Should I drill holes in a plastic planter?
Pots absolutely must have drainage holes. This is non-negotiable. Your roots will rot and drown. If you want to keep this planter absolutely drill some holes in there. Layer the bottom of your planter with materials such as gravel, pebbles, or specialized drainage mesh. This creates a barrier that prevents soil from blocking drainage holes and allows water to flow freely to the base.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.Include the right drainage material. To prevent this, include drainage materials at the bottom of your planter before placing your soil mix. This will stop water from accumulating underneath the container, preventing waterlogging and root decay. Common drainage materials to consider for your big planter are: Gravel.In general, if your planter has a base, it’s best to have drainage holes and a liner, to keep your plants healthy, especially for most outdoor and traditional container gardening setups. If your planter has an open base, water will naturally drain through the liner into the subsoil.
Why are plastic pots bad for plants?
Plastic pots also fail to release excess water, unlike ceramic pots, meaning plants are more likely to suffer from root rot and overwatering in plastic containers. Since plastic is non-permeable, the soil inside the planter cannot undergo its natural respiration cycle, which is not good for plants. Proper drainage is essential for keeping your plants healthy and vibrant when they are kept in planters. One easy way to make sure this happens is by adding drainage holes. These prevent excess water from causing root rot and other issues.Q: Do all pots need drainage holes? A: Yes, drainage holes prevent overwatering and root rot.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.
Can I use any plastic container for plants?
Definitely stick with food grade plastics! If you can get buckets and bins from bakeries and food suppliers (as suggested above) stick with those. Plants can and do absorb chemicals and those can in turn be ingested by you. I use 30 gallon plastic totes with holes drilled toward the bottom for drainage. Make sure you choose food-safe plastics with recycling codes 1, 2, 4, or 5. I like to watch “Robbie and Gary Gardening Easy” on YouTube. They’re big on using plastic totes for gardening.
What do you put in the bottom of a plastic planter?
My trick is fill the bottom of your planters with plastic bottles and/or aluminum cans then fill the rest of the container with the potting soil. You still get your drainage and you do no need to use up all of that expensive potting soil. Trust me your plants will not know the difference but you will. Step 2: Add a Drainage Layer Layer the bottom of your planter with materials such as gravel, pebbles, or specialized drainage mesh. This creates a barrier that prevents soil from blocking drainage holes and allows water to flow freely to the base.
Can you leave plastic pots outside in winter?
Some plastic pots also survive winter fine, but may become brittle over time. Winter sunlight can fade fiberglass and resin pots. Many manufacturers suggest emptying containers, flipping them upside down, and elevating them on narrow boards or bricks for winter. Plastic greenhouses provide an affordable alternative to glass but they have a reputation for collapsing and not keeping out frost at night. However they are a cost effective and flexible way of increasing your growing space that can outperform more costly options such as poly-carbonate greenhouses.The biggest challenge for plastic greenhouses in winter is heat retention. Plastic doesn’t insulate as well as glass or thicker materials, meaning that heat can escape more easily. Without proper insulation, the inside temperature may drop too low to keep plants from freezing, especially during long, cold nights.