How to Fill a Tall Planter Like a Pro: Cost-Effective and Beautiful Solutions

Tall planters add a touch of elegance and drama to any outdoor or indoor space. However, filling them entirely with soil can be incredibly expensive and lead to drainage problems. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions and creative solutions to fill your tall planters effectively, beautifully, and without breaking the bank. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right filler materials to ensuring proper drainage and selecting suitable plants for your towering containers.

Why Filling Tall Planters Properly Matters

Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand why simply filling a tall planter with soil isn’t the best approach:

* **Cost:** Soil is heavy and expensive, especially when needed in large quantities. Filling a tall planter completely with soil can significantly strain your budget.
* **Weight:** A planter filled entirely with soil becomes extremely heavy, making it difficult to move and potentially damaging surfaces.
* **Drainage:** Soil compacts over time, hindering drainage. Poor drainage can lead to root rot, a common problem that can kill your plants.
* **Soil Compaction:** The sheer weight of the soil in a tall planter can compress the lower layers, reducing aeration and making it difficult for roots to penetrate.
* **Nutrient Distribution:** Nutrients can leach out of the lower layers of soil over time, leaving the bottom portion relatively infertile.

Materials You’ll Need

To fill your tall planter effectively, gather the following materials:

* **Tall Planter:** Choose a planter that complements your style and fits your space.
* **Drainage Layer:** Gravel, pebbles, crushed rock, or recycled plastic drainage cells.
* **Bulking Agents:** Lightweight filler materials like recycled plastic bottles, packing peanuts, empty plastic pots, wood chips, or lava rocks.
* **Landscape Fabric or Burlap:** To separate the bulking agents from the soil layer.
* **Potting Mix:** High-quality potting mix specifically formulated for container gardening.
* **Gardening Gloves:** To protect your hands.
* **Trowel or Shovel:** For moving soil and filler materials.
* **Measuring Tape:** To determine the planter’s dimensions and calculate the amount of materials needed (optional).
* **Watering Can or Hose:** For watering your plants after planting.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Filling Your Tall Planter

Follow these steps to fill your tall planter like a seasoned gardener:

**Step 1: Prepare the Planter**

* Clean the planter thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris, or algae. This helps prevent the spread of diseases to your plants.
* If your planter doesn’t have drainage holes, consider drilling some. Proper drainage is crucial for the health of your plants. Use a drill bit suitable for the planter’s material (plastic, terracotta, etc.).

**Step 2: Create a Drainage Layer**

* Add a layer of drainage material to the bottom of the planter. This layer helps prevent water from accumulating at the bottom, which can lead to root rot.
* The depth of the drainage layer depends on the size of the planter. For a very tall planter (over 3 feet), a 4-6 inch layer is recommended. For smaller planters, a 2-3 inch layer is sufficient.
* Suitable drainage materials include:
* **Gravel or Pebbles:** Readily available and inexpensive.
* **Crushed Rock:** Provides excellent drainage.
* **Recycled Plastic Drainage Cells:** Lightweight and designed specifically for drainage.

**Step 3: Add Bulking Agents**

* This is where you’ll fill the bulk of the planter’s volume with lightweight materials. This significantly reduces the amount of soil needed and makes the planter lighter.
* Choose bulking agents based on availability, cost, and environmental considerations.
* Here are some popular options:
* **Recycled Plastic Bottles:** A great way to recycle! Crush the bottles slightly to save space. Make sure they are clean and dry.
* **Packing Peanuts:** Lightweight and readily available. Consider using biodegradable packing peanuts if possible.
* **Empty Plastic Pots:** Upside-down plastic pots work well. You can nest smaller pots inside larger ones to save space.
* **Wood Chips:** Inexpensive and add organic matter to the planter. However, avoid using treated wood chips, as they can be harmful to plants.
* **Lava Rocks:** Lightweight and provide good drainage.
* **Styrofoam:** Cut into manageable sizes. This is a very lightweight option, but ensure it is securely contained.
* **Cinder Blocks or Bricks:** For very large planters, using broken cinder blocks or bricks can fill a significant amount of space.

* Fill the planter with your chosen bulking agents, leaving enough space at the top for the potting mix (typically 12-18 inches, depending on the plants you intend to grow). Consider the root ball size of your mature plants.

**Step 4: Separate Bulking Agents from the Soil**

* Cover the layer of bulking agents with landscape fabric or burlap. This prevents the potting mix from sifting down into the filler material over time.
* Cut the fabric or burlap slightly larger than the diameter of the planter.
* Drape the fabric over the bulking agents, ensuring that it covers the entire surface. You can secure the edges with tape or simply let the weight of the soil hold it in place.

**Step 5: Add Potting Mix**

* Fill the remaining space in the planter with high-quality potting mix. Use a potting mix specifically formulated for container gardening, as it provides the best drainage and aeration.
* Avoid using garden soil, as it can compact and hinder drainage. Potting mix is lighter and retains moisture better than garden soil in containers.
* Leave about an inch or two of space between the top of the potting mix and the rim of the planter. This makes watering easier and prevents soil from spilling over.

**Step 6: Plant Your Plants**

* Carefully remove your plants from their nursery pots.
* Loosen the roots slightly to encourage them to grow into the new potting mix.
* Dig a hole in the potting mix large enough to accommodate the plant’s root ball.
* Place the plant in the hole and gently backfill with potting mix.
* Water thoroughly after planting.

**Step 7: Water and Maintain Your Plants**

* Water your plants regularly, especially during hot or dry weather.
* Check the soil moisture regularly by sticking your finger into the soil. If the top inch or two of soil is dry, it’s time to water.
* Fertilize your plants regularly with a balanced fertilizer formulated for container gardening. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package.
* Prune your plants as needed to maintain their shape and encourage growth.
* Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to prevent the spread of diseases.

Choosing the Right Plants for Tall Planters

The type of plants you choose for your tall planter depends on several factors, including:

* **Sunlight:** How much sunlight does your planter receive?
* **Climate:** What is your local climate and growing season?
* **Personal Preference:** What colors, textures, and styles do you prefer?

Here are some popular plant choices for tall planters:

* **Thrillers (Focal Point Plants):**
* **Ornamental Grasses:** Add height and texture. Examples include Feather Reed Grass, Fountain Grass, and Switchgrass.
* **Small Trees or Shrubs:** Provide a strong vertical element. Examples include Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Boxwood, and Japanese Maple (dwarf varieties).
* **Vines:** Cascading vines add drama and movement. Examples include Ivy, Mandevilla, and Black-Eyed Susan Vine.
* **Cannas:** Bold foliage and vibrant flowers.
* **Sunflowers (dwarf varieties):** Cheerful and add height.

* **Fillers (Mid-Height Plants):**
* **Geraniums:** Classic and easy to grow.
* **Petunias:** Available in a wide range of colors.
* **Impatiens:** Thrive in shade.
* **Coleus:** Grown for their colorful foliage.
* **Calibrachoa (Million Bells):** Similar to petunias but with smaller flowers.
* **Salvia:** Attracts pollinators.
* **Zinnias:** Bright and cheerful.

* **Spillers (Trailing Plants):**
* **Sweet Potato Vine:** Fast-growing and adds a cascading effect.
* **Lobelia:** Delicate flowers in shades of blue, purple, and white.
* **Creeping Jenny:** Chartreuse foliage that trails beautifully.
* **Verbena:** Trailing varieties add color and movement.
* **Bacopa:** Small white or pink flowers.
* **Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’:** Silver, cascading foliage.

**Consider these Plant Combinations:**

* **Dramatic Height:** Ornamental Grass (Thriller) + Geraniums (Filler) + Sweet Potato Vine (Spiller)
* **Shady Elegance:** Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Thriller) + Impatiens (Filler) + Lobelia (Spiller)
* **Sunny Vibrance:** Canna (Thriller) + Petunias (Filler) + Verbena (Spiller)
* **Textural Contrast:** Boxwood (Thriller) + Coleus (Filler) + Creeping Jenny (Spiller)

Creative Bulking Agent Ideas

Think outside the box when it comes to bulking agents. Here are some creative and eco-friendly ideas:

* **Recycled Cardboard:** Shredded cardboard can be used as a bulking agent. Make sure it’s not glossy or printed with colored ink.
* **Old Toys:** Clean, plastic toys can be used to fill space. Make sure they are durable and won’t break down easily.
* **Construction Debris:** Clean, non-toxic construction debris, such as broken pieces of tile or brick, can be used in the bottom of the planter.
* **Packing Materials:** Reuse packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and other packing materials to fill space.
* **Natural Materials:** Pine cones, branches, and leaves can be used as bulking agents, especially for a rustic look. However, be aware that these materials will decompose over time.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

* **Poor Drainage:** If water is pooling on the surface of the soil, your planter may have poor drainage. Ensure that you have adequate drainage holes and a sufficient drainage layer. You may need to amend the potting mix with perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.
* **Root Rot:** If your plants are wilting or have yellowing leaves, they may be suffering from root rot. This is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings and ensure that your planter has good drainage.
* **Nutrient Deficiencies:** If your plants are not growing well or have pale leaves, they may be suffering from nutrient deficiencies. Fertilize your plants regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
* **Pests and Diseases:** Inspect your plants regularly for pests and diseases. Treat any problems promptly with appropriate pesticides or fungicides.

Tips for Success

* **Choose the Right Potting Mix:** Using a high-quality potting mix is essential for healthy plant growth. Avoid using garden soil, as it can compact and hinder drainage.
* **Water Regularly:** Water your plants regularly, especially during hot or dry weather. Check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch or two of soil is dry.
* **Fertilize Regularly:** Fertilize your plants regularly with a balanced fertilizer to provide them with the nutrients they need to grow.
* **Prune Regularly:** Prune your plants as needed to maintain their shape and encourage growth.
* **Monitor for Pests and Diseases:** Inspect your plants regularly for pests and diseases and treat any problems promptly.
* **Consider the Weight:** Remember that even with bulking agents, a large, tall planter can still be heavy. Choose a location where you won’t need to move it frequently.
* **Winter Protection:** If you live in a cold climate, consider moving your tall planter indoors or providing winter protection for your plants. Some plants may not be able to survive freezing temperatures.

Conclusion

Filling a tall planter doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. By using lightweight bulking agents and following these step-by-step instructions, you can create a beautiful and thriving container garden without breaking the bank. Remember to choose plants that are appropriate for your climate and growing conditions, and provide them with the care they need to flourish. With a little planning and effort, your tall planters will become a stunning focal point in your outdoor or indoor space.

Enjoy your beautiful, thriving tall planters!