Suggestions for Drainage When Planting in a Planter

Place a smaller container with drainage holes inside a decorative container.

Place a smaller container with drainage holes inside a decorative container.

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. With modifications to the planter, proper materials and strategic planting methods, the plants get the right amount of water without sitting in saturated soil.

Drainage Holes

Holes in the bottom of the planter are essential for proper drainage. 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. For example, you can safely drill a plastic or wooden planter to make additional holes.

Double Containers

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. Choose a plastic flower pot with drainage holes that is slightly smaller than the decorative container. Put your plants in the smaller pot. Set the smaller pot inside the decorative container. If you choose this method, check for a buildup of water between the two pots and pour out the excess water periodically.

Bottom Layer

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 of soil that washes out of the holes.

Soil Choice

Filling containers with regular garden soil seems like a thrifty option, but that dirt isn't ideal for container growing conditions. 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.

Raised Position

Raising a container slightly from the surface it rests on allows the water to better drain. If the drainage holes are pressed against a flower pot saucer, deck, ground or other surface, the water can get trapped. Use small pieces of wood to elevate the pot slightly for better drainage.

About the Author

Shelley Frost


Photo Credits

  • Hemera Technologies/ Images
bibliography-icon icon for annotation tool Cite this Article