Spring is an ideal time to get out in the garden and make some new additions. Many gardeners will be heading to their local garden centres or homeware stores to pick up new pots and planters for their spaces.
Adding a couple of new pots of flowers or herbs can instantly transform a space. However, one gardener has urged anyone buying new plant pots this spring to do one thing before adding any plants. Sophie, who shares tips and tricks online @lookinsidemygarden, said: “You must do this.”
The garden expert said that anyone who is picking up new pots must not forget to add drainage holes. It can be easy to get carried away when filling in new plant pots and forget to check if they have suitable drainage.
Some pots come with holes in the bottom already, yet many don’t. Therefore, it is essential to turn your pot over and check before filling it up with compost.
Plants need drainage so water can pass through without clogging the roots. Sophie said: “Spring sunshine is out and people are buying new pots, and yes, you must add drainage holes to every single pot you are growing in.
“I always add an upturned plastic pot to the bottom of my pots to stop the holes getting clogged and blocked with compost.”
Sophie demonstrated drilling holes in her plastic plant pots. She simply added multiple holes to the base of the pot by turning it upside down.
The gardener added holes every couple of inches or so. The simple job will ensure much better blooms from flowers this spring and summer.
Drainage holes allow excess water to escape and prevent waterlogged soil. If the soil remains too wet, it can cause root rot, fungi and even cause the plant to die.
Without drainage, roots won’t be able to access oxygen in the soil. If you want to use a plant pot without drainage holes, it is recommended that you use a liner pot.
Keep the plant in a plastic pot that has drainage holes, then add it to the decorative pot with no holes. Water will be able to pass through the plastic pot, and any excess will gather at the base of the decorative one.
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