Good drainage is the unsung hero of successful urban container gardening. Inadequate drainage holes lead to waterlogged soil, which suffocates roots and causes fatal root rot. So, how can you tell if your planter box's drainage is adequate? Start with a visual check. For most planters, one hole per square foot of soil surface is a good minimum. The holes should be at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter and completely unobstructed. The real test, however, comes during watering. When you water thoroughly, you should see excess water freely escaping from the bottom within seconds. If water pools on the soil surface or drains very slowly, it's a red flag. After watering, feel the soil an inch below the surface a few hours later; it should be moist but not soggy. A simple "lift test" is also telling: a waterlogged pot feels surprisingly and persistently heavy. To improve inadequate drainage, you can carefully drill additional holes, add a layer of coarse material like pebbles at the pot's base (though debated, it can help in very deep pots), or repot using a well-aerated, fast-draining potting mix. Remember, your plants' health starts from the bottom up.
How can I tell if the drainage holes in my urban planter boxes are adequate?
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