Drainage Layer Or No Drainage Layer?

weirdowl

Hello,
I've read a number of times in books written some time ago that you should almost always use very coarse material as the bottom layer of soil in your pot. I've read from more recent material that this layer of very coarse material actually works against drainage. What do you think?



note: I am not comparing old and new, I'm simply posing the question of drainage layer or no drainage layer.

Thanks

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weirdowl

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Kazuki

Hmmm...
I usually use a layer of pumice or something.. I feel it HELPS with the draining

Jay

I feel a drainage layer is good, if the pot is deep enough to allow it. I try and use the same soil mix for the drainage layer, less the organic element. Regular soil... Turface..Organic..Chicken Grit, drainage layer only Turfave and Chicken Grit!

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Soildoc

Actually, a drainage layer works against drainage. The water in the smaller pores in the soil above the drainage layer will stay there until the soil wets to a point near saturation. If you want to put something in to help drainage, make sure the pores in the drainage layer are smaller than lose in the root layer. A layer of fine sand may work if your upper layer of soil is coarse enough

JLK

Soildoc,
You are full of interesting info. I never do a drainage layer but more cause I'm slovenly but now I have something to back me up!
Thanks.