v

t

t good potting mix has air pockets, water pockets and nutrients (compost)

Drain Holes v

v

v

You drown your houseplants if you water them too much v

Rocks or no rocks?

“Rocks in the bottom of a pot does absolutely zero for drainage”

v Plants use carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. This is true. Plant roots also need oxygen or they will die.

How can you add air to your plant roots?

z

z

z

z Permanent airspace

z

1. Aerobic aspiration will give roots energy to grow z 1. Aerobic aspiration will give roots energy to grow

z 1. Aerobic aspiration will give roots energy to grow 2. Increases nutrient absorption

z 1. Aerobic aspiration will give roots energy to grow 2. Increases nutrient absorption 3. Lack of air allows pathogens to quickly kill the plants

z “Circling roots (in potted) plants have difficulty getting enough water and nutrients, shortening plant’s life span.” -Oregon State University

z “Circling roots are ‘burned’ off or pruned when exposed to air, causing the plant to constantly produce new and highly branched roots.” -Washington State University z

z Air alone has many benefits for plants growing in a container z

z z

z Air is preserved z

z Roots pull water up z Sub-irrigation

A container with good drainage Nutrients are washed down & out

Soil is a reservoir of water

z Water is pulled up z As NATURE INTENDED

z Sub-irrigation As NATURE INTENDED Takes the guess work out of watering z Sub-irrigation As NATURE INTENDED

z Sub-irrigation As NATURE INTENDED Takes the guess work out of watering Reduces fertilizer use by 50% z Sub-irrigation As NATURE INTENDED

z Sub-irrigation As NATURE INTENDED Takes the guess work out of watering Reduces fertilizer use by 50% Visible water reservoir z Sub-irrigation As NATURE INTENDED

z Sub-irrigation As NATURE INTENDED Takes the guess work out of watering Reduces fertilizer use by 50% Visible water reservoir Recreates natures natural systems z Sub-irrigation As NATURE INTENDED