How to Fill a Tall Planter

How to Fill a Tall Planter

A tall planter used to grow shrubs and trees with deep root systems must be filled with dirt to allow sufficient room for the roots to expand. However, if the planter is used for shallow-rooted plants, such as annuals, that need only approximately 6 inches of dirt, you can use a filler substance at the base to save expensive, heavy potting soil. A lightweight filler material also makes it easy to move the planter when needed.

Determine the soil depth required for the plant you want to grow in the tall container. If you can not find information regarding root depth, which can be available on plant tags, then take into account the minimal size container where you often observe the plant growing. As an example, in the event you commonly grow geraniums (Geranium spp.) In 8-inch- deep pots, allow for 8 inches of dirt in the tall planter.

Measure the entire planter height. Subtract the number of inches of dirt needed from the entire planter height to determine the depth of filler needed. If desired, mark the inside of the container with a chalk line to the appropriate level.

Cut a piece of hardware cloth or landscaping material to match the base of the container. Place the material in the base of the container to cover the drainage holes. If the drainage holes are around the sides at the base of the container, then cut the material large enough to extend up the sides slightly and cover the holes so potting soil does not work its way through the stitch and escape through the holes.

Fill the container around the chalk line with polystyrene foam packaging peanuts. If you don’t have any saved in a recent shipment, purchase them wherever packing and shipping supplies are sold.

Mix equal parts compost, sphagnum peat and perlite or vermiculite to produce your own potting mix. Alternatively, you may buy a potting mix specially blended for various plant types, such as a potting mix for cacti or acid-loving plants.

Fill the planter to within 2 inches of the surface with the potting mix. Plant your selection of plants to the depth of the original container, and pack the potting mix gently round the roots. Add more potting mix, if necessary, to fill the container to the edge. Water the plant with only sufficient water to moisten and settle on the ground.

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