Should Planter Boxes Have Drain Holes? The short answer is yes, planter boxes should have drain holes. Proper drainage is critical to growing healthy plants, because the roots need access to air. Plants sitting in stagnant water have a high chance of developing root rot, which is a serious and often lethal condition for plants.
How many drainage holes in a planter box?
You’ll need 6-8 drainage holes in a planter that is 12 inches in size. For a smaller one, you can use 3-6 drainage holes and it should be fine. You can space the drainage holes 1-2 inches apart depending on how large the planter box is.
Can you use a planter without drainage holes?
However, nothing beats the natural drainage you get from those few simple little holes. If you want to use a planter without drainage holes, we’d suggest using it as an outer container, and “double potting” the plant.
Do Plants need holes in plastic pots?
Plastic planters need holes, too, and those plastic pots our plants normally come in always have generous drainage . When it’s time to move our new plants to their new home, many of us decide to stay with plastic pots as they’re robust and long-lasting.
How do you keep a planter box from sagging?
You can mark the location of the drainage holes on the bottom of the planter using a pencil. Place the planter box on a stable table so the bottom is facing up. Fallen wood debris is easier to clean up if you place a tarp, plastic sheet, newspaper, or something similar underneath it.
How to plant a plant without drainage holes?
How many drainage holes do you need?
Why do plants die in a planter?
Why do you put saucers under planters?
What do plants need to survive?
How to make a self watering planter?
Can you drill holes in plastic planters?
See 2 more
Should outdoor planters have drainage holes?
Whether your potted plants are indoors or outdoors, proper drainage is an essential element to ensure they stay healthy. This process keeps water from pooling at the base of the pot, which can cause bacteria, fungus and root rot.
Should I put holes in the bottom of a planter box?
Drainage holes are essential. If you choose a decorative planter without drainage holes, drill a hole between 3/8- and 5/8-inches. For ceramic planters, use a masonry drill bit, beginning with 1/4-inch then work up to 1/2-inch.
Do all planters need drainage holes?
Not all planters have drainage holes, and that's okay, too! There are plenty of ways around a pot without a drainage hole. In fact, some of the most stylish planters do not have drainage holes, as they sit atop sleek wooden stands (and this would be a big mess if there were a drainage hole!).
Should I drill holes in the bottom of my raised garden bed?
Yes, it's important to drill holes in the bottom of your raised garden bed because they facilitate drainage. If you accidentally overwater the soil, the extra water will seep through these openings.
What do you put in the bottom of a planter box for drainage?
Perlite is a soil amendment that improves drainage and encourages root growth. It can also help keep the soil from getting compacted in a container. Some potting soil already includes perlite, but it can be purchased separately and then mixed into soil.
Why do some pots not have drainage holes?
Plant pots without drainage holes are known as cachepots, and they are commonly used to aesthetically hide grow pots that hold houseplants. Planting directly into decorative containers increases the risk of overwatering.
What type of plants don't need drainage?
13 Amazing Plants That Do Not Need Drainage HolesSnake Plant.Oleander Plant.Chinese Evergreen.Kupukupu Fern.Crotons.Dumbcane.Schefflera.Pothos.More items...
What do you put in the bottom of a planter?
Natural Materials Pine cones, wood chips, leaves, and sticks can all be used but will break down over time—a sustainable choice for seasonal planters who repot regularly.
How many drainage holes Does my planter need?
How many drainage holes in a planter? If you have a planter that is 4-6 inches in diameter, then you just need 3-6 drainage holes where each is 1/4th inch in size. Planters that are larger than 6 inches would do well with 6-8 drainage holes and the size would be 1/4th or 1/2 inch depending on how big the planter is.
What do you do if your planter doesn't have a hole?
Add a layer of rocks to the bottom. "If you have a decorative pot with no hole at the bottom, you can get drainage rocks like lava rocks or pebbles to put at the bottom inch or two of your pot," says Greene.
How do you put drainage in a planter box?
Rocks, stones or broken pieces of an old flower pot work well as the drainage layer. The material keeps the plant's roots higher in case excess water builds up at the bottom of the planter. For containers with drainage holes, the bottom layer reduces the amount of soil that washes out of the holes.
How many holes should you drill in a planter?
In Purdue's bulletin on container gardening (http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/HO-200.pdf ), they say: "To provide drainage, drill three or four small (1/4 inch) holes in the bottom of the container. Holes larger than 1/4 inch in diameter will allow too much soil to escape.
How Do You Use a Planter Without Drainage Holes?
If your planter doesn’t have holes and you don’t want to make any, what should you do? One solution is to create a better drainage system inside the pot. Some people advocate adding activated charcoal which naturally absorbs water . It’s also antimicrobial, which can help to keep your plant healthy.
How Many Drainage Holes Does a Planter Need?
We reckon if you went from yard to yard in your block, and asked each gardener how many holes should a planter have, you’d get a different reply from each one! So, we reckon there isn’t a strict rule on this, but three or four seems to be a reasonable amount.
Why do planters have holes?
This is because the holes create escape routes for the excess water. If there’s only one escape channel, there’s still the risk of waterlogging.
Why do planters need drainage holes?
This means plant roots can get enough air and don’t get waterlogged. Drainage holes are also needed to stop mineral build up in the planter, which could also harm plants.
What is drainage hole?
Drainage holes allow excess water to drain out of the pot. Even plants that thrive in damp conditions don’t like having waterlogged roots.
How to drill a hole in a pen?
These are easy to drill into, and a normal drill bit should suffice. Mark where you want the holes to go with the pen, then using the nail, make a small indentation for the drill to grip onto to prevent slipping. Holding the drill in an upright position, slowly drill downwards until the hole is made.
Why do plants dry out in planter?
This is because if we’re aware that drainage is poor, we naturally give the plant less water to compensate for this.
How do you cover the planter drainage holes?
The problem with drainage holes is that the potting soil can start falling out of them if they are large. This keeps happening when you water the potted plants.
How many drainage holes in a planter?
If you have a planter that is 4-6 inches in diameter, then you just need 3-6 drainage holes where each is 1/4th inch in size.
How far should the drainage holes be spaced apart?
If you have a planter that is 4 inches or less in diameter, then it’s OK to space the drainage holes 1-inch apart.
What precautions to take before making drainage holes?
It’s best to use eye protection before you start drilling holes in materials with a power drill. A pair of protective gloves would also be useful especially if you’re going to use heat to make holes.
How to make drainage holes in fiberglass pots?
It’s best to use a steel drill bit to make holes in fiberglass pots. The process will be the same as other materials. But it’s best to drill from the interior unlike the other materials.
Why does my potting soil fall out of my potted plants?
The problem with drainage holes is that the potting soil can start falling out of them if they are large. This keeps happening when you water the potted plants.
Why do you put water on a drill bit?
It’s good if you stop after some drilling and put water on the drilled location. This helps clear the area as well as cool off the drill bit and prevent overheating.
Where do drainage holes go in a planter box?
When placing additional holes in a plater you should place them in the bottom for the best results. Place holes across a wide area, covering the bottom of the planter . Make sure the corners have drainage holes to avoid water pooling in these areas.
Why do plants have drainage holes?
Drainage holes on the side of plants will increase air movement while allowing excess water to escape. Holes on the side will form the basis of a wicking bed where water is deliberately held in a gravel bed. The water then flows up into the soil, saving water and creating a closed system. Any excess water can be poured back on the bed.
Why do some pots have holes on the side?
Pots can have hole son the side to add extra drainage. Plants including tomatoes, potatoes and banana trees will all benefit from extra drainage. Wicking beds will have a single hole to allow excess water to drain and terracotta pots can have side holes to grow strawberries, herbs or succulents.
How to drain water from terracotta pots?
Adding extra holes on the side of the planter 1-2 inches above the bottom level can help excess water to drain out. This can be great for Mediterranean herbs and tomatoes which hate having wet roots. Holes in the side of terracotta pots are perfect for planting strawberries or herbs. Buy pots with holes pre-made to make it easier.
What plants can be put in a pot with holes in the side?
The best plants to put in pots with holes in the side are pots that can tolerate some time without water. These include succulents and Mediterranean herbs. These types of plants will tolerate periods of dryness.
Can succulents be planted in pots?
Succulents are perfect for planting holes in the side of pots.
Can you put holes in terracotta pots?
Terracotta pots can be tricky to add holes but by following a few simple steps and using the right tools, you can add holes in the side with ease.
How to drill holes in pots?
Lastly, don your safety goggles before you get to drilling. Be sure to hold the drill upright so that the bit is perpendicular to the pot base . Start very slowly, applying a light amount of pressure, and drill at the lowest speed to avoid damaging the pot . After you’ve drilled the holes where you marked them, remove any tape, and rinse the residue of the pot’s material that you created from drilling from inside and outside the container.
What happens if you don't have drainage holes?
A lack of drainage can lead to lots of problems, including root rot, mildew, and stagnant (and therefore stinky) water. None of these is a good thing when it comes to successful gardening in containers. It’s unfortunate that there are so many beautiful containers on the market that have no drainage holes—and even worse, ...
Why Are Drainage Holes so Important?
Every plant in the world requires water to survive, yet overwatering is one of the most common culprits when a gardener’s plants die—especially when those plants are grown indoors. Drainage holes provide an exit route that allows excess moisture to seep out after a plant has been watered. Without drainage holes, any extra water collects at the bottom of the pot. When this happens, the plant’s roots end up constantly submerged in the water at the bottom of the container, making them susceptible to rot as well as fungal and bacterial afflictions.
How to make a pot for a potted plant?
First, create a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot you wish to use by adding pebbles, stones, broken pottery, or pumice to the bottom of the container before layering in the soil. You want this layer to be evenly distributed across the bottom of the pot so that excess water can drain into this section and away from the plant’s roots. ...
What bit do you use to drill holes in a pot?
If your pot is made out of metal or plastic, a normal drill bit should suffice. If your pot is made out of unglazed ceramic, a masonry bit is required. If your pot is made of glass or glazed ceramics, a tile or glass bit will be needed to do ...
What is the best way to remove water from a drainage hole?
Adding a healthy dose of activated charcoal to your drainage layer (or even making your drainage layer out of nothing but activated charcoal) could be the answer to the drainage hole problem. Activated charco al is a great natural absorbent and can remove a surprising amount of excess water when there is no other escape route for the moisture. Activated charcoal also has natural antimicrobial properties, which can fight against fungal and bacterial issues that could plague your plants as well as deterring pests .
Why do plants get water at the bottom of the pot?
Without drainage holes, any extra water collects at the bottom of the pot. When this happens, the plant’s roots end up constantly submerged in the water at the bottom of the container, making them susceptible to rot as well as fungal and bacterial afflictions. Allowing a pool of water to collect at the bottom of the container can also keep ...
How many drainage holes do flower pots have?
The holes give the excess water an escape route so it doesn't stay in the soil. Many flower pots come with only one drainage hole. Others don't have any holes at all. If the container is made from a material you can drill, add two or three more drainage holes.
What is the drainage layer on a planter?
A layer at the bottom of a planter aids in drainage of excess water. Rocks, stones or broken pieces of an old flower pot work well as the drainage layer. The material keeps the plant's roots higher in case excess water builds up at the bottom of the planter. For containers with drainage holes, the bottom layer reduces the amount ...
What is the purpose of the bottom layer of a planter?
The material keeps the plant's roots higher in case excess water builds up at the bottom of the planter. For containers with drainage holes, the bottom layer reduces the amount of soil that washes out of the holes.
Why do potted plants need drainage?
Proper drainage for potted plants supports healthy root growth and reduces the risk of disease caused by a fungus. Not all planters provide the means to properly drain excess water away from the roots, so additional measures are necessary.
Can you drill holes in ceramic pots?
A ceramic or clay pot is more difficult to drill without cracking. If these containers don't have drainage holes, one solution is to use two pots, suggests the Gardening Channel. Choose a plastic flower pot with drainage holes that is slightly smaller than the decorative container. Put your plants in the smaller pot.
Is potting soil heavier than potting soil?
The soil is heavier than potting soil made specifically for containers. The heaviness compacts the soil, making it difficult for proper root growth and drainage. Fill your planters with potting soil for the best drainage.
What happens if you don't have drainage in raised planters?
Without proper drainage the root system becomes drowned as water shuts out oxygen. This is also known as “wet feet” or the “bathtub effect.”. As a result your plants experience a loss of vigor, including wilting and yellowing foliage, ...
How high should a raised planter be?
Standard heights for raised planters are between 11 and 12 inches. Raised planters do not have a base, meaning that the soil of your planter drains down to the topsoil on the ground. This provides a depth of 11 or 12 inches before the planter’s soil drains down into the ground, thereby avoiding water-logged soil.
Why do my plants wilt in my raised bed?
As a result your plants experience a loss of vigor, including wilting and yellowing foliage, as the root system is unable to deliver water throughout the plant. Defoliation and plant death are imminent without correction. Poor drainage in a raised bed also creates conditions that foster the development of fungal diseases, such as root rot.
What type of soil has the best drainage?
Heavy clay soils have the poorest drainage as they are composed of small, fine particles. Sandy soils have the best drainage due to larger particles. Depending on the type of soil you have in your yard and the topography of the land, you may have a yard with poor drainage. However, instead of resorting to labor-intensive corrections like double-digging and adding compost to your soil, or costly solutions like installing a drain, raised planters offer a simple and cost-effective fix. You are able to control the soil mixture added to your raised planter, so you can ensure that your plants receive the drainage they need to be healthy and vigorous.
Which soil has the poorest drainage?
Heavy clay soils have the poorest drainage as they are composed of small, fine particles. Sandy soils have the best drainage due to larger particles. Depending on the type of soil you have in your yard and the topography of the land, you may have a yard with poor drainage.
Do you need soil for a raised garden?
While there are some plant species that tolerate wet soil, most plants require moist, well-draining soil, making adequate raised bed garden drainage essential.
How to plant a plant without drainage holes?
To plant in a pot without drainage holes, simply place your plant in a planter filled with its preferred blend of potting soil. But in order for your plant to have a chance to thrive, it’s essential to remember these next few tips. The water you pour in isn't going out.
How many drainage holes do you need?
However, a good rule of thumb is a minimum of two drainage holes. For a 36 inch planter, we recommend 3-4 drainage holes. For a 46 inch planter, 4-6 drainage holes should be sufficient. Be sure to consider the height and narrowness of the planter. For example, If you have a tall thin planter it might not make sense to drill 4-6 drainage holes.
Why do plants die in a planter?
Any water that pools at the bottom of a planter can allow bacteria and fungus to form and cause root rot, which in turn, kills the plant . Though every plant owner should be aware of their individual plant’s care and watering needs, drainage holes in a planter allow any extra water to seep out.
Why do you put saucers under planters?
Shallow saucer dishes are made to be placed under planters to catch any excess water that may drain, and prevent that moisture from ruining surfaces. Make sure to empty the saucer after watering to avoid standing water and root rot. Beyond being a helpful solution, saucers can also add a decorative element to your planters. Fill them with pebbles or small stones for extra texture and interest.
What do plants need to survive?
Thriving plants require proper light, soil, water and drainage. However, most people don’t want excess water leaking onto their floors or furniture from a planter pot with drainage holes.
How to make a self watering planter?
Simply stick a capillary wick through the bottom of your grow-pot, and let one end of the wick sit in the water basin. Water will be drawn into the soil through the wick as the plant needs moisture.
Can you drill holes in plastic planters?
However, if you have a softer plastic planter, you may be able to drill a drainage hole that won’t crack or break your planter. Spur-point drill bits, or dowel bits, are typically recommended for drilling holes in plastic. These types of drill bits are manufactured to make clean, neat holes in materials.
