Drainage holes only on the sides??
castorp
15 years ago
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tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
15 years agoaliceinvirginia
15 years agoRelated Discussions
Drainage holes in containers for vegetables
Comments (3)Drainage holes should be located where they will drain water from the lowest parts of the container. It doesn't matter if they are on bottom or side, but if on side, they should go all the way to the bottom so there is no reservoir effect. Al...See MoreLocation of container drainage holes - a question
Comments (2)I live in SC just across the state line from Charlotte NC. For the past 3 years I've done basically what you're wanting to do with several modification ... thus, turning all my plastic pots into self watering systems. (1) I drill the side holes in four locations around the pot. (2)I put growing media in the pot up to the drilled holes. (3)I place several layers of DuPont 15 year landscape fabric in the pot, making sure to cover the bottom completely ... this stops roots from getting into to the bottom of the pot. An alternative is to skip the landscape fabric and use Smart Bags ... or any fabric bag. Works great! I've used it for pots from 12" to 24" dia and have planted tomatoes, roses, and all types of large plants (Russian Sage). Some pots are sold as self watering containers ... they hold water in the bottom and have recessed areas in the reservoir platform to allow soil contact with the water (just like Earthboxes, Earthtainers, Garden Patch, etc.) With these pots, I simply drill the holes in the side of the pot, at the level of the reservoir. To make the reservoir larger, I have placed growing medium on top of the reservoir platform and then added the fabric cloth and growing medium or fabric bag. Drill your holes in the pot at the fabric cloth level. Plus, I have a drip system hooked up. Best of luck. It works for me Tony...See MoreLocation of drainage holes in huge containers - a discussion
Comments (3)I got some big pots from a master gardener in california, and some from a local nursery-- 8~15 gal. they have lots of drainage holes in the bottom, and lots of holes in the sides. I was told the side holes are for air to get to the mix/roots, not for drainage. They have 3-1-1 mix and seem to be doing ok watering wise. healthy enough. I'm no expert by any means. But maybe something got mis interpreted if someone is saying no holes on the bottom 2 inches of the pot. Maybe they meant go up at least 2 inches or more for air holes, assuming the bottom drain holes are ok. On a 25 gallon (3+ cubic foot) pot only 2" from the bottom? Was he thinking structural integrety of a tall skinny pot? got a quote or reference? d...See MoreDrainage holes
Comments (4)I don't seal my tufa planters, and I don't sift the peat at all. My sedums, ( if I spelled that right,) are always dry (no drain holes). My biggest is about 11 deep and 24 inches wide inside, and I planted geraniums in it last year. I had to water every day, that has drain holes in it. And I have some cheap drill bits, just regular ones, and every once in a while I just file the edges. I guess masonary bits would be better, but just never bothered. Maybe - thinking back...I didn't pack as tight....I haven't planted the ones I made where I packed the sides down with a piece of wood and really tamped it in. I was going to try to sell them off this fall when I have my annual garage sale. Marcia...See Morecastorp
15 years agoronalawn82
15 years agocastorp
15 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
15 years agoronalawn82
15 years agojustaguy2
15 years agobilltex
15 years agoLynn Starkey
2 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
2 years agoLynn Starkey
2 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
2 years ago
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