EVER BEMOAN HOW MUCH POTTING SOIL it takes to fill a really big pot, and how much it all adds up to at the nursery checkout counter? If I’m going to grow something big, or something in there longterm, I’m happy to fill a container up with fresh, high-quality potting soil. But some plants don’t stay in the pot long enough or have big enough root systems to warrant the wasted medium, and money. I employ a bit of trickery in the form of a false bottom for the pot, and here’s how:
Simply bundle some used six-packs or nursery pots, or even packing “peanuts,” inside a discarded plastic bag. Secure it closed with a twist-tie, and insert the new plastic “pillow” in the bottom of the pot, preferably on top of a few upside-down plastic 6-packs or small nursery pots, so the plastic bag doesn’t seal the drainage hole shut. Then top up with your medium. You can also just stack a layer or two of upside-down empty small pots or cellpacks on the bottom of the pot.
This is also a great way to “plunge” a young shrub or tree (in its plastic nursery pot, using it for “annual color” before it gets a permanent garden spot in fall) or a houseplant you may wish to use outdoors in a pot bigger than it needs. Just make the pillow platform, balance the potted plant on it, and backfill around with potting soil or even mulch (my preference, for that use). You can even put several houseplants, pots and all, together in a big outdoor container this way for temporary summer duty.
If I still worked where I used to, I’d call this a “good thing.” :)
Good ideas, Victoria. Thanks for sharing! :)
I do find it annoying to use dirt I don’t need and is why I like to stuff things in the bottom of big pots and containers. Things that would normally throw in the garbage.
We have four huge pine trees that fill our yard with pine cones. They work great.
I have never put them into bags though. I just toss them in the bottom. I like using things that will end up in the compost bin once I’m done with them.
My room mate drinks beer so I use beer cans. At the end of the season I rinse them and cash them in!
Brilliant Beth. Made me laugh, too. Love your clever recycling tip.
I’ve been using the fabric potato bags to grow my carrots (I gave up growing them in the garden). Do you think I could fill the bottom with the upside down nursery 6 packs or should I fill the whole thing with soil? It takes a lot of soil, which I have to buy at the nursery. It does start to add up.