Drilling holes in containers (where & how many?)

15 years ago

Oh, goodness, someone please help! I am getting ready to go out of town and had to my plants in something quick, so I went to Dollar Tree and got these great containers I can use. See the thread below for info on them if you want a good deal, too:

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/contain/msg0818220330611.html

Well, I now just need to know for the 2 gallon ones, where do I put the holes for best drainage / water retention, and how many holes do I need?

I've heard that it's good to put holes starting at 2 inches up from the bottom all along the sides. The traditional idea, though, is to put holes in the bottom. I'm using a 1/4 inch drill bit, too, so the holes are not going to be huge. Should I put a bunch of holes or just a few. Will it help them to retain moisture if I don't put too many holes, or would that lead to root rot near the bottom of the container?

~Angela

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Comments (2)

john_bonzo
15 years ago
What plants are you putting in the containers? If you are putting something like canna, then I wouldn't put any holes.

Most pots I have seen only have one small hole at the bottom, and that seems to work, so I do not think I would overthink this too much.
angelady777 (Angela) - Zone 6
Original Author
15 years ago
Hi John, thanks for the reply. I'm putting veggies in them. I've only done 3 so far (hoping to know more before I plant the rest), and I put the holes in the bottom about an inch apart each. The soil was way too wet on the last one and, boy, it sure wasn't draining very fast... I guess that could be a good thing, but if it takes TOO long, then that could be bad. So far, I think it'll be okay.

I was too scared to put the holes on the side as that is not the most common place you see them and, perhaps, that might be for a reason(?), so until I know better, I guess this will have to work. I'll try to give an update when I know better how these are working.

~Angela
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