How to Create Drainage in a Container Garden

Every container garden needs drainage. Without a drainage system, the plants will drown. Using rocks or packing peanuts at the bottom of the container is not going to work. What you end up with is a big soggy mess. Small drainage holes may seem ideal; however, they clog rather easily. Ideally you want drainage holes that are at least an inch in diameter. You may be wondering how to create drainage in a container garden. Follow the guide below to help you accomplish your task.

Things You'll Need

• Drill/Hammer
• Drill Bit/Nail
• Plastic Window Screening/Packing Peanuts
• Coco-fiber/Moss/Burlap
• Ups A Daisy Planter Inserts

Instructions

Steps for Creating a Drainage in a Container Garden

1. Choose the type of planter that you are going to use. Also select the material that will be used for covering the holes.

2. Turn the pot upside down. Choose a large bit size. Make a dent in the areas where you want to drill the holes. This will keep the drill bit from slipping.

3. Press firmly on the drill. Drill completely through the container in one step. Keep the drill bit steady when using metal planters by making a small hole with a small drill bit. Continue to drill through with a larger bit.

4. Cover the hole with plastic window screening, packing peanuts, coco-fiber, moss, burlap or Ups-a-Daisy inserts to keep the soil from slipping out. The instructions for each method follow.

5. Cut a piece of plastic window screening to fit the bottom of the planter. Excess water will be able to flow out of the planter keeping the roots from rotting.

   Put packing peanuts in the bottom of the container. Packing peanuts are inexpensive and work; however, they are hard to control when placing or pouring them into a container. Another important note is that now packing peanuts are made out of potato starch and become soupy when wet. If you decide to use packing peanuts, place a piece of plastic window screening between the peanuts and the plant. At the end of the season, you will not have to throw the soil away.

   Place the coco-fiber, burlap or moss in the bottom of the planter. These liners will keep the soil rather moist.

   Create a false bottom using Ups-a-Daisy planter inserts. These inserts are available in different sizes.

References

• Create the Drainage
• Design the Drainage System
• GardenContainer Drainage System