Frequently Asked Questions About Reusable Drainage Material
Find answers to the most common questions about our reusable, eco-friendly drainage solution for container gardens.
Learn More About Better Than Rocks Reusable Drainage Material
What is Better Than Rocks®?
Better Than Rocks is an innovative, lightweight, reusable mesh designed to sit at the bottom of planters for optimal drainage. It promotes drainage, reduces container weight, and supports healthier plants. Unlike traditional drainage materials like rocks or packing peanuts, it’s clean, mess-free and sustainable. Use it in window boxes, houseplants and all outdoor containers for improved pot drainage.
How is Better Than Rocks used for planter pot drainage?
Better Than Rocks works by creating a drainage layer that
- Keeps soil in place
- Improves airflow to roots
- Prevents root rot
- Allows water to drain efficiently
- And does so without adding extra weight to your planter!
It’s a lightweight, no-fuss way to give your plants the healthy foundation they need to thrive.
What sizes of Better Than Rocks drainage insert are available?
Better Than Rocks drainage inserts come in four sizes:
• 8" × 8" inches
• 10" × 10" inches
• 12" × 12" inches
• 16" × 96" inches (Jumbo Roll)
The 16" × 96" Jumbo is our most flexible and economical solution for improving drainage in a wide range of containers. Easily cut to fit containers of various shapes and sizes.
What is Better Than Rocks gardening mesh made from?
Better Than Rocks is a non-woven sustainable gardening mesh made from at least 75% post-consumer recycled plastic, mostly from soda bottles. The 16" × 96" Jumbo drainage material repurposes 38 bottles. Built to last and reusable year after year, it keeps plastic out of landfills while supporting eco-friendly gardening.
How To Use Drainage Material In Your Planters
Why use Better Than Rocks instead of rocks, packing peanuts or other materials?
- Rocks make planters heavy and don’t work well for drainage.
- Packing peanuts can blow away, are messy, and can break down over time.
- Soil seeps around rocks and other traditional materials, clogging drainage holes.
Better Than Rocks is a reusable, lightweight solution that solves these issues cleanly and sustainably.
Does Better Than Rocks drainage material hold moisture?
No. It’s designed to let water pass through freely and keep roots healthy. It prevents excess moisture from pooling and keeps soil securely in place, supporting healthy drainage in your container.
Can I cut Better Than Rocks to fit my pot?
Yes! Our smart drainage material is easy to trim with scissors or garden shears, making it simple to customize for any shape or size container. We recommend this gardening shears available at Fiskars' website.
Do I need to cut the precut squares into circles for a round container?
You can trim the corners, but it is not necessary. The material is flexible, so you can just fold the corners up or down and alternate each layer. If you do trim the corners, don’t throw them away! Place them in the very bottom of the container and then use the trimmed circle(s) on top of them.
Does Better Than Rocks work in all container shapes and sizes?
Yes, Better Than Rocks works in all container shapes and sizes. Its flexible drainage mesh can be cut to fit traditional pots, window boxes, and even unusually shaped planters — making it a very adaptable option for drainage.
Can I use Better Than Rocks in my indoor houseplants?
Absolutely. Better Than Rocks is an ideal solution for indoor houseplant drainage. A single layer keeps soil in place, promotes drainage, and helps prevent soggy roots — making indoor plant care easier and more efficient.
Learn how to use Better Than Rocks in different planting scenarios.
Can I use Better Than Rocks in a succulent planter for better drainage?
Succulents benefit from the additional drainage that Better Than Rocks provides and the pocket of air that it creates. For optimal succulent planter drainage, we found the most success using Better Than Rocks in the bottom of the container and then placing very fine pebbles - larger than sand but smaller than rocks - on top of the Better Than Rocks material. Finally, place the appropriate soil matter on top of those. Loose, rocky soil that is nutrient-rich is optimal. Always use a container with a drain hole to provide fresh air and a means for any excess water to exit.
Can I use Better Than Rocks in vegetable or fruit containers?
Better Than Rocks was developed for houseplants and outdoor containers. We have had customers report that they have used Better Than Rocks in containers for growing vegetables and fruits, and that worked well. The plastic mesh is made with recycled soda bottles. By visual test, the material does not produce ″lint″ when shaken, and therefore we do not believe that fibers enter the soil of the pot, however, no laboratory testing has been completed to verify this visual observation.
Will roots grow into Better Than Rocks over time?
This will vary with each type of plant, but most plants don't grow into the drainage material. When emptying a container, separate any roots from the mesh using a scissors or knife if necessary. If the roots in the mesh do not come out after rinsing, store the pieces as is and the roots will dry out for easy removal.
What if I use rocks for ballast or the protection of my container against the wind?
Sometimes weight is necessary! Place whatever material you desire in the bottom of the container for weight (rocks or bricks work nicely). Then, place two layers of Better Than Rocks to keep the soil from working its way down into the ballast area, where it could plug the drain hole.
Do I need a drain hole when using Better Than Rocks in my planter?
If possible, it is best to drill a drainage hole. But if you can't, know that the product itself will do fine in a pot without a hole. Be sure to not overwater your plant if you don't have a drainage hole. Most plants don't appreciate saturated soil at their roots 100% of the time. We highly recommend only using containers with drainage holes.
Layering Drainage Material
How many layers of Better Than Rocks drainage material should I use for permanent containers?
For permanent containers such as houseplants or outdoor planters in warm climates, we recommend using just one to two layers. This leaves ample space for roots to grow and thrive over the plant’s lifetime. Better Than Rocks helps keep soil securely in the pot while ensuring the drainage hole stays clear and functional. It also promotes healthy airflow and oxygen circulation within the planter, creating the ideal environment for happy, thriving plants. Say goodbye to soggy, over-saturated soil for good!
For layering guidance by planter type, geography and more check out our How To page.
How many layers of Better Than Rocks should I use for seasonal containers or annuals?
For seasonal containers — like those filled with flowering annuals — you can use three to four layers of Better Than Rocks to fill the bottom third of the planter. Since annuals don’t require the full depth for root growth, this approach helps reduce the amount of soil needed while maintaining excellent drainage. And don’t worry — using multiple layers isn’t wasteful. Better Than Rocks is reusable, year after year.
At the end of the season, simply let your plants die back, store the containers, and you’ll be nearly ready for planting next spring! We typically refresh the soil every few years, though some folks prefer to do it annually — it’s totally up to you. If you choose to empty the container, just rinse off the Better Than Rocks and store it with your planter for future use.
For layering guidance by planter type, geography and more check out How To page.
Cleaning and Maintaining Better Than Rocks
What’s the best way to clean Better Than Rocks?
Cleaning Better Than Rocks is quick and hassle-free. After emptying your planter, simply shake off any loose soil, then rinse it using a garden hose or a bucket of water. Let it air dry completely before storing or reusing. It’s that easy—much simpler than dealing with heavy, messy rocks!
If you notice plant roots tangled in the mesh, no worries. Just store the material as is until you're ready to plant again—the roots will naturally dry out and become easy to remove.
An Eco-friendly Gardening Solution
Can I reuse Better Than Rocks?
Absolutely! Better Than Rocks is designed to last season after season. Made from durable recycled plastic, it holds up beautifully over time — so you may never need to replace it. With each use, it might get a bit dirtier or slightly compressed, but it continues to perform just as well.
In fact, reusing Better Than Rocks is part of the magic. It’s an eco-friendly way to keep plastic out of landfills for good. Fun fact: the product’s inventor is still using pieces that have been through twenty planting seasons and counting!
How is Better Than Rocks better for the environment?
Better Than Rocks is an eco-friendly gardening solution built to last and reusable for years, reducing waste and the need for replacement. It's made with 75% recycled plastic, primarily from soda bottles, helping divert waste from landfills.
Fun Facts:
The 8" × 8" Twin Pack is made using three recycled soda bottles.
The 10" × 10" Twin Pack is made using five recycled soda bottles.
The 12" × 12" Twin Pack is made using seven recycled soda bottles.
The 16" × 96" Jumbo is made using a whopping 38 recycled soda bottles!
More Answers About Better Than Rocks
Where is Better Than Rocks manufactured?
Better Than Rocks is proudly manufactured in Canada and packaged in the USA at a career development center—creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities or disadvantages.
- Packaging is 100% American-made
- Archovations, Inc., a 100% woman-owned small business based in Hudson, Wisconsin
We’re committed not only to sustainability, but also to supporting inclusive employment and local production.
How do I return an order of Better Than Rocks?
Please refer to our Return Policy for details.
Where can I purchase Better Than Rocks?
Better Than Rocks is available for purchase through select garden centers and online at betterthanrocks.com.
Have More Questions About Better Than Rocks Drainage Solutions?
Let’s chat! Please contact us at 715-381-9700 during business hours and we’d love to discuss your question. You can also email getgrowing@betterthanrocks.com. If you are referencing a purchase, be sure to include your order number.