"K" wrote in message
...
®óñ© © ²°¹°-°¹ writes
On Mon, 11 May 2009 18:06:44 +0100, Tom wrote:

I'll need to put stones at the bottom (the holes in the pots I've got
are pretty big).

I've often wondered. Is there any alternative to a layer of crocks or
stones in the bottom of pots?

The layer of stones or crocks is as much to improve drainage as it is to
stop soil falling through the holes. I don't bother with it, and I think a
lot of people don't nowadays.

I'm thinking an open nylon mesh or a zinc mesh in variously-sized
grids which could be cut to size. Has anyone invented this yet, or
should I?

I've used zinc mesh before. Can't remember any problems with it.

I have used broken up polystyrene several times which worked fine, also
teabags for a quick fix for something I'd be planting out fairly soon.

Tina