Alright, confession time: I never thought I would be ranting about pool noodles as an adult. But here we are, and I have to admit, this hack amazed me in a good way. I saw it on TikTok (like all my life hacks these days), and I couldn’t not reveal it. TikTok creator @pennyjo8 created a fantastic trick with pool noodles in outdoor planters, and honestly? I’m kicking myself for not thinking of it sooner. It’s easy, cheap, and so smart—just the information any of us can use when summer heat is baking everything alive.
If you are like me, and your plants wilt the instant the sun comes out strong; stay tuned. This trick will not only help your plants stay cooler, but it will also save you money on potting soil and lighten up your planters a lot. Win-win-win.
What Is the Pool Noodle Planter Hack?
This idea is ridiculously simple: Instead of filling your entire planter with heavy soil, you make use of cut-up pool noodles to fill the first third of the planter. Yes, the colorful foam tubes we used to chase each other around the pool with.
Here is what she does in her viral video:
She cuts the noodles up into short lengths of about ¾ of the height of the planter.
She places the noodles vertically in the bottom of the planter, putting them in tightly.
Then she fills the rest of the planting area with soil, allowing it to settle naturally into the spaces. A couple taps to the side of the planter and a quick hand-leveling, and voilà! The soil looks entirely civilized on the top.
The final shot was flowers to plant on top and you have no idea pool noodles are in there.
If you want a little extra disguise, trailing plants like ivy or vinca should cover any sneaky shifts that present noodle-y evidence later.
Why This Hack Actually Works (It isn’t Just a Gimmick)
Let’s break down the reasons behind this pool noodle planter device, besides being a mindless TikTok trend:
Keeps Roots Cooler
Foam is an insulator. The pool noodles elevate the root mass/soil mass above the hot planter base, allowing heat category 2 or 3 roots to stay in the comfort of category 5 roots. This is particularly relevant on searing July afternoons when planters too hot to touch.
You Are Saving Soil (No Really, Adds Up)
Have you ever filled a deep container with soil? Like, bag after bag—and good potting mix isn’t cheap. Pool noodles effectively cut the amount of soil your need by filling in the bottom 1/3 of container. That’s cheaper soil (fewer trips to the garden center battling a back that is already complaining about the previous load/deliveries).
Improves Drainage without Mess
Your plant’s roots will drown without drainage in your planter. Traditionally, this is done by filling your planter with 2-4 inches of rocks or a broken pot—making your planter incredibly heavy! Foam noodles offer you similar drainage support, without the burden of weight. Water flows around them and through them easily, which alleviates any issues with waterlogged roots.
Makes Planters Lighter and Easier to Move.
This is great if you’re using large containers like pots or raised beds. If you were to fill them completely with dirt the pots would be essentially immovable once they were watered. But with the pool noodles? You are eliminating a lot of weight. This makes moving your patio around easier (and keeps you lower-back intact).
How to Try the Pool Noodle Planter Hack for Yourself.
Queries about how to try the pool noodle planter hack? Here is how we did it:
Step 1: Pool Noodles.
You can get them at your nearest dollar store, Walmart, or pulled out from the garage. One noodle generally yields 6-8 pieces.
Step 2: Cut Them to Size.
You want them about ¾ of your planter height. You want plenty of space for dirt on top so your vegetable or plant roots can grow.
Step 3: Stand Them Up.
Fill the bottom of your container with the cut noodles in an upright position, as this gives the best support and drainage.
Step 4: Add the Dirt.
Pour your potting mix in. You don’t have to worry about it clumping together—just let the potting mix fall where it wants between the noodles. You can tap on the pot gently to let the potting mix settle.
Step 5: Plant and Cover.
Plant like you normally would! If you are worried about noodles showing in the future, you may add trailing plants along the outer edges for an aesthetically pleasing cascading cover.
Don’t Sleep on the Pool Noodle Planter Hack.
I know, I know: it seems almost too easy. But that is really the beauty of this hack! The pool noodle planter hack is a beautiful piece of good luck—the rare gardening hacks that make your life easier while actually helping to grow your plants. If you have ever dealt with the agony of rooted plants being scorched, exorbitant soil costs, or have a pot or container that weighs 50 pounds, you will feel me on this one.
So next time you’re staring at a sad noodle someone dropped off at the dollar store? Grab it! Your plants will be happy, and who knows—you might even impress a fellow gardener with your sneaky summer hack.
