Drainage Rocks for Potted Plants?

Q:  When transplanting potted plants, is it a good idea to add a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot to ensure good drainage?

A: This is one of the oldest gardening myths known to mankind. Gravel in the bottom of a pot does not help with drainage and just takes up valuable real estate the plant roots could be utilizing. However, a half inch or so of gravel in the saucer under a plant will provide extra humidity if the plant is under a foot tall and will keep plant roots out of the run-off water. For good drainage be sure to use a pot with a drainage hole and a good quality potting mix. A pot shard covering the drain hole isn’t needed either unless the size of the drainage hole is so large that the potting mix falls through.

Read our Q & As with Keith Funk answering common Colorado gardening questions here. You can also hear him on the Garden Wise Radio Show on Legends 810AM.