URBAN PLANTER BOXES

Many urban gardeners wonder if adding a layer of gravel to the bottom of planter boxes improves drainage. The surprising answer is no - this common gardening myth can actually harm your plants. While it seems logical that gravel would create better drainage, it creates what horticulturists call a "perched water table" where water accumulates at the bottom of the soil layer above the gravel instead of draining freely. This phenomenon occurs because water doesn't move easily from fine-textured soil to coarse gravel, creating a saturated zone that can lead to root rot and oxygen deprivation for your plants. Instead of gravel, use high-quality potting mix throughout your entire container. For extra drainage, consider mixing in perlite or vermiculite with your soil. Ensure your planter boxes have adequate drainage holes, and elevate them slightly to prevent water from pooling underneath. For deep containers, you can place a layer of larger organic material like wood chips or leaves at the bottom before adding soil, as this will break down over time and won't create the same drainage issues as gravel. Remember that proper watering techniques are more important than any bottom layer - water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root growth and healthy plants in your urban garden.