I just bought a couple of plastic tubs that are 22 inches wide and 19 inches deep from Home Depot for planting grape tomatoes. They don't have any holes in the bottom, and I'm worried that if I drill holes, water might not reach the roots properly, even if I plant them deep. However, I also know that without drainage holes, I risk root rot. Should I go ahead and drill holes in the bottom?
4 Answers
You definitely need drainage holes – in fact, the more, the better! Your potting soil will help retain some moisture, but you want to prevent any standing water.
Tomatoes don’t like having wet roots! Make sure to create lots of holes. Your tomato roots will find the water they need.
Absolutely, you should drill those holes! Water less frequently and make sure to water deeply when you do. This way, the roots can still reach moisture without getting too soggy.
Yes, drill holes! You need more than just a couple; think about heavy rainfall and make sure all the water can escape. Ideally, cover about a quarter to even a third of the bottom with holes. A half-inch drill bit works great for this.