Planting - Knowledgebase Question

Perennials
San Marcos, Ca
Question by janengord
July 6, 2010
When using a large plant pot, is it necessary to fill it only with potting soil or can some other material be used in the bottom of the pot?
Thank you as always.


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Answer from NGA
July 6, 2010

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 It can be expensive to fill a large pot with potting soil if you're only planting small plants. The important thing is that the pot have lots of drainage holes in the bottom so excess water can drain out. Then you can fill some of the space with packing peanuts or syrofoam worms but they need to be placed in sealable plastic bags - don't just pour them into the bottom of the pot. If you do, they'll eventually float and work their way up to the surface. Put them in baggies and set the baggies in the bottom of the pot, then put potting soil right over the top of the bags. Or, use empty water bottles or milk jugs in the bottom of the pot. Be sure they have lids on! The potting soil will work its way down around the plastic bottles when you water but the bottles will take up lots of space. Hope this information helps.

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