Advice on using plastic grocery bags for filler for container gardens
by Jnet
+11
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
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@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.
![Gail Salminen]()
Gail Salminen
on May 07, 2015
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My friend crushes plastic milk jugs and uses those; much neater than pellets, and very effective.
![Dottie Unruh]()
Dottie Unruh
on May 08, 2015
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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.
![Rachele Nelson]()
Rachele Nelson
on May 08, 2015
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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.
![Marianne Cerrito]()
Marianne Cerrito
on May 08, 2015
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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.
![Cathy622]()
Cathy622
on May 08, 2015
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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!
![Sandra B]()
Sandra B
on May 08, 2015
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i have put plastic water bottles in my large flower pots and it works great i can even lift them myself.
![Lorna Coward]()
Lorna Coward
on May 10, 2015
Gail Salminen
on May 07, 2015
Dottie Unruh
on May 08, 2015
Rachele Nelson
on May 08, 2015
Marianne Cerrito
on May 08, 2015
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