Advice on using plastic grocery bags for filler for container gardens

Jnet
by Jnet
I have heard of using Styrofoam pellets at the bottom of pots, has any one used crushed up plastic grocery bags the same way, does this work as filler and drainage?
  7 answers
  • Gail Salminen Gail Salminen on May 07, 2015
    @jnet I think the only problem would be the plastic interfering with drainage from the pot. Usually when you use styrofoam containers the water can still drip down to the drainage hole, but with bags this could be totally blocked causing a water logged container. This happens with container that don't have an arranged drainage area - my tin containers have a problem this way and I have to protect it from the rain at times. You could still use them for fill provided there was still access to the drainage for the container - strategic arrangement will be crucial.
    • See 1 previous
    • Gail Salminen Gail Salminen on May 13, 2015
      @Jnet I think the knots will help, but you will still have to prevent them from blocking the drainage - perhaps with an upside down clay pot and the bags around that.
  • Dottie Unruh Dottie Unruh on May 08, 2015
    My friend crushes plastic milk jugs and uses those; much neater than pellets, and very effective.
  • Rachele Nelson Rachele Nelson on May 08, 2015
    I would use something that would allow water to travel throigh incase you or the rain might over fill. I have read that some people use coffee filters, in the past i have used rocks that are larger than the drain hole so they dont fall through, yet allows the over flow of water to escape so your plants do not drown.
  • Marianne Cerrito Marianne Cerrito on May 08, 2015
    Last year I used cut-up styrofoam egg cartons and plastic rinsed-out Meow Mix cat food 'cups'... Worked well... And I placed a piece of used dryer sheet over the hole. Both worked well.
    • Jnet Jnet on May 08, 2015
      @Marianne Cerrito thank you for the idea, I have plenty of dryer sheets and have been wanting ideas for the used ones
  • Cathy622 Cathy622 on May 08, 2015
    I use crushed up plastic water bottles in the bottoms of my larger planters. Great for drainage and makes it lighter -less dirt- and easier to move around. Also keeps them out of landfill.
    • Jnet Jnet on May 08, 2015
      @Cathy622 I am planning on using the plastic soda bottles but whole with the caps on tucked in to the sides. The "planters" are painted tires. Thank you for your help
  • Sandra B Sandra B on May 08, 2015
    I have used packing "peanuts" in the bottom 1/3 of large pots. I then add my potting soil shaking it to let it settle, then adding more until it reaches what looks like full. Water well & add your plants. There is no problem with drainage. This is a great way to use up those non biodegradable packing peanuts & use less potting soil. Works well & holds up ..... forever!
    • Jnet Jnet on May 08, 2015
      @Sandra B thanks, I have heard if this, the reason I asked about the bags is I have a lot of them. Lol
  • Lorna Coward Lorna Coward on May 10, 2015
    i have put plastic water bottles in my large flower pots and it works great i can even lift them myself.