Overwatering?

Discussion in 'Container Gardening' started by David Kearley, Jun 16, 2022.

  1. David Kearley

    David Kearley Gardener

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    Am i right that if the container has drain holes you cant really overwater it?

    I know it would wash the goodness out of the soil but it should just drain to a sensible point?
     
  2. NigelJ

    NigelJ Total Gardener

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    A lot of plants don't like sitting with permanently wet roots so allow to dry between waterings.
    Also depends on the compost you have got in the container, their water holding capacity varies considerably and some hold a lot more water than others.
    A lot of people use about a third grit or perlite to two thirds compost, sometimes half grit half compost.
     
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    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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      Apparently plant roots need air as well as water, with the exception of aquatic plants.
      So permanently wet compost could cause the roots to rot.
       
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      • David Kearley

        David Kearley Gardener

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        I didn't mention but its pretty fast draining soil/compost so certainly not waterlogged.
         
      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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        Well i think the original question was can you over water if a pot has drainage holes.
        I think the answer is yes you can.
        Lots of people do. :smile:
         
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        • shiney

          shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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          As mentioned by the others, it is possible to overwater depending on what the plants are but normally you don't really want to over water.

          I'm 10 minutes down the road from you so you are in a dry part of the country :) :blue thumb:
           
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          • infradig

            infradig Total Gardener

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            It may be worthwhile checking that the holes are clear! Some pot bases are likely to 'seal' on a flat surface.Some folk use pot feet, or three similar sized pebbles to allow clearance to drain fully.
             
          • David Kearley

            David Kearley Gardener

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            Yep, holes are clear. They are all standing on coarse gravel as well ;)
             
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