Why You Should Rethink This Pool Noodle Plant Hack This Summer

While many people might enjoy the intense heat of summer and all the fun in the sun that comes along with it, certain plants can be hit hard by high temperatures. This is especially true for potted plants, which already tend to need more frequent watering to remain moist enough to thrive. Recently, a hack appeared on TikTok recommending that container gardeners use sections of pool noodle in the bottom of large planters to require less potting soil. Blogs like Family Handyman then posted about the video, claiming that the hack will also allow enough extra air circulation to keep potted plants cool during hot weather. But does it really work? 

In an exclusive interview with House Digest, we asked an expert: Ashley Esakin, who has a bachelor's degree in soil science and runs a YouTube channel called Gardening in Canada focused on bringing science to gardening. According to Esakin, this hack is likely not the key to cooling down your potted plants. However, that doesn't mean that using pool noodle sections as planter filling doesn't have any potential benefits. Check out this expert's hot take on how to cool your potted plants and what pool noodles are actually good for when it comes to growing a container garden.

When it comes to using pool noodles in planters to keep roots cool, Ashley Esakin is not at all convinced. In fact, she revealed that in her opinion, the hack could make your plants even hotter. "The temperature of air increases much quicker than wet soil does," the expert explained during an exclusive interview with House Digest. "So on a hot day, it would have the opposite effect." How would she recommend keeping container plants cool? By choosing pot colors that are light in color and made out of double-walled plastic or terracotta. If you want to get experimental, you could also try the wrapping your planters in aluminum foil during summer.

Esakin did share that she could imagine one practical use for pool noodle sections if you're looking to add filler items to the bottom of your planters. "It's great for anyone with mobility issues," she remarked. "It makes for a much lighter pot." However, she warns that the noodles will float if the pot becomes waterlogged. "Place something heavier on top, such as plywood, to help keep everything down," she recommended. "In the spring, when the potting soil dries out, rehydrating it can be a nightmare if the noodles are not weighted."