I recently used a mix of 50% topsoil and 50% compost for some outdoor containers as a cost-effective solution, but now I'm noticing they're not draining properly, even though they have drainage holes. I'm considering a few options: 1) adding more drainage holes (but that might require placing them high up, which I'd rather avoid), 2) emptying out the pots to mix the existing soil with something to improve drainage, which feels like a lot of work since I have around 20 large pots, or 3) watering less, but I'm worried about how to handle heavy rains. What other options do I have? Would love to hear your thoughts!
2 Answers
I’d recommend taking out the plants and mixing in some perlite to enhance drainage. It works wonders for heavy mixes like yours. Just be sure to replant them after!
You hit the nail on the head! That's why most garden centers avoid using just compost and topsoil—over time, it gets super heavy from waterlogging, which can suffocate your plants. Definitely add more perlite and think about adding extra drain holes in each container to help!
Do you have a recommended ratio of perlite to 50/50?
Do you have a recommended ratio of perlite to the 50/50 mix?