Good drainage is crucial for the health of plants in urban planter boxes. Without it, roots can suffocate and rot. Here’s a simple guide to check if your drainage is adequate.
First, perform the "Pour and Watch" test. Water your planter thoroughly until water runs out the bottom. Then, observe. Water should drain freely within a minute. If it pools on the soil surface or drains very slowly (over 5 minutes), you likely have a problem.
Next, check the physical signs. Look for yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or a musty smell from the soil—all indicators of waterlogged roots. After watering, feel the soil an inch below the surface several hours later; it should be moist, not soggy.
Ensure your boxes have sufficient drainage holes. At least one hole per square foot of planter base is a good rule. Holes should be clear of debris. If they're blocked, carefully unclog them.
If drainage is poor, act quickly. For minor issues, try elevating your planter with pot feet or bricks to improve airflow. For severe cases, you may need to repot. Use a high-quality potting mix designed for containers, as garden soil compacts easily. Consider adding a layer of coarse gravel or broken pottery at the bottom, though a better solution is mixing perlite or pumice into the potting soil itself to improve structure and aeration.
Regularly monitoring your plants and their soil is the best defense. With these steps, you can create an ideal environment for your urban garden to flourish.