very newbie question...

[QuasiGreen]

Back when I used to garden I would put a few layers of newspaper at the bottom of the pot to prevent soil from coming out the drain holes.

What would you guys recommend? I'm sure newspaper is good enough I just want to do my first grow perfect.

 

[Rentaldog]

I dont have anything, I just set my plant pots on a tray to catch drainage when I water You shouldnt lose much soil, least not that ive noticed.

 

[vostok]

Your soil has to much sand or dry matter, add some lumpy stuff, like bark, gravel, best is perlite,
or me now using some insect mesh that I admit makes flushing later a very slow biz,
avoid at all costs using anything that will hold water, as it will hold nute and yes create issues later​

 

[QuasiGreen]

What are those little clay balls called that are usually used in hydro. I could use those at the bottom of my pots.

 

[Bugeye]

For a standard pot, you don't need anything. In a soil grow, why waste space with anything but soil?

Your roots will hold soil in just fine once they are down.

 

[TBoneJack]

Use the pots without newspaper. Nothing but your soil mix. The soil won't dissipate through the holes.

 

[rob333]

Back when I used to garden I would put a few layers of newspaper at the bottom of the pot to prevent soil from coming out the drain holes.

What would you guys recommend? I'm sure newspaper is good enough I just want to do my first grow perfect.

i use ruff coco lave rock clay balls or about 20mm of perlite

 

[WeekendSupervisor]

What are those little clay balls called that are usually used in hydro. I could use those at the bottom of my pots.

LECA - Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate
or
Hydroton (well known brand name)

 

[QuasiGreen]

Thank you!!!! I could not remember what the stuff was called.... Hydroton.

 

[az2000]

If you put panty hose on the bottom of your container it will hold the soil and prevent fungus gnats access too. Won't restrict drainage like newspaper will.