Do you have deep urban planter boxes that seem to require an overwhelming amount of soil to fill? Using so much soil can be heavy, expensive, and wasteful, especially when the roots of many plants don't need that entire depth. Fortunately, there are several clever and resourceful methods to fill the bottom portion of your planters, reducing soil usage while still ensuring excellent drainage and a healthy environment for your plants.
One of the most popular and effective techniques is to use "false bottoms" or filler materials. By placing lightweight, bulky items at the bottom of the planter, you create a reservoir of air and space, reserving the premium soil for the root zone where it's needed most.
Here are some excellent materials to use as filler:
1. Upside-Down Plastic Pots: Take small or medium-sized plastic nursery pots and turn them upside down. They create perfect air pockets and are very lightweight.
2. Recycled Plastic Bottles or Containers: Rinse out used water or soda bottles, put the caps on, and place them at the bottom of your planter. This is a fantastic way to upcycle waste.
3. Packing Peanuts or Bubble Wrap: For a very lightweight fill, use biodegradable packing peanuts (ensure they are the starch-based kind) or a bundle of bubble wrap. Avoid using plastic foam peanuts.
4. Wood Chips or Logs: A layer of untreated wood chips, small branches, or even a piece of a log can work well. They will slowly decompose over time, adding organic matter to the soil.
5. Lava Rock or Perlite: These inorganic materials are excellent for drainage and are naturally lightweight.
How to Layer Your Planter Correctly:
1. Start with Drainage: Ensure your planter has adequate drainage holes. Cover these holes with a piece of landscape fabric or a coffee filter to prevent soil from washing out.
2. Add Your Filler Material: Fill the bottom one-third to one-half of the planter with your chosen filler material.
3. Create a Barrier: Place another layer of landscape fabric on top of the filler. This crucial step prevents the soil from sifting down into the empty spaces over time.
4. Add Your Soil: Fill the remainder of the planter with a high-quality potting mix, suitable for the plants you intend to grow.
5. Plant as Usual: Proceed to plant your flowers, herbs, or vegetables.
By using these simple methods, you can save a significant amount of soil, make your planters much lighter and easier to move, and often make use of materials that would otherwise be thrown away. Your plants will thrive with the well-draining environment you've created, and your wallet will thank you.