Whether you are filling a planter or planting in the garden, here are some tips to keep in mind. These tips can help you with everything from soil and water to keeping the planter from being overheated.

Pool noodles

Whether you are a crafter or simply love to create, pool noodles can be a fun way to fill your planter with color and festiveness. These inexpensive foam pieces are also great for creating festive wreaths and garland.

You can cut the pool noodles into various sizes. They can be thin strips for smaller planters, or you can make chunks that are taller and more rigid. You can also cut them into shapes to fit in large planters.

These pieces are also perfect for creating drink markers. You can cut them into half inch segments, or you can wrap them around the stem of a glass for a festive beverage holder.

You can also use the pool noodles to make Rudolph ornaments. You can make antler shapes out of them and attach them to foam circles. The foam is durable and will hold up well.

You can then paint the surface of the pool noodle. The best paint to use is high quality acrylic paint. The paint should be applied in small even layers. This will prevent the paint from fading. You can also add an acrylic sealer to help extend the life of the paint.

Landscape fabric

Using landscape fabric to fill a planter is not only a cost-effective solution to garden maintenance, but it also improves the look of your landscape. It will make your garden look great, as well as keep out unwanted weeds. It is also easy to install and will not require much maintenance after installation.

The best type of landscape fabric to use is the woven kind. These fabrics are made of tightly woven polypropylene fibers, and they have tiny holes for air and water to pass through. You may also want to use a bark mulch to improve the appearance of the landscape fabric. This will also protect the fabric from UV rays.

Before laying out your landscape fabric, you need to rake and smooth the ground. This will ensure that the fabric is laid out correctly. You should be able to roll out the fabric with two people. You should also be sure to use a sharp utility knife to cut the appropriate slit. The slit should be big enough to accommodate a root ball.

Aged cow or chicken manure

Adding aged cow or chicken manure to your planter boxes is an ideal way to get the nutrients that your plants need. These manures are rich in nitrogen and potassium, but they are also very mild. This makes them suitable for a wide range of plant uses.

Using fresh animal manure in your garden is not a good idea. The odor and the chemicals can contaminate your vegetables. It is better to use composted manure in your garden. It will improve the soil’s ability to hold on to nutrients, and will also help keep the roots healthy.

You can buy aged manure in bags or muslin sheets. It can be used for planting, mulching around your plants, or as a soil amendment. You can mix it with good quality compost for optimum results.

When filling a planter box with aged manure, you should be careful to ensure the box is filled with the proper depth of soil. A thin, low-quality soil may leech nutrients from your plants. You should use a combination of organic matter and sand in the bottom of your planter boxes. This will help the water drain easily.

Potting soil

Regardless of the plants you grow, you’ll need a growing medium that provides air and space for healthy root growth. Potting soil is ideal because it provides a light, fluffy texture for the roots of your plants. There are many different types of potting mixes. Choose one that works well for your particular plant.

Most potting soils are comprised of a combination of perlite and peat moss. The moss adds stability and helps retain moisture. The perlite makes the mix lightweight and aerated.

Some mixes contain other ingredients to help with drainage. These additives can include compost, bone meal, earthworm castings, or kelp meal. They may also contain nutrient-rich additives such as a slow-release fertilizer.

If you’re planting a succulent, a potting soil mix with a high percentage of coarse sand is the best choice. This helps to create a higher water layer on the bottom of the pot. It also helps to aerate the soil.

Another ingredient in potting soil is vermiculite. It’s a lightweight volcanic rock that’s mined and expanded into a soft, fluffy powder. It also aerates the soil and holds onto nutrients.