When setting up an urban garden with planter boxes, a common question arises: is a saucer or tray necessary underneath? The answer depends on your specific setup and priorities. Using a saucer or tray beneath your planter box serves several key purposes. Primarily, it catches excess water that drains from the soil after watering. This prevents water from staining or damaging your balcony floor, deck, or indoor surface. It also helps maintain a cleaner environment by containing soil that might wash out with drainage water.
However, there are important considerations to keep in mind. If you use a saucer, you must remember to empty it regularly. Allowing water to sit stagnant for more than a day or two can create a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests. More critically, constant contact with standing water can lead to root rot, a serious condition that can kill your plants. The water can prevent necessary air circulation in the root zone and keep the soil overly saturated.
For urban gardeners with limited space, saucers provide a practical solution for protecting shared or valuable surfaces. They are particularly useful on wooden decks, concrete patios that might stain, or any indoor location. If you choose to forgo a saucer, ensure your planter boxes are in a location where water runoff won't cause damage and has adequate drainage away from structures. Many gardeners find a middle ground by using saucers during the active growing season when regular watering is needed, and removing them during rainy periods to prevent over-saturation. Ultimately, the decision balances surface protection with plant health considerations in your unique urban gardening context.