Installing Drainage Cells in Your Garden Planters

Drainage cells are plastic structures that create air pockets to allow excess water to drain away from the soil in your garden planters and outdoor planters. Installing drainage cells provides many benefits - it prevents overwatering, helps aerate the soil, and reduces the risk of root rot. If you want healthier, thriving plants in your planters for gardens, adding drainage cells is a smart solution.

Materials and Tools You'll Need

To install drainage cells in your garden planters or outdoor planters, you'll need:

• Drainage cells - look for ones specifically made for planters. We recommend durable, recycled Nero Cell Drainage Cells from Rainsmart. These cells are lightweight and easy to transport and they can also create a water reservoir under the soil, allowing oxygen to reach plant roots.
• Cutting tools - Our Rainsmart® 30mm NeroTM Drainage Cell can be cut or bent to meet inside or outside corners with an electric saw. They can be cut to shape using tools like diagonal cutter, pruning shear, or snips
• Scissors - to cut the fabric to properly fit your planter dimensions.
• Landscaping fabric - use a porous, non-woven geotextile fabric to place over the drainage cells to prevent soil from clogging them.
• Shovel and gloves - to remove excess soil and handle materials.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Preparing Your Planter

Before installing the drainage cells in your garden planter or outdoor planter:

1. Clean out the planter thoroughly, removing any old soil, roots or debris.
2. Measure the interior dimensions of your planter. Calculate the number of full and partial drainage cells needed to fit the space appropriately.

Placing the Drainage Cells

To correctly place the drainage cells in your outdoor planters:

1. Remove soil from the bottom of the planter to make room for the first layer of drainage cells.
2. Cut any perimeter drainage cells to fit tightly against the planter walls and avoid leaving gaps.
3. Arrange the first layer of drainage cells, staggering the seams in a brickwork pattern for maximum coverage.
4. Place the membrane or porous landscaping fabric over the first layer of drainage cells. This prevents soil from clogging the cells whilst allowing water to pass through.

Testing the Drainage

Before filling in with soil, test the drainage:

1. Slowly pour water into the planter, ensuring it drains freely through the cells and out the bottom.
2. Inspect for any overflow or standing water, adjusting the drainage cells if needed.

Potting Soil and Planting

To ensure proper drainage and avoid heavy clay-based soils, use a lightweight, porous soil mix in your garden or outdoor planter. When planting, gently lift and set down plants to settle the soil below the root ball. This helps prevent air pockets from forming and ensures that your plants have the best chance to thrive.

Maintenance of Drainage Cells

Periodically check drainage cells for any accumulated sediment or roots that could slow drainage, gently pull out invasive roots and rinse away dirt buildup with a garden hose. Watch for standing water after heavy rain or watering, which indicates drainage issues. Address any problems immediately to maintain healthy soil.

Overall, Installing drainage cells in your garden and outdoor planters is essential for providing the air circulation and drainage that plants need to thrive. Also, proper drainage reduces the risk of root rot and overwatering. Make sure to follow this guide to ensure hassle-free installation and happier, healthier plants. Don’t forget to check out our guide and tips section for more information on your DIY garden planter project.