Hey everyone, I'm new to the gardening world! I have an old jacuzzi in my backyard that isn't working anymore. It's a stone structure that's built into the ground and filled with some clay dirt. I'm thinking about turning it into my first flower bed. However, I've found out that creating drainage holes is not really feasible due to it being made of stone. Instead, I'm considering using a drainage layer. My main question is whether putting down gravel is a smart approach. I was also planning on adding 1-2 inches of the existing clay dirt mixed with new soil on top to save some money on filling the entire jacuzzi with fresh raised bed soil. I've heard mixed opinions about the best way to handle drainage in this situation. Any tips or advice on setting up the drainage layer would be awesome! Also, is this the right place to ask about gardening questions?
2 Answers
Mixing in some compost or sand with the clay in the top layer would be a great idea instead of using just clay. Also, try using chunky bark or even broken terracotta for your bottom drainage layer. It'll help with moisture retention and give your flowers a good start!
If you live in a rainy area, you might want to think about drilling a small hole with a masonry bit. When your drainage layer fills up, it won’t evaporate quickly, which could lead to flooding. Just drill one hole as low as possible and steer clear of any jets. Stone isn’t too hard to drill through, but just be careful about any electronic components.