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Newbie question about drainage holes
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Posted by topie 6 PA (My Page) on Fri, Nov 20, 09 at 2:30
| Hi, I'm getting ready to prep my containers for my first time winter sowing, and just had a few questions about drainage holes:
1. How big should the drainage holes in the bottom of the container be? Should I make the holes 1/4 inch round? Or should the holes be smaller, more like 1/8 of an inch? Or larger, more like the size of a dime?
2. Or should I cut narrow rectangular slot-type openings? If slots are better, how big should they be?
3. Should the drainage holes only be on bottom of the container, or should I make a few holes along the bottom edge of the container, like the plastic pots that plants come in at the store? Or maybe one hole in the center of the bottom, and then a few holes along the bottom edge?
4. How many drainage holes do you guys recommend for each container?
Right now I'm planning to use a combination of plastic milk jugs, plastic 2-liter soda bottles, and a few cardboard milk/juice cartons.
Thanks in advance! |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Newbie question about drainage holes
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| This past spring was my first time at wintersowing. I used a lot of gallon milk jugs. I drilled 4 3/8" holes (one in each of the sections at the bottom of the jug) for drainage. But I realized later, when spring (and rains) came I saw that I wasn't getting enough drainage. Algae bloomed in many jugs due to poorly draining potting mix. So I had to cut 4 more holes with a knife (about 3/4" square). This year I will put in a lot more holes in each jug. I think it would be better to have to water a tad more often than to suffer a lot of seed rot. Another thing I noticed...if I put the holes on the flat (bottom) of jugs (where they sit on the table), those holes had a tendency to clog or freeze shut, cutting off drainage. So now I also include holes a little up on the side of the jugs or in the 'creases' on the bottom of the milk jugs.
Kris |
RE: Newbie question about drainage holes
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I use a knife that makes a two inch cut, and stab it into all four corners with a twist before you pull it out-it makes the ends of the slit wider and their less likely to close up. Don't do try this unless your real good friends with your knife!! It's always hard to explain in the emergency room just how you stabbed yourself!!LOL!!
-B |
RE: Newbie question about drainage holes
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| tabor (my then 11 yr old son) drilled 1/8" holes 3 in each side of the parts of the bottom of the milk jugs, we divided them into 4 parts. i wanted them to drain well. i do like the idea of the drainage holes on the side. we may do that this year! **smile** ~medo |
RE: Newbie question about drainage holes
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- Posted by karendee 5Wst. of Chicago,IL (My Page) on
Sat, Nov 21, 09 at 10:42
| As a newbie last year I did some with slits and they also got algae etc on the top. The slits clogged up with dirt. There were others I used a drill bit and did holes about 1/4 in or maybe 1/8... they worked better. I also did holes on the side to help with some drainage. Those did much better!! Karen |
RE: Newbie question about drainage holes
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| Thanks everyone for your follow-up posts. That is a great idea to use a drill to make the holes! Sounds like it works best to do holes on both the bottom, and the side edges near the bottom... Can't wait to get started! Thanks again... |
RE: Newbie question about drainage holes
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| After a few years what works best for me is a soldering iron which I think my DH picked up at yard sale. I use mainly 2-litre pop bottles, so I bore one hole in the middle and then diagonal slits in each of the little sections on the bottom. This way I get both the bottom and the sides (which I think is essential for good drainage) in one fell swoop. Quick and easy. I always use in a well-ventilated room or put a fan on away from me because I don't want to take any chances inhaling those fumes. I ruined a few of my stainless steel dining knives before I came up with this. If anyone knows how to get the plastic off them after it sticks on, please share!! |
RE: Newbie question about drainage holes
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| what if while its hot, you use a wet, sponge and wrap it around the sodering iron and "wipe" it off?? would that work?? and kinda do that a few times. ~medo i may have to get me one of these. i think i seen a thread about this last year and wanted one then. LOL |
RE: Newbie question about drainage holes
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| I cut 4 little "V" shapes on the bottom sides/curves of the milk jugs with a serrated ginsu bread knife, and then the main horiz slice around the middle with scissors (if you slice the middle first, it makes it harder to make the drain holes cuz the jug has lost it's stability). Can fully prep a jug in less than 30 seconds. Size of the holes? Not more than ~ 1/4" wide. I don't put holes in the bottom. I thought about using my soldering iron for the holes, but then I decided that I didn't want to a) use the electricity, b) can't stand the smell of burning plastic and c) didn't want to take the chance of forgetting to unplug it. |
RE: Newbie question about drainage holes
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| OK, thanks...I was wondering if I should cut the horizontal slice first, or do the holes first! That makes sense to do the holes first since the jug will lose stability once I cut it horizontally. I think I'm going to try a power drill for the holes, and a knife or scissors for the horizontal cut. Thanks again everyone... |
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