URBAN PLANTER BOXES

Many urban gardeners wonder if adding a layer of gravel to the bottom of planter boxes improves drainage. The short answer is no—this common practice can actually harm your plants. Gravel creates a perched water table, trapping moisture in the soil above it and potentially causing root rot. Instead, use a high-quality potting mix and ensure your planter has adequate drainage holes. For optimal plant health, focus on soil quality and proper watering techniques rather than relying on gravel layers.