A layer of gravel at the bottom of a planting container was recommended for decades, even in published books about container plants. That erroneous advice may lead to root damage in plants. When gravel is at the bottom of a pot, it takes up room that otherwise soil would fill, making the pot much smaller for its plant. Water does not pass through a gravel layer at a container’s bottom as quickly as it passes through soil. The pot’s soil becomes saturated before water moves out of it and into the gravel, which is a situation that could kill the plant growing in the pot. Gravel also adds unnecessary weight to a plant container because it is heavier than most lightweight potting soils.
I did not know this. I have always used gravel for my indoor plants. Looks like I need to rethink this idea.
Photo ©CarolDM2018
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Do you use gravel for drainage in your container plants?
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Yes
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No
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I have no container plants.
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nice one thanks never thought of this but I put stones also on plants to provide spaces for soil
Like I have always said, you need to write a book on gardening. Very helpful information
Oh thank you, these are things I learned over the years sometime the hard way.
I did not know … I will follow your advice
I did not know either until I read this article. It makes sense.
We have them for decoration lol … not for drainage
But these cannot be seen. I always would put them at the bottom before adding the soil.