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Adding Rocks To The Bottom Of Your Planters Could Be A Mistake
By SAKSHI KHAITAN
Many gardeners put pebbles, gravel, or rocks at the bottom of a planter to improve drainage, but this can actually waterlog the roots and lead to rotting and damage.
The layer of rocks is intended to improve drainage, but instead of allowing for higher water flow, the rock layer actually forces the plant’s roots to stay in water for longer.
N.C. Cooperative Extension explains that this is because the water remains above the rock layer until the soil is soaked through, a phenomenon known as the perched water table.
The rock layer also reduces the potting mix’s volume and pushes the water table level even higher, forcing the plant’s roots to develop wet feet by drowning them in water.
Furthermore, the moisture buildup limits the potting soil’s airflow, leading to fungal growth and the overall demise of the plant.
Rocks can even make the plant's environment alkaline, which is unsuitable for most plants, further delaying nutrient uptake and plant development.
Instead, add elements that enhance air space into the potting medium, like perlite and vermiculite. They’re very porous and will enable better water flow.