Do hanging basket liners need drainage holes?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Having drainage holes in all hanging basket liners is a must-have feature! They prevent root rot, which can quickly occur when watering is excessive. Water will pool at the bottom of the basket, suffocating roots because it cannot escape. I have personally witnessed plants die completely within weeks due to this simple oversight. Your hanging basket liner should work to retain soil while allowing excess water to escape.
Plastic Liners
- Require 5-8 quarter-inch holes per square foot manually added
- Space holes evenly across bottom and lower sides
- Use heated metal tool for clean precise openings
- Test drainage by pouring water before planting
Natural Fiber Liners
- Coir and jute have natural drainage but may clog
- Inspect monthly for soil compaction blocking fibers
- Reinforce with extra holes in high-density soil areas
- Flush with water quarterly maintaining flow capacity
Specialty Materials
- Felt liners need periodic hole clearing with pipe cleaners
- Biodegradable blends require seasonal drainage checks
- Liner inserts feature pre-formed drainage channels
- Always verify manufacturer drainage specifications first
Methods of Installation differ by material. You can use a drill or a soldering iron to get clean edges on plastic. For natural fibers, poke holes with a dibble bar while ensuring you don't tear the fiber. I use chalk to mark the hole locations first, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Test your drainage to see if the hole placement is effective.
This article explains how to prevent clogging through simple maintenance. Add gravel layers above drainage holes to filter soil particles. Add pieces of landscape fabric under soil that is held in coir liners. I check my holes every month during the growing season. If you are looking to take these preventative actions, your drainage should remain effective.
Identify Signs of Drain Failure as soon as possible. If you see water pooling on the surface of the soil, then there is likely something blocking the drainage somewhere in the pot. Musty smells are also a sign that anaerobic conditions are developing in the potting mix. Also, if the plants stop growing and you have done everything right, there is an issue. I teach clients to lift the basket to see if the extra weight is from trapped water. When any of these happen, take action immediately.
Attention is required for special cases. Self-watering baskets require a different approach when it comes to drainage. Indoor plant liners need a saucer to collect runoff. I adapt my standard practices to be creative in both situations. Your specific setups require tailored drainage solutions, and we work together to ensure they function effectively.
Read the full article: Everything About Hanging Basket Liners
