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Finding mesh to cover plant pot drainage holes

iogiog Posts: 19
in Tools and techniques
Greetings -- I'm a new member who moved to the U.K. from the U.S. Do gardeners here use mesh to cover the drainage holes in pots? I'm having difficulty finding where to purchase it, apart from online bonsai stores. I'm happy to buy it at one of these shops, but it would seem that if many gardeners used it, the product would be stocked by garden retailers, not just bonsai specialists. I would prefer to have a choice, and a mesh that is fine enough in size to prevent insects from getting in to the container. Many thanks for any ideas.  
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  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I've never heard of it. I only use a bit of kitchen roll to stop the compost falling out when I fill it.
    I would have thought that any insect that wants in could go through the top anyway.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • FlyDragonFlyDragon Posts: 834
    Don't think its really a thing here.  You can get hessian for lining pond baskets, but I agree with B3, if an insect wants in it will get in!
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    I use bits of landscaping fabric. It's sold as weed barrier in most places but it's water permeable. Wilko and the like sell it very cheaply. If you need faster drainage just prick a few larger holes into it. Old net curtains would probably work just as well.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    A bit of landscape fabric does the job, but only at keeping soil from falling through holes.
    Insects come in regardless of the condition of the bottom of the pot  :)
    For a permanent solution, you can get samples of very fine metal mesh online. I got some for my bird cages and ground feeder.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,718
    I think you’re trying to solve a problem that doesn’t exist. Plants’ roots will bind the compost to stop it falling through though if it is a big pot with big drainage holes I will put a few crocks in the bottom.

    On the limited evidence of a little that I have read I would say British gardeners are much more tolerant of insects on their plants than their American counterparts. We seem to acknowledge that even the smallest of creatures plays a role in a balanced ecosystem and our intervention with insecticides throws things out of kilter. But maybe that is not the case or maybe American pests are much more pesty.
    Rutland, England
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    Most fruit and veg from supermarkets is sold with nets of some sort covering the food and all in plastic (for now) containers.  Save some of the fineness you like in readiness?  In my youth it was standard practice to put a bit of broken tile or slate over the hole to achieve the same purpose.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    A friend of mine in Belgium used cut up J-cloth - brand new, not used - to line the bottom pf pots when doing cuttings or potting on seedlings and divisions.   I have never felt the need.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • spookessspookess Posts: 63
    I smashed up a cermic tile from a spare box we had and used a piece of that the other day. Works a treat and the smashing part was fun too! 😁
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I save those for bigger pots with permanent plants in them or ones that I need to grow on a while before planting out.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • madpenguinmadpenguin Posts: 2,543
    edited July 2020
    I sometimes use old teabags.I keep a supply of dried out ones in the garage!
    Also use the black weed suppressing fabric.
    The green mesh greenhouse shading is also good as a far cheaper version than that sold for bonsai enthusiasts!
    “Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
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