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Improve Drainage In Your Potted Plants With These Common Materials
By JENNY LYNCH
Broken Terracotta Pots
Stack only a few broken pieces of a terracotta pot (don’t overdo it) at the bottom of a new pot to create a drainage layer for your plant.
Since terracotta is a naturally porous material that absorbs water, keep a close eye on your plant’s hydration. You may need to water it a little more often.
Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap adds space to the bottom of your planters, providing aeration and drainage while separating the roots from stagnant water, decreasing the risk of root rot.
Fold a sheet of bubble wrap or roll it up so extra water won’t pool on top, and pull it from the edges of the pot so the water has a clear exit pathway. Then, add soil and plants.
Coffee Filters
Coffee filters let excess water rush out while keeping potting soil in. They prevent the dirt from getting clogged in the drainage hole, which can lead to root rot.
Coffee filters will retain some moisture that will be appreciated by the plants. Since they are made of paper and will decompose, they can be used outside in a garden.
Pool Noodles
Pool noodles don’t break down in water and, like bubble wrap, help separate pooling water from plant roots, and add aeration.
By using cut-up pieces of pool noodles in your pots, you’ll significantly reduce the amount of soil you’ll need to fill a large planter, which will make them lighter.
Clay Pebbles
Expanded clay pebbles can sometimes replace soil. Place a few expanded clay pebbles at the bottom of the container or mix them in the potting soil to improve drainage.
Since expandable clay pebbles are lightweight and porous, they’ll make heavy pots feel lighter, and they’ll do double duty by retaining water while increasing aeration.