter grounded during storms or on particularly windy days.

Remember to position your planter exactly where you want it before you start filling it, and don’t forget to keep this filler away from any drainage holes.

Old Nursery Pots

Recycle your old nursery pots and use them to fill up your large planters. Make sure they are placed upside down at the bottom of your pot.

“If using this method, pour soil in slowly to fill in the gaps around the pot gently so it doesn’t shift around too much,” Chastain says. “Just make sure the upside-down pot height allows for the depth the roots need.”

This will create air pockets that can help aerate your soil and improve drainage when watering your plant.

Know Your Roots’ Depth

“Root systems usually go about 6 to 12 inches deep. Before planting in a pot and using another filler than soil, check how deep the root system of your plant will get,” Chastain advises. “You need to have potting soil deep enough for the root system, but you can fill the rest of the pot with alternative fillers.”

How To Fill Large Planters

1. Make sure your planter has drainage holes. Drainage holes are essential for preventing water logging and root rot. If you happen to find the perfect planter that doesn’t come with any drainage holes, you can either drill them in yourself or use certain materials such as seashells or charcoal to help with water drainage.
2. Add your filler material. Fill the bottom portion of your large planter at least halfway with your filler material. This will help reduce the amount of soil needed.
3. Add your potting soil. Using a good potting soil, fill up the rest of your planter.
4. Plant. Plant your chosen plant, ensuring that there’s enough soil to promote healthy root growth.

Source:  The Spruce©

Photo Credit:  kschulze / Getty Images

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