Embodiments of a system and method for potting plants are disclosed. The system can include a drain shield, a filling material, and a liner for placing between the filling material and a growing medium. In particular embodiments, the filling material comprises expanded polystyrene spheres. The liner is a porous material allowing passage of fluids and preventing passage of substantial amounts of growing medium. The drain shield can include a top wall, at least two supports, at least two bottom walls, and a bottom member having a plurality of openings. The drain shield may include adhesive strips for securing the drain shield to a bottom wall of the container. Also disclosed are embodiments of a method for potting a plant in a container having at least one drain hole in a bottom wall of the container.