Reimagined Earthy Composites for Your Potted Garden
In the quest for sustainable gardening, finding alternatives to traditional potting soil can be both economical and environmentally friendly. Here are some creative and cost-effective options for filling the bottom of large planters.
Natural and Recycled Materials
Pinecones, sticks, wood chips, and mulch are natural materials that can be found in your yard. They reduce the volume of soil needed while aiding drainage and aeration. However, it's important to avoid colored or pressure-treated wood to prevent chemical leaching.
Coconut coir, a cheap and lightweight organic filler, is another great option. It holds water without compacting easily, allowing air pockets to form, which is beneficial for heavy pots.
Cardboard and broken egg cartons make biodegradable fillers that take up space and improve aeration. These can be sourced from household waste.
Recycled Materials
Crushed plastic bottles, pool noodles, and Styrofoam pieces are lightweight, inexpensive fillers made from recycled or repurposed materials. They are useful for bulk without adding weight.
Traditional Fillers
Rocks or sand are traditional fillers that improve drainage but are heavier. Sand also adds weight for stability.
Structural Elements
Bricks or large logs and branches can add stability to planters. A combination of bricks and smaller pots inside larger planters creates space-saving layers at the bottom while supporting the pot's weight efficiently.
Other Uses for Recycled Materials
Leaves, especially part-decomposed ones, can be used as planter fillers, slowly decomposing and providing additional food for plants. Crushed cans can also serve as planter fillers.
Cardboard can be used as a weed barrier by placing it around plants and watering immediately to help it stay in place. It can also be decorated with paint, twigs, buttons, or other embellishments. Recycled cardboard boxes can be used as planters after treating them like conventional containers.
Logs and branches can be used to make planters heavier and more stable, burying large pieces at the bottom for drainage and a sturdy base. Landscaping fabric can be placed on top of filler materials to prevent soil from falling through cracks.
Creative Planter Ideas
Cardboard can be used to create new growing areas by laying it over an area of the lawn and adding layers of organic material on top. It can also be used to create seed starters by cutting off bases to make flat seed trays or rolling it into pots using a small can as a mold.
Plastic bottle or milk jug planters can be decorated with paint. They can also be cut to create gardening tools like scoops, watering cans, and plant labels. To make a planter from a plastic bottle or milk jug, cut off the top part, poke drainage holes, fill with soil, and plant a seed or seedling in the centre.
Remember, when using these alternatives, it's essential to research the specific requirements of the plant or tree before deciding on the amount of filler material needed. Natural filler materials are best suited for seasonal planters or those who repot regularly as they will break down over time. Reinforce cardboard boxes with tape or line them with a plastic bag with drainage holes if needed.
These creative and cost-effective alternatives not only reduce the amount of potting soil needed (saving money) but also enhance drainage and prevent soil compaction at the base of large containers. The choice depends on availability, weight tolerance, and whether you prioritize biodegradability or lightweight fillers.
In the realm of home-and-garden lifestyle, experimenting with different filler materials for large planters can contribute to a sustainable gardening approach. Cardboard, a versatile and biodegradable material, can serve both as a weed barrier and a creative planter when treated appropriately (decorated or transformed into planters).
Furthermore, in the gardening sphere, repurposing materials such as crushed plastic bottles, pool noodles, and Styrofoam pieces can make lightweight and inexpensive fillers, contributing to the eco-friendly home-and-garden lifestyle.
