Better Than Rocks ®
One Gardener's Plant Drainage Solution, Shared with the World
How one gardener’s frustration with heavy planters that lack adequate drainage sparked an innovative, eco-friendly solution now trusted by container gardeners everywhere.
Challenges In Container Gardening
I'm Sarah Atkins, the creator of Better Than Rocks and a lifelong gardener. Like many, I used to fill my pots with rocks, broken clay, and anything else I thought might help with drainage. But no matter what I tried, my containers were too heavy to move and didn’t drain well.
A Better Drainage Solution
One spring, I decided to try a recycled plastic mesh my family invented for its construction business in place of rocks. The results were incredible. My planters were lighter, easier to move, and my plants were healthier and thriving. I realized I didn’t just solve my own gardening challenge — I’d found a better way for container gardeners everywhere. That’s how Better Than Rocks was born.
Maximize Your Plants Health
Today, Better Than Rocks is trusted by container gardeners across the country looking for an easier, more sustainable way to grow. Made from 75% recycled plastic, our lightweight mesh replaces heavy, outdated drainage methods and helps prevent root rot by improving air and water flow at the bottom of your pots. It keeps soil where it belongs, drains excess water, and works season after season, year after year.
Versataile Solution for Your Container Garden
What started on my own patio has become the go-to drainage solution for container gardens of all shapes and sizes. Whether your planters are for a balcony, a rooftop, deck, the backyard or indoor houseplants, Better Than Rocks helps you grow beautiful, healthy plants—while helping reduce plastic waste at the same time.
Each BTR Jumbo (16"x96") is made from 38 recycled soda bottles! You never have to throw Better Than Rocks away, so you are keeping these plastic bottles out of the landfill!
If you haven’t tried it yet, I hope you will. And when you do, please let us know what you think. We love hearing from our fellow gardeners!
Yours in green gardening,
Sarah Atkins - Inventor and Garden Lover