How to Create a Drainage System in a Pot

Excess moisture can be harmful or even fatal to many types of plants. When they are grown outdoors in the ground, plants usually have adequate drainage that keeps the surrounding soil from becoming water-logged. That's not always the case with plants grown in pots or other containers. You can create a drainage system in just about any kind of pot that will keep your plants from standing in water. While many types of pots have drainage holes, this solution can be used with less conventional containers for growing and displaying plants.

Electric drill
1/2- or 3/4-inch drill bit
Clay pot shards
Small stones
Coffee filters
Plastic window screening
Scissors
Potting soil
Drainage trays

Instructions

- 1
  Place the plant pot upside down on a steady work surface. Drill small dents in the bottom of the container to mark the places where you will drill holes. Use firm pressure to drill holes through the pot. Drill as many holes as possible to provide maximum drainage.
- 2
  Cut a piece of plastic window screening to fit the bottom of the pot and place it over the drilled holes. Or, use a coffee filter, broken clay pot pieces or small stones to cover the holes so that the soil is contained but the water drains out.
- 3
  Add soil to the pot until it is about half full. Place your plant in the pot and finish filling the pot until the soil is about one inch from the top edge.
- 4
  Set the pot on a drainage tray or saucer to collect excess water that seeps out through the soil.

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