Putting screen in plant pots is a good idea, as it keeps soil in pots. Find out the reasons why you want to add screen to drainage holes. Here is a quick tip for easily screening the holes in plant pots. Drywall tape is a good alternative for screen. Discover how to use drywall tape, and about using screen in general.
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Today, I am going to give you a quick tip about how to make sure that when you have drainage holes on your pots—which you generally want to have almost all the time—there’s a quick method for adding screening so you don’t lose soil. It’s a good idea to use screening, as what will happen over time is soil will gradually seep through the drainage hole each time you water. This can lead to the soil level becoming very low in the pot, which is undesirable. Ideally, the soil should remain no more than a quarter to a half-inch below the pot’s rim to avoid problems like pests and diseases such as root rot. I also have a video on why it’s best to keep the soil level up to avoid pest and disease issues.
To prevent soil loss and other issues, using screening can help. Another benefit is that if you’re using worm compost in your potting soil, which is a great amendment, the screening can also prevent the occasional worm from crawling out through the drainage hole. Though rare, this can happen. For screening material, you can buy pre-made screens or cut up regular screen material. Just ensure it has small holes, which will allow for drainage but keep the soil in place.
For today’s tip, I recommend using drywall tape as screening. I came across this idea when I ran out of regular screening material and didn’t want to deal with fiberglass screens, which can be prickly and difficult to cut. I found some leftover drywall tape from a renovation project, and it turned out to be ideal for screening. It’s made of plastic, durable, and easy to cut with scissors.
Here’s how to use drywall tape as a screen for your plant pots. Start by cutting a piece and folding it over a few times to make the holes smaller. You can place the layers slightly off-center from each other so that the gaps are smaller than those on regular screening. Drywall tape also has a bit of stickiness, which helps it adhere to the pot’s bottom, preventing it from shifting.
Place the sticky side down inside the pot, covering the drainage hole. The tape will stay in place, which makes it ideal for planting, and you can see through it to confirm it’s secure. Before you start filling the pot with soil, it’s a good idea to add a small layer of soil, then lift the pot to ensure that the tape is still in place. This step is crucial, as sometimes the screen can shift while filling the pot, especially with lightweight screen materials. If it shifts, you might have to reposition it with a tool like a pencil. It’s best to check before fully potting the plant, as fixing it later can be difficult.
Drywall tape also has other benefits—it’s easy to store and doesn’t require rolling up like traditional screens, which can be cumbersome.
So, that’s my tip for today! Thank you for stopping by. Please remember to leave any comments about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. And, as always, remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video. Don’t forget to hit the bell if you’d like to be notified when new videos are released!
FAQs for Keeping Soil in Place in Pots with Drainage Holes
Why is it important to use a screen for drainage holes in plant pots?
Using a screen for drainage holes prevents soil from gradually seeping out during watering, helping maintain an ideal soil level. This helps avoid issues like pests and diseases, such as root rot.
What type of material works well as a screen for drainage holes?
Drywall tape or pre-made screens with small holes work well for covering drainage holes. These allow water to drain while keeping soil in place, preventing soil loss over time.
How do I use drywall tape as a screen for plant pot drainage holes?
Cut a piece of drywall tape, fold it over a few times, and layer it slightly off-center. Place the sticky side down over the drainage hole in the pot, which will help it adhere and stay in place while planting.
Can drywall tape be used for indoor pots with worm compost?
Yes, drywall tape also helps prevent worms from crawling out through the drainage hole when worm compost is used in potting soil. This setup maintains the soil and compost within the pot.
What should I check before filling the pot with soil?
After placing the drywall tape or screen over the drainage hole, add a small layer of soil and lift the pot to ensure the screen is still in place. This step helps avoid shifting during filling.
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