Should you put rocks in the bottom of a planter?
Adding rocks can actually trap water, harm your plants’ roots, and even damage your container over time. So, what really belongs in the bottom of your planter? High-quality potting soil—nothing else. As it turns out, using rocks to better the drainage of your plants is a complete myth! If anything, you should avoid using them at all and let your plants naturally drain on their own with a simple hole at the bottom, a good soil, and good maintenance.
Should I put holes in the bottom of a planter?
Any water that pools at the bottom of a planter can allow bacteria and fungus to form and cause root rot, which can be deadly. Though every plant owner should know their individual plant’s care and watering needs, drainage holes in a planter allow any extra water to seep out. If a plant is watered so much that water is coming out of the bottom of a drainage hole – that means the soil is more than fully saturated and for many plants this means – they have been overwatered! Many plants do not need all the water that remains in that planter and this can quickly lead to root rot.Containers without visible drainage holes can still support healthy plants, but only if you manage water carefully. The goal is to give roots steady moisture without letting them sit in a permanent “bathtub” of excess water, which quickly leads to rot and decline.
What to mix with potting soil to help drainage?
Potting soil used in containers should be light and fluffy, allowing roots to grow easily while providing proper drainage and airflow. Choose a potting soil made of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite or vermiculite, as these ingredients help balance moisture retention with good drainage. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers – a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own.