If you have container plants, the water that runs out through the drainage holes may stain the patio or floor -- unless you prevent the problem by using a container without drainage holes. That's a good solution for your floor, but it's hard on your plants. An aeration tube can solve the problem. Landscape contractor and designer Marilyn Hencken recommends aeration tubes for urban gardeners who may not have the option of using draining containers. Plants' roots must have oxygen, or they rot. When plants are grown in containers without drainage holes, you can use aeration tubes to provide roots with oxygen. The tubes are made of PVC pipe cut with a hacksaw and glued together with PVC elbows and end caps with holes drilled in them. PVC fittings and pipe are available at building-supply stores. Make sure the pipe and fittings are the same size. Materials:
PVC pipe
Two slip end caps (that is, without threaded ends)
One slip elbow
PVC-pipe glue
River gravel
Soil-separator fabric
Container without a drainage hole
Potting soil
- Glue the parts together with PVC-pipe glue (figure A), creating an L -shaped tube. Allow them to dry for several hours.
- The long end of the tube should be visible just above the edge of the container. Place the tube at one end of the container.
- Fill the bottom of the container with large river gravel, deep enough to cover the bottom portion of the tube (figure B).
- Place a layer of soil-separator fabric, available at building-supply stores or garden centers, over the gravel. If you have enough, you can wrap it around the inside of the container. Soil-separator fabric prevents the potting mix from plugging the holes in the end caps of the tube.
- Add potting soil to within 3" of the edge of the container so that you have room for the plants, then tamp the soil into place, and plant.
Water will run through the soil and into the gravel below. The tube allows the water to evaporate and prevents roots from rotting.
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