Hey everyone! I'm planning to plant some pollinator-friendly flora in two concrete planters that measure 18 inches wide, 40 inches long, and 20 inches deep. I was advised to layer 8 inches of soil, followed by 4 inches of gravel, then use landscape fabric over 5 inches of filler material made from crushed cans and styrofoam peanuts. Does this plan sound effective? Also, regarding the landscape fabric, when I search for it, I often find products designed to prevent weeds. Is that suitable for my needs? Or do I need something specialized, or could I just use an old bedsheet instead? Thanks a lot!
3 Answers
I recommend using a small piece of screen instead of fabric. But to be frank, I'd steer clear of trash at the bottom. Over time, those materials can mix with your soil and cause trouble for your plants. Why not just fill your planters completely with good soil? If budget is tight, organic materials like sticks or leaves can be a better option. Trust me, good soil will make a difference in your plant growth!
That's a valid concern! A cloth separator can help, but it's not a must. Just maintain a good layer of soil on top, and you should be fine!
I've always just used gravel at the bottom of my planters without any fabric or mats, and it's worked great for me. It really comes down to personal preference and what you’re trying to achieve with drainage!
I wouldn't worry about all that filler. I just use a coffee filter at the bottom and fill my planters with sticks or logs instead of any trash. The filler isn't necessary, really!
Hey, thanks for the tips! I did ask the greenhouse guy about using woodchips for drainage, but with budget constraints, I thought using what I have on hand would help. I’ll definitely consider asking friends for natural fillers. Was just cautious about the soil sinking through gaps over time.