How to Use Better Than Rocks

Better Than Rocks is a lightweight, reusable pot filler designed to eliminate common container gardening issues—like poor drainage, heavy soil and root rot. By creating an aerated base layer inside your planter, Better Than Rocks improves air and water flow, helping your plants thrive in all conditions. As a bonus, it also reduces the amount of potting mix you need.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• How to properly use Better Than Rocks
• Special installation tips by planter size
• Best practices based on planter type
• Regional climate considerations for year-round success

Whether you’re working with a small indoor pot or a large outdoor container, Better Than Rocks makes your gardening easier, lighter, and more sustainable.

Begin by collecting everything you’ll need before you start planting. Make sure your chosen pot, planter or container has adequate drainage holes. You’ll also require an appropriate amount of Better Than Rocks drainage material, potting soil (or your preferred planting mix) and the plants, flowers or greenery you plan to grow. Having all materials at the ready streamlines the process and helps you maintain the correct planting depth.

Once your container is prepared, spread a layer of Better Than Rocks evenly across the bottom. Depending on the size of your planter and local climate conditions (see recommendations below), aim for a thickness between one and four inches. This foundational layer supports proper drainage and aeration, setting the stage for healthy root development.

Next, layer your potting mix on top of the Better Than Rocks. Gently press down to eliminate large air pockets, but be careful not to overpack the soil. Leave enough room so that when you place your plant, the root ball will sit comfortably without spilling soil over the rim.

Carefully place your plant(s) in the container and fill in around the roots with additional soil as needed. Aim to keep about one inch of space between the soil line and the top of the planter. This gap helps contain water while watering and prevents overflow, maintaining a clean surface around the planter.

Finish by watering your newly potted plant until you see water draining from the bottom. The Better Than Rocks layer promotes efficient drainage, so you won’t have to worry about standing water or root rot. Regularly check the soil’s moisture level to ensure your plant remains well-hydrated but not overwatered.

When working with smaller pots, start by adding 1 to 2 layers of Better Than Rocks to the bottom. Because these containers are relatively shallow, the soil can dry out quickly—especially in hot or arid climates—so be sure to check moisture levels more frequently and water as needed. An 8"x8" Twin Pack of Better Than Rocks is typically sufficient for several small pots, providing the right amount of drainage and aeration without taking up too much soil space.

For medium-sized planters, 2 to 4 layers of Better Than Rocks creates an optimal balance of drainage and air. This allows a comfortable root zone above the Better Than Rocks layer, helping plants establish healthy growth. Consider choosing a potting soil blend that meets your specific plant needs—such as a mix tailored for vegetables, herbs or ornamentals. The 10"x10", 12"x12" or 16"x96" Jumbo Roll of Better Than Rocks will all work depending on the diameter of your pots.

Large planters benefit from 3 to 4+ layers of Better Than Rocks, which significantly reduces the total amount of soil required. This not only cuts down on overall weight—making these big containers easier to move—but also provides excellent drainage for plants with deeper root systems. For large planters with diameters of 13 inches or more, opt for the Jumbo Roll which will provide enough material to create a generous drainage layer in multiple containers.

In the arid climates of the Southwest, 2 to 3+ layers of Better Than Rocks helps containers withstand extreme heat and minimal rainfall. Deep, infrequent watering is often ideal, as it encourages roots to reach downward without risking root rot. Better Than Rocks ensures water drains quickly, preventing any pooling at the bottom of the planter. For terracotta pots in particular, consider using a moisture-retentive potting mix and adding mulch on the soil surface to further reduce evaporation.

In regions with frequent rain and high humidity, 2 to 4 layers of Better Than Rocks provides essential drainage and airflow around plant roots. This helps prevent waterlogging, a common issue in the Southeast. To further aid runoff, elevate or tilt planters slightly so excess water can flow away. By combining Better Than Rocks with proper planter elevation, you reduce the risk of root rot and fungal problems that thrive in damp conditions.

For cooler climates that experience significant freeze-thaw cycles, using 2 to 3 layers of Better Than Rocks can buffer plants against soil expansion and contracting due to temperature swings. If your region sees particularly wet springs, consider increasing the layer by an extra inch to manage additional moisture. Keeping drainage holes clear ensures melting snow has a clear path out of the planter, and moving or wrapping containers during severe winters can provide added insulation for both the planter and the Better Than Rocks layer.

In coastal settings, 2 to 4 layers of Better Than Rocks helps mitigate salt buildup and manage strong winds. Periodic flushing of the soil pushes accumulated salts through the Better Than Rocks layer, preventing harmful concentrations around the roots. If you’re using metal planters, this drainage layer not only regulates temperature swings but also minimizes standing moisture that could accelerate rust or corrosion.