As someone who's just starting out with gardening, I don't have any broken pots on hand. I'm looking for alternatives to crocks that I can place over the drainage hole inside my pots to prevent compost from spilling out. Any suggestions?
4 Answers
Some plant suppliers recommend using broken pieces of polystyrene packing. It’s lightweight and keeps the compost from falling out without adding too much weight to your pots. Just another option to consider!
I often just toss in some pebbles or small stones. They work well for me and keep the soil in without blocking the drainage. Plus, they look kind of nice!
You can use a sheet of newspaper! It's great for holding the compost in place, and by the time the roots spread out enough, the paper will have broken down completely. Just make sure it’s not for extra drainage, as it’s mainly to stop the soil from falling through.
Totally agree! Plus, it's a super eco-friendly option.
Honestly, you might not even need anything. A little compost might spill out, but it's usually not a big deal. Just make sure you have saucers for your pots to catch any excess water.

I second that! Stones are easy to find and make for a quick fix.