What Is a Good Drainage System for a Container Garden?

Gravel is excellent for drainage in container gardens.

Container gardening offers the grower the ability to move plants around the house and garden to maximize sun exposure. A good drainage system for a container can be as easy as a series of drilled holes from the middle to the base of the plant containers.

Misconceptions

An excellent drainage system for a container garden should not only allow water to escape from the bottom of the plant but also the sides of the container. Side holes in a container prevent any water from pooling around plant roots which could cause root rot.

Elevation

Container gardens should be elevated so water can have a way to escape from the bottom of containers. Bricks or cement blocks are a cheap and easy way to elevate plants and allow water to drain out of plant containers outdoors.

Rocks

Gravel and rocks provide an additional layer of drainage if placed in the bottom of plant containers. Drainage holes are still required if using gravel or rocks for an extra drain layer.

Trough

Outdoor container gardens can benefit from the addition of a trough to collect drainage water. Excess water falling from the bottoms of container plants can be collected and diverted in a trough to outdoor shrubs or trees.

Saucers

Saucers are essential for any home container garden. Saucers collect water that is not collected by plant roots and prevents it from falling on floors or furniture. To avoid dampness try using plastic saucers in place of terra cotta ones.

References

• Container Gardening Tips: Container Gardening Advantages
• Garden Decor Galore: Container Gardening Drainage Tips