What Are The 5 Best Pot Fillers To Use In Large Planters? (2024)

This Post Has 43 Comments

1. 

   Lee April 6, 2022Reply

   I have a problem with earwigs each spring. I have 10 planter boxes I filled the bottoms with all kinds of suggested items then soil. Now I am wondering if the earwigs are loving all the space and plastic/styrofoam/boxes as living space until they crawl out at night!
   What can I use to prevent setting up bug condos for them?

   1. 

      The Pottery Patch April 6, 2022Reply

      Hi Lee, Earwigs are pretty common garden pests and if you say they return each Spring, I’m not sure if the empty space in your planters is causing more of a problem or not. My only suggestion is to fill in the space between the fillers with soil to give them less room.

2. 

   Mindy March 22, 2022Reply

   I have a large pot that I want a potted plant to go in. I need something to put on the bottom to raise the potted plant up in the big planter. Any ideas of something easy. Internal pot stand thing?

   1. 

      The Pottery Patch April 1, 2022Reply

      Hi Mindy, I think a good option could be to place an upside-down pot in first, ceramic or plastic, and place the potted plant on top of that.

3. 

   Jeff Carbine March 1, 2022Reply

   I found it interesting when you said there are a few reasons why you would choose to use a thicker filler in your big planter. Perhaps you have a tall lightweight planter that you’d like to make more durable, especially if it’ll be used to hold a tall tree. I used to think differently about it not until you explained it briefly and it really got my attention. What you said about landscape design pottery was really interesting to me.

   1. 

      The Pottery Patch March 14, 2022Reply

      Glad you found the article informative, Jeff!

4. 

   Alfonzo Boone February 3, 2022Reply

   I have a installation project that will have raised planters with dwarf crape myrtles. Because there’s a parking deck below the weight limits are strict. The general contractor has asked for alternative methods to fill the planters other than soil only. Soil only will jeopardize the weight restrictions. What are alternatives I can use to fill the planters while ensures there’s sufficient soil and within the weight limits.

   1. 

      The Pottery Patch February 4, 2022Reply

      Hi Alfonzo, Your plant supplier may be able to tell you what root depth is required for that type of plant. Generally, for permanent installations, heavy fillers are more suitable, but for your weight requirement, you can try some of the non-biodegradable lightweight options listed above like plastics and lightweight metals.

      See Also

      What Can I Use to Fill the Bottom of a Large Planter?anchors the plants to the soil.Protect Your Garden From Severe Weather!
5. 

   Jason October 24, 2021Reply

   I built some raised beds this spring, I’m in the upper midwest (NW Wi.) We had our first frost/freeze of 28deg. Even 26. I buried cleaned and filled with as hot of water as I could handle, hoping for sterilization. We have had 3 consecutive hard freezes and with a sheet over them, the dahlias (24), tomatoes (12) and a beds with 2 packs of state fair zinnia all 7′ or better. Longstory short, I simply dug up the gallon water jugs, emptied them, and filled with warm water each night. 6 total in a 4×6 bed. And the plants are only limp from the sheets laying on them.

6. 

   Carolyn Martin October 13, 2021Reply

   Hi, I loved reading all your hints and tips. I have always used Styrofoam…and I use the foam egg cartons broken up and any other foam items, like the trays veggies and fruit come in from the store. I use really large pots and containers for planting my potted garden and using these “Foamies” saves on having to use too much soil. Also, I have lots of old screens and cut a piece of scree to lay on top of the “Foamies.” Hope these tips are useful for someone. — Carolyn M…from Florida

   1. 

      Courtney Duerig October 18, 2021Reply

      Great tips on some other useful materials, Carolyn. Thank you!

      1. 

         Jason October 26, 2021

         Looking for resources, I found this page and did not need to search further. Thank you. Its a little extra work this time of year, and straying from the exact topic . But maybe applicable. I built and used raised tomatoe beds this year. 3 inches under the surface, I buried repurpose d distilled water gallon jugs verticle, filled with tap water. I take been 28degrees the past 3 nights, I pulled them up and replaced the water with very warm water each night, and reburied them. With a sheet over the tomatoes the loss was very minimal including outer leaves. I still an to vinecropen the last 8 burpees for seed atleast. Now this could be downsized to a 16oz beverage container with (pinholes) 20-30. Enough to seep the amount you need out on any side you have holes. Or leave the cap on to adjust the pressure inside the bottle. Happy trails.

7. 

   Ann September 12, 2021Reply

   Thank you for all the advice on fillers. I have 3 huge pots and thought I had to fill with potting soil.

8. 

   jim July 15, 2021Reply

   can i put small stones in the bottom of my pots before the soil

   1. 

      Kim Smith August 12, 2021Reply

      Jim,
      Yes! You should always put small stones on bottom of all pots, even if theres a drainage hole on the bottom of the pots already! And it’s an absolute must if there isnt a hole! I do with every pot (hole or not! big or small!) You can never go wrong by doing so! With bigger pots, I personally use big & small stones ( or broken ceramic pieces!)but it’s completely up to what you choose!- your already on the right track!

      1. 

         Michelle January 22, 2022

         I CUT WOODEN CEDER CIRCULES…PUNCH A FEW HOLES IN THEM FOR THE ROOTS OF MY PLANT..PUT THE CIRCLE IN THE POT…THEN LAY SMALL STONES FOR DRAINAGE…THEN SOIL THEN MY PLANTS…WORKS GREAT AND NOT HEAVY IF I WANT TO MOVE MY PLANTER

9. 

   John Z June 14, 2021Reply

   Do I need to punch holes in the bottom of the urn and, if so, what keeps the soil from draining out?

   1. 

      The Pottery Patch June 14, 2021Reply

      Hi John. This depends on a lot of factors, primarily the type of plant, also the environment it’s in, the amount of water the plant needs, and the type of planter. The garden center or wherever you buy your plants would be able to recommend what kind of drainage is best for the plant. In my experience, it is always best to have good drainage, but I am not a plant expert. If this is for an indoor pot and you add the holes, you can use a tray or saucer underneath the pot so no water or dirt drains out onto the floor. Hope this helps!

10. 

    Danielle June 13, 2021Reply

    I’m probably being a space cadet, but I don’t understand how this works. Once you put in all all the milk cartons do you just put the dirt in or do you create a shelf of some kind on top before adding the dirt?

    1. 

       The Pottery Patch June 14, 2021Reply

       I just put the dirt right on top of the containers and it fell through and filled in all the cracks. You could also put some gardening cloth on top, if the surface is flat enough, to keep the dirt from falling through. You do want to make sure the dirt layer on top of the cartons is deep enough to accommodate the plant’s roots. Hope this helps!

11. 

    Anonymous April 29, 2021Reply

    Can I use bubble wrap for my large planter?

    1. 

       Anonymous May 7, 2021Reply

       Yes u can

12. 

    Anonymous April 18, 2021Reply

    Are these plastics/styrofoam suggestions safe for containers that will be planted with vegetables?

    1. 

       The Pottery Patch April 19, 2021Reply

       I am not sure but maybe food-grade plastics are safe. I know some people do grow vegetables in plastic pots so it should be the same thing. Maybe you could separate the space with a wooden board or piece of garden cloth so the roots and soil don’t touch the plastic? See if this article helps more. https://concordiagreenhouse.com/projects/demonstration-balcony-garden/container-gardening-2/what-plastics-are-safe-to-grow-food-in/#:~:text=Using%20plastic%20containers%20to%20grow,know%20which%20plastics%20to%20use.&text=Make%20sure%20to%20discard%20scratched,grade%2015%2D30%20Litre%20buckets

13. 

    Jess April 8, 2021Reply

    Hi, thank you for your post! What could i use on the bottom of a large clay pot that would still provide good drainage for planting succulents on top? Thanks!

    1. 

       The Pottery Patch April 9, 2021Reply

       Hi Jess, I used plastic soda/water bottles because their irregular shape allowed for enough space in between for good drainage. I suppose if you use a mixture of different shaped plastic containers, that would work as well. Hope this helps!

    2. 

       Anonymous May 4, 2021Reply

       Yes I also need good drainage and I used packing popcorn and the water would come out brown and left the bottom of the pot soiled/stained.. thanks.

14. 

    CWS April 6, 2021Reply

    Another idea: fill the space with a large, plastic cat litter container, either inverted or with the lid closed. That’s what I’m using in my 2 huge planters!

    1. 

       The Pottery Patch April 7, 2021Reply

       Yes, good idea! Those containers would fill a lot of space.

15. 

    Anonymous March 22, 2021Reply

    Suggestions for a cover to hide to space around the smaller pot?

    1. 

       The Pottery Patch March 24, 2021Reply

       I haven’t tried this myself, but I bet you could cut a piece of cardboard to fit the gap then sprinkle some dirt over it. You’d just have to remember to try not to get it wet when watering the plant.

    2. 

       Anonymous May 4, 2021Reply

       I use balled up plastic bags, bubble wrap, etc. you can tape them with packing tape into any shape and size you want to fill in around the inverted pots. Once filled I use a cut to fit piece of landscape fabric to keep the soil on top of it all. It also makes re-potting easier later on.

16. 

    Judy Schwan March 11, 2021Reply

    What is the best filler for a 32″ deep raised bed

    1. 

       The Pottery Patch March 11, 2021Reply

       Hi Judy, generally the best pot fillers are whatever you have on hand. I like to use plastic jugs or bottles from my recycling. If you’re not worried about weight, you could also use cinderblocks or bricks, or a lighter weight option would be upside-down used plastic plant pots. It really also depends on your preferences, what you have laying around, and how long it needs to last, or how sturdy you need it to be.

    2. 

       Pat June 14, 2021Reply

       Does there need to be a hole in the bottom? Or, will the water eventually evaporate?

       1. 

          The Pottery Patch June 14, 2021

          Hi Pat, generally it is best for the plant to have good drainage but your garden center or wherever you buy your plant would have the best advice for you. You can use a saucer or tray underneath the pot if you have a hole. If there is no hole, you would have to be careful not to overwater.

17. 

    Anonymous March 8, 2021Reply

    When using plastic bottles, cap on or off?

    1. 

       The Pottery Patch March 10, 2021Reply

       I personally keep them on so the air helps take up more space and they don’t get crushed.

18. 

    Terry March 2, 2021Reply

    Please advise what filler(s) to use in a new empty planter which 18 feet long, 3 feet broad and 2 feet deep?
    Thank you,
    papaleet

    1. 

       The Pottery Patch March 4, 2021Reply

       Hi Terry, that is a very long planter! It really depends on what you plan to plant in it, but since you have a lot of space to fill, I would suggest using a larger filler like used plastic plant pots you can place upsidedown. Ask your local plant nursery if they have any old ones they need to get rid of. You could fill the cracks in between with any plastic bottles you have in your recycling.

19. 

    kmert September 3, 2020Reply

    Hi Cheryl,

    I think that might be a moss pole, meant for the pathos to climb. If it is, it’s your choice of aesthetics whether to remove it or not.

20. 

    Cheryl wayson July 13, 2020Reply

    Have a question in the middle of my pothos plant I have a stalk of this brown hay like stuff… Do I eventually remove that from my pot ???

    1. 

       The Pottery Patch July 13, 2020Reply

       Hi Cheryl, your local garden store would probably know better, but if it’s a dead stem I think you can cut it down to the soil.

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