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To Grit or not to Grit- that is the question
Tingly
Posts: 140
Right- here's one for you
lets say that you put drainage at the bottom of your containers- Ive put in polysryrene bits as someone here wisely suggested.
Is there any point then putting the pots on watering saucers , if so how does the plant suck up water if there is polysstyrene or grit or whatever in the bottom?
Confused of Nottingham (although it doesnt take much!
0
Posts
Have wondered that myself. I suppose it depends if the plants you are putting in them like well drained or moist soil. I've stopped putting drainage in the bottom of pots, just a bit of tile or old flowerpot over drainage holes to stop them blocking up. Here in SW France it gets too hot and dry in summer, plant saucers are of more use.
If using plant saucers then do not add drainage to the pot, the soil at the base of the pot acts like a wick and will take up the moisture in the saucer. Adding grit to the soil in the pots allows free drainage through the soil from the top plus some air, the roots of any plants in pots will find the moisture often appearing in the saucer if left. My way is add drainage if the pots stand directly on soil do not add if pot is on a saucer. This all depends on the plant, is it a water lover or does it like well drained soil. That is the art of gardening, giving plants the conditions they need.
Frank
Thanks both-Frank- hat makes sense. Cheers