We've all had the pot that wouldn't drain or know somone who bought a sensational looking pot that they didn't realize didn't have drainage holes until they'd already planted it. I frustrates me that they don't just pre drill holes in more pots!
Drainage Holes
A few weeks ago I burned my hand falling on a hot drill bit after drilling drainage holes in several pots: very smart! My dad gave me some advice to avoid future skin seering ocassions: run water over the drill bit and pot as you make the hole to cool the operation. He and my husband also both suggested a diamond drill bit: however, I was too excited about getting my new annuals planted to take the time to go back to the hardware store. I either make one large hole in the bottom of each pot OR make several smaller holes depending on the pot and drill bit size.
Drainage Materials
After you've gotten your drainage holes taken care of, its important to fill the bottom 1/4 or so of your contain with a material that will encourage water to drain. I was fortunate to be able to repurpose the 3 truckloads of white landscaping rocks that the homeowners before me COVERED my yard in for this purpose! However, I also keep a plastic tub of broken clay pots and even rocks I uncover while digging in the yard to reuse in my pots.
I read recently in a magazine about using old tennis balls to aid drainage in larger pots. I tried it recently with Mason (my not-so-helpful gardening side kick) at my side. So far, my yellow hibiscus seems happy in the pot among the recycled tennis balls.
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