If your urban planter boxes are holding too much water, adding extra drainage holes is a simple DIY solution that can save your plants from root rot. First, ensure your planter is empty and completely dry. Choose an appropriate drill bit—a ceramic or masonry bit for hard materials like ceramic or concrete, or a standard wood/metal bit for plastic, wood, or metal planters. Mark the spots for new holes on the bottom of the box, spacing them evenly for balanced drainage.
Place the planter on a stable surface. To prevent cracking, especially on brittle materials, start drilling at a slow speed with light pressure. You can place a piece of masking tape over the drill spot to help keep the bit from slipping. Apply steady pressure until the bit penetrates the material. For larger planters, adding 2-3 extra holes is usually sufficient.
After drilling, clean out any plastic or wood shavings from the inside of the planter. Test the drainage by pouring a small amount of water through the planter to ensure it flows freely. This quick and easy maintenance task significantly improves soil aeration and promotes healthier plant growth in your urban garden.