Why pot shards at the bottom of a potted plant? (lemons, root)

[Visit a Library]

I recently watched a video in which is was recommended that pot shards be put at the bottom of a potted plant. Is there a particular reason to use pot shards? Why not something else, such as rocks?

[gentlearts]

Rocks and pot shards are the same. Pot shards are a good way use up broken clay pots, and you can use big pieces or little pieces.

[nuts2uiam]

Also, if you use the clay pot shards they will hold some extra moisture for the plants.

[Visit a Library]

thanks

[Valerie C]

Clay pot shards are useful in keeping soil in, while allowing excess water to drain from the holes in the bottom of the pot. If you have a pot with NO holes (not recommended) it's very important to fill the bottom of the pot with small rocks, perhaps a couple inches deep (more, if a large pot) so that the soil at the bottom doesn't become saturated and cause root rot.

[Ohiogirl81]

Not only do the shards keep the dirt in the pot, but also it's extremely satisfying to drop a broken pot from shoulder height onto the patio or sidewalk to get smaller pieces to fit into the pot.

[hueyeats]

Useful tips.

[Boxter01]

Its for drainage.

[Wilson513]

An old cotton sock works a lot better. But, I still use pot shards because it is much more elegant.

[calel]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

Not only do the shards keep the dirt in the pot, but also it's extremely satisfying to drop a broken pot from shoulder height onto the patio or sidewalk to get smaller pieces to fit into the pot.

Yes! It's kind of like turning lemons into lemonade. Dog destroyed one of my nice pots. Now I destroy it more to stick at the bottom of other pots.