How To Fill A Tall Planter (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » What To Put In Large Planters » How To Fill A Tall Planter (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Fill a Tall Planter PDF download Download Article Reviewed by Ben Barkan

Last Updated: April 4, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Choosing a Filler Material
    • |
  • Adding Your Filler to the Planter
    • |
  • Planting Your Flowers or Plants
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was reviewed by Ben Barkan. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 121,477 times.

Tall planters filled with flowers or plants can look gorgeous on your porch, patio, in your yard, or indoors. Using all soil to fill the planter is extremely heavy, costly, and can lead to drainage problems for your plants; plus, most plants just don’t need that much soil. You can fill your planter about halfway with another filler material, then put your soil and plant on top, to save money and make it easy to move your tall planter around as you like.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Choosing a Filler Material

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Use collected soda bottles or cans for a low-cost, long-lasting option. 1 Use collected soda bottles or cans for a low-cost, long-lasting option. If you drink lots of soda or bottled water, this option may be perfect for you. Collect the bottles or cans until you have enough to fill about 1/3 to half of your tall planter. Leave the caps on the plastic bottles, and avoid crushing the aluminum cans too much if you’re using those.
    • If you use this option, you’ll also want to have a layer of newspaper, landscaping fabric, or cheesecloth available to lay down on top of your bottles or cans before adding your soil.
  2. Step 2 Try a smaller inverted pot if you have an extra one. 2 Try a smaller inverted pot if you have an extra one. Choose a pot that fits easily into the center of your tall planter. Be sure that this pot has its own drainage holes, or add some to it by drilling them in.[1]
    • If your large planter has drainage holes along the bottom edges, avoid blocking them with the top edges of your smaller pot. You’ll need to be sure that water can still drain through the bottom of your planter.
    • If your smaller pot is significantly smaller than your larger planter, you’ll want to hold it in place with another material like clay pebbles or wood chips. This will also help to lessen the amount of soil you’ll need when filling your planter.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Stand a tall, rectangular wood beam into your planter for a simple choice. 3 Stand a tall, rectangular wood beam into your planter for a simple choice. Scrap 4x4 or 6x6 pieces of wood also work well for filling the bottom of your tall planter. Choose a piece that easily stands up in the center of the bottom of your planter. Using a saw, cut the wood so that it’s about half the height of your planter.[2]
    • Avoid this option if the drainage holes of your tall planter are in the middle of your planter’s bottom. The wood will cover the holes and not allow your soil to drain properly.
    • You can use wood chips, clay pebbles, or soil to hold the wood beam in place in the center of your planter.
  4. Step 4 Use rocks or broken crockery for a sturdy option. 4 Use rocks or broken crockery for a sturdy option. This option is a bit heavier, but still works well to defray costs when buying your topsoil. Collect enough rocks or broken pots to fill about 1/3 to half of your tall planter.[3]
    • This option works well if your tall planter becomes narrower at the bottom and you’re concerned about it tipping over from the weight of your soil and plant at the top.
    • Be sure that your rocks are not covering any drainage holes in the bottom of your planter.
  5. Step 5 Choose wood chip mulch or pinecones as a lightweight choice. 5 Choose wood chip mulch or pinecones as a lightweight choice. Collect enough pinecones to fill 1/3 to half of your tall planter, or purchase wood chip mulch at your local hardware store. If you use this option, you’ll want to be sure to check the filler each year when you change soil to make sure the wood hasn’t started rotting.
  6. Step 6 Use Styrofoam packing peanuts if you have them. 6 Use Styrofoam packing peanuts if you have them. If you have some packaging peanuts lying around, test them out to make sure they don’t dissolve in water. Place some in a bowl of water and check to see if they shrink or dissolve. If they don’t, you can use these to fill 1/3 to half of your tall planter for a planter that’s nice and light.
    • Use mesh onion bags to hold the packing peanuts in place and avoid making a mess when you replace your plant’s topsoil each year.
    • You can also try cutting up larger pieces of Styrofoam packaging and filling your planter with these pieces.
  7. Step 7 Try plastic Easter eggs, milk jugs, or containers as a long-lasting choice. 7 Try plastic Easter eggs, milk jugs, or containers as a long-lasting choice. Plastic is light and lasts a long time, so any plastic items that fit into the bottom of your planter are a nice choice. Use intact Easter eggs, keep lids on milk jugs, and keep the lids on containers if you’re using those. This will keep most of the bottom of your planter filled with air, and allow for good drainage from the soil above.[4]
    • If you’re using jugs or containers, be sure not to block any of the drainage holes in the bottom of your planter. Space the jugs or containers out so they’re not blocking the holes.
    8. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Adding Your Filler to the Planter

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Drill drainage holes if the planter doesn’t already have some. 1 Drill drainage holes if the planter doesn’t already have some. Your planter should come with drainage holes at the bottom, but if it doesn’t, be sure to create some using a drill. Turn the planter over so the bottom is facing up, and use a power drill to make holes along the outside edges of the bottom of the pot.[5]
    • 6-8 holes should be enough for most tall planters, but you can make more if your planter is wide or it seems like it could use more.
    • Always use eye protection and gloves when using power tools.
  2. Step 2 Fill your planter 1/3 to half full with your filler material. 2 Fill your planter 1/3 to half full with your filler material. Use whatever filler material you’ve chosen to fill your planter 1/3 to half full. Some people choose to measure the depth of their plants instead, and subtract that number from the height of the planter to determine how much filler they need. This is fine too, especially if you’re using the planter for a plant that requires very little soil.[6]
    • For example, if your planter is 21 inches (53 cm) tall, and the soil of your plant is about 7 inches (18 cm) deep, you can either fill the bottom remaining 14 inches (36 cm) with filler, or fill the bottom 10.5 inches (27 cm), which is half the planter, depending on your preference.
  3. Step 3 Surround the filler material with clay pebbles if needed. 3 Surround the filler material with clay pebbles if needed. Certain fillers, like inverted pots or standing wood beams, may need extra support to hold them in place. Clay pebbles for plants are a good option for this, since they provide good drainage and are a bit lighter than wet soil. You can find clay pebbles at most hardware or home improvement stores in the garden/patio section.[7]
    • You also have the option of using wood chips instead of clay pebbles. These will need to be replaced each year because water can cause them to rot.
  4. Step 4 Add a layer of topsoil to your planter. 4 Add a layer of topsoil to your planter. Once you have your filler in place, put a 2 inches (5.1 cm) layer down on top of it, or more if your plant is somewhat shallow. If you used cans, bottles, or other plastic items as your filler, you should add a layer of newspaper, landscaping fabric, or cheesecloth between the filler and soil to prevent too much soil from falling down into the bottom of your planter.[8]
    5. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Planting Your Flowers or Plants

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Remove your plant or flower from its original pot. 1 Remove your plant or flower from its original pot. Carefully tip the pot of the plant you’re using in the planter to loosen the soil from the inside of its original pot. Doing this when your plant’s soil is wet works best because the soil will stay together better. Remove the entire plant with its roots and soil all together.
  2. Step 2 Set the whole plant with its original soil into the center of your planter. 2 Set the whole plant with its original soil into the center of your planter. You want to try to keep the roots of your plant the way they are as much as possible to avoid damaging them. Once they’re settled into your planter, they will start to take up more space, but for now, don’t spread them out. Simply set the whole plant with roots and soil into your new planter.
    • On the other hand, if the plant appears to be root-bound in its current container, loosen the roots gently outwards with your fingers. A root-bound plant will have visible roots that coil around the inside of the pot.
  3. Step 3 Fill the surrounding space with topsoil. 3 Fill the surrounding space with topsoil. Unless your plant with its original soil is wide enough to fill your tall planter to its edges, you’ll need to fill in the remaining space with topsoil. Make a nice smooth top layer of soil at the base of the plant, and give your plant some extra soil around its base if it lost any in the transplant.[9]
  4. Step 4 Change the topsoil and check on your filler each year. 4 Change the topsoil and check on your filler each year. Many potted plants do well when their soil is changed each year, so they get new nutrients. You can discard the old soil from your planter into other parts of your garden, and use a new bag of topsoil to replace it. When you’re replacing the soil, peek down into your bottom filler to see if it needs to be replaced.
    • Change your bottom filler if you used wood and it’s starting to rot, or become squishy and smelly; and change out aluminum cans if they are starting to rust.
    • Plastic items and Styrofoam generally last a long time, but it doesn’t hurt to check on them and see if they are breaking down and could be replaced. Rocks, broken pottery, and clay pebbles will be the materials that last the longest out of your bottom fillers.
  5. Step 5 Mix in compost or soil amendments instead of replacing your topsoil. 5 Mix in compost or soil amendments instead of replacing your topsoil. As an alternative to replacing the top soil completely, you can also just mix compost, leaf mold, manure, peat moss, gypsum, or other soil amendments into the soil. This works best if you originally started with healthy or living soil instead of premixed potting soil.
    • If you used a mix like Miracle-Gro, it is likelier that you will need to replace the soil every year. Consider replacing it with living or organic soil.
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question What can I put in the bottom of a pot for a faux plant? Snakey006550 Snakey006550 Top Answerer Use sand or small stones for weight and support. Foam blocks or floral foam work well to hold the plant stem in place. You can also use crumpled paper, plastic bags, or old cloth as filler, covering them with decorative moss, pebbles or bark to hide them. Choose materials that provide stability and keep the plant upright. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Things You’ll Need

  • Filler of your choice
  • Power drill if your tall planter doesn’t come with drainage holes
  • Eye protection and gloves if you’re using a power drill
  • Bags of topsoil
  • Plant(s) of your choice

You Might Also Like

Make Pot Liners for PlantsHow toMake Pot Liners for Plants Grow Potted PlantsHow toGrow Potted Plants Use Growing Bags for PlantsHow to Plant Using Growing Bags Grow a Garden in a BottleHow toGrow a Garden in a Bottle Make Concrete PlantersHow toMake Concrete Planters Create a Spilled Flower PotHow toCreate a Spilled Flower Pot Build a Planter Box from PalletsHow toBuild a Planter Box from Pallets How toMake a Wine Bottle Plant Waterer Repot a PlantHow toRepot a Plant Make a Bottle Watering CanHow toMake a Bottle Watering Can Transplant a PlantWhen and How to Transplant Plants: A Complete Potting & Gardening Guide Construct a Raised Planting BedHow toConstruct a Raised Planting Bed How toBuild a Wooden Planter Box What Soil Do You Use in Raised Garden BedsThe Best Soil for Raised Garden Beds: A Complete Guide Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/visual-guides/container-gardening-with-native-plants
  2. ↑ https://gardeningsg.nparks.gov.sg/page-index/hardscapes/planter-beds/
  3. ↑ https://gardeningsg.nparks.gov.sg/page-index/hardscapes/planter-beds/
  4. ↑ https://www.primrose.co.uk/blog/gardening/how-to-plant-flowers-in-large-planters/
  5. ↑ https://www.primrose.co.uk/blog/gardening/how-to-plant-flowers-in-large-planters/
  6. ↑ https://www.portland.gov/ppd/publicworks/managing-rain-your-property/planters
  7. ↑ https://hortology.co.uk/pages/the-complete-guide-to-planting-houseplants-in-pots-planters
  8. ↑ https://extension.umd.edu/resource/soil-fill-raised-beds/
  9. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/garden-features/how-to-make-a-raised-bed

About This Article

Ben Barkan Reviewed by: Ben Barkan Garden & Landscape Designer This article was reviewed by Ben Barkan. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This article has been viewed 121,477 times. 51 votes - 98% Co-authors: 4 Updated: April 4, 2025 Views: 121,477 Categories: Garden Projects Article SummaryX

Tall planters are an attractive way to display plants on your porch, patio, or yard. To save money, you’ll want to fill your planter partway with filler material like soda bottles, cans, rocks, or woodchips. These materials are cheaper than filling the whole thing with soil and will make drainage easier as well. Once you have your material, fill your planter about ⅓ of the way full. Then you’ll want to add a layer of newspaper to prevent soil from falling in and fill it the rest of the way with dirt. After putting your plant in it, place a couple of layers of topsoil which will keep your plant healthy. To learn how to make your own planter, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languagesSpanish
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 121,477 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Mary M.

    Mary M.

    May 2, 2024

    "I have a beautiful tall pot. Now that I'm in a home, I see the perfect place for it. This article gave me some..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Ben Barkan Reviewed by: Ben Barkan Garden & Landscape Designer Co-authors: 4 Updated: April 4, 2025 Views: 121,477 98% of readers found this article helpful. 51 votes - 98% Click a star to add your vote Mary M.

Mary M.

May 2, 2024

"I have a beautiful tall pot. Now that I'm in a home, I see the perfect place for it. This article gave me some..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Mar 24, 2024

"The specs on layering the filler materials was extremely helpful, thanks!" Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

How Tall Will I Be QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizWhat Plant Am I QuizWhat Plant Am I QuizTake QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Make Pot Liners for PlantsHow toMake Pot Liners for PlantsGrow Potted PlantsHow toGrow Potted PlantsUse Growing Bags for PlantsHow to Plant Using Growing BagsGrow a Garden in a BottleHow toGrow a Garden in a Bottle

Trending Articles

Am I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizRank My Attractiveness QuizRank My Attractiveness Quiz5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your ShapeWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz

Watch Articles

Impress a Girl on a First DateHow toImpress a Girl on a First DateWhat Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?What Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?Wear a HoodieHow toWear a HoodieChiffonadeHow toChiffonadeMake a Fabric RoseHow toMake a Fabric RoseConfront a BullyHow toConfront a Bully

Trending Articles

What Is My Intelligence Type QuizWhat Is My Intelligence Type Quiz210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-BlowingTell That Your Crush Likes You BackHow toTell That Your Crush Likes You BackDepression Test for TeensDepression Test for TeensSCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?SCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?Am I Autistic QuizAm I Autistic Quiz

Quizzes & Games

What's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizTake QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizTake Quiz Choose Bed Sheets QuizHow to Choose Bed Sheets QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizAm I Smarter than a 5th Grader QuizAm I Smarter than a 5th Grader QuizTake QuizAm I Smart? Find Out with This Quick Intelligence TestAm I Smart? Find Out with This Quick Intelligence TestTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • Gardening
  • Garden Projects
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --531

Tag » What To Put In Large Planters