Home > Projects >

How to keep Containers Well-Drained

You will need: Pot-feet, Stone

If your containers get too wet during the winter months the roots of your plant may suffocate and rot. Fortunately there are a number of things you can do to prevent this form happening.

Best time to do it:

Step 1

The most obvious sign that there is a problem with drainage is water collecting at the surface of the compost.

Step 2

The first thing to do is to lay the pot on its side to drain as much of the excess water as possible.

Step 3

To prevent it happening again you can use 'pot feet' to raise your container to improve airflow and drainage.

Step 4

Elevate the container at an angle by placing a stone (or similar) under one side of the base to aid drainage.

Related FAQs

Ask a gardening question:

Latest Gardening News

Coral Gardens Crowned Rose of the Year 2026

Poole's Chestnut Nursery Garden Centre Celebrates Record Growth

Essential Gardening Jobs for Early Summer

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 Medal Winners and Awards

Gardening Projects for July

---

How to feed your plants

How to take Begonia Cuttings

How to turf a lawn

How to repair a lawn - Patches

Latest Gardening Videos

---

How do I 'thin' grape bunches?

Cultivating Melons

How do I summer prune fruit trees?

How can I get rid of mushrooms growing in my lawn?

How to tie gooseberries and redcurrants

Effective Watering

All Videos

Explore Gardens from Around the World

RHS Harlow Carr
Harrogate, United Kingdom

Vallarta Botanical Garden
Vallarta, Mexico

Kenrokuen Garden
Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan

Desert Botanical Garden
Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Humble Administrator's Garden
Suzhou, China

Nongnooch Tropical Garden
Pattaya, Thailand