What can I use as a filler (besides soil) in a 3ft raised bed?
by
Karen
+2
I obtained some large containers I want to use as raised beds for vegetables and flowers. I know the plants don't need a deep bed but my containers are 3ft deep. Besides soil, what could I use to put in the bottom half of the container?
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Gravel or pebbles could work. Also packing peanuts will fill it in but the pots won't be as heavy if you need to move them. But I'd say only fill about a third of the pot with the filler. Soil for the rest. If you make it too shallow, your pots will dry out too quickly and you will have to water more often to keep the plants from dying.
Plastic bottles, packing peanuts
Depending on what you want to plant in them you might need something heavier--like pea rock--so that any towering plants heavy with veggies don't topple over. For example: tomatoes. I also use packing peanuts ad plastic bottles--usually in my flower planters. I have also used plastic bowls turned upside down and plastic strainers work too as along as the holes are smaller. You can pick up plastic bowls, etc at the Dollar Store.
Hi Karen. I use empty water bottles. They are light weight and do a great job! I have also used field stones not thinking how heavy it would make the pots!
You have all given me great ideas. I should have mentioned the containers are 5ft long by 2ft wide by 3ft deep. Thanks so much everyone!