Screens for drainage holes?

[Stealthboat]

My pots have 4 holes each in the bottom for drainage (about 1 square inch holes). What can I use as a screen to prevent the medium from draining out the holes? Paper towel? Cheesecloth? Wire screening?

 

[MacEFL]

I cut a round of felt and put it in the bottom of the pot. Works well and lighter than rocks.

 

[Stealthboat]

Will wet felt contract mold?

 

[MacEFL]

It is the same fabric used for the fabric pots. Made out of plastic. I have seen no mold or mildew problems.

 

[Stealthboat]

Sounds like a good solution, thanks!

 

[Stealthboat]

Update: Got some Acrylic felt, cut it and sized it to the holes and bam, done. Haven't seen any negative effects at all.

 

[devils letuce]

Update: Got some Acrylic felt, cut it and sized it to the holes and bam, done. Haven't seen any negative effects at all.

it should be fine because that's how the smart pots are made of .

i just wonder since it will stay wet could that cause it to start molding ?

 

[MacEFL]

I harvested not too long ago and checked the felt. There were quite a few roots entwined in the felt and no other discoloration. Dirty of course but no green or white anywhere. I just potted 8 more using the same stuff.

 

[devils letuce]

yea i use smart pots and love them . i just some dirt pots also to compare them . i swear u can se some of the salts im the nutes get filtered through the felt .