Packing out containers

[MilkyChopsKid]

I'm going to order some annuals to fill some large containers, do I need to fill the containers completely with earth or is there something cheaper to bulk the earth out at the bottom?

I don't want the plants to suffer btw!

Thanks

i put polystyrine broken up in the bottom of my pots, or broken crockery.

The soil only needs to be as deep as the roots of the new plants

Stones etc from garden (helps drainage too), 'leftover' soil from whatever was in pot before all fine

These ideas are great, although the garden isn't mine so I can't really 'borrow' stones and old soil. Will find some old polystyrine, there must be lots in old boxes! We will work on the broken crockery

pop down your local comet or similar and ask for their old packaging

I've now got more broken crockery than pots. With dcs about, its very easy to come by!
I use last year's soil for the bottom, then top up with new compost. Look up how big the roots will grow, or how deep it needs to be and don't worry about making it much deeper than that.

Thanks for the extra tips, this is my first year with a garden so everything is new!