URBAN PLANTER BOXES

When filling deep urban planter boxes, you can significantly reduce soil usage by incorporating various filler materials at the bottom while maintaining proper drainage and plant health. Start by placing a layer of empty plastic bottles (with caps on) or recycled containers - these create air pockets and reduce soil volume by up to 30-50%. For natural alternatives, use untreated wood logs, branches, or coconut coir which gradually decompose while providing excellent drainage. Another effective method involves creating a "false bottom" using inverted plastic pots or styrofoam pieces covered with landscape fabric. Always remember to place a permeable barrier like burlap or weed fabric between your filler layer and soil to prevent mixing while allowing water drainage. The ideal filler depth should be one-third of your planter's total height, leaving adequate soil depth for root development. This approach not only saves money on potting mix but also creates lighter containers that are easier to move and provides better aeration for healthier plant roots. For edible plants, maintain at least 12 inches of quality soil above the filler layer to ensure proper nutrient availability.