DIY root-maker, air-pruning pots

8 years ago

Have any of you tried drilling holes in your 5, 10, 15 gallon traditional garden center black plastic pots ? I have some 15 gallon pots I tried this out on yesterday. I went 1/2 to 2/3 the way up the pots with 1/2 inch drill bit in 1 inch apart rows. I will try and post a pic later.

Featured Answer

Nil13 usda:10a sunset:21 LA,CA (Mount Wash.)

8 years ago

It's unlikely to work all that well. You aren't going to be able to get enough perforations to prevent circling roots. The roots will just "avoid" the dry spaces where the holes are and meander next to the solid pot walls where there is more moisture. If you look at those rootmaker pots, the terracing and multitude of holes prevents the roots from circling.

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Comments (8)

Travis (Central WI 4a-5b)
8 years ago
I've seen people use a hole saw and cut bigger holes. Then they line it with landscape fabric. I'm not sure how well it works though.
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Nick (9b) Modesto Area
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I have 10 rootmaker pots that are 7 gallon and 6 air root pruning pots that are 5 gallon. Maybe I will use a similar size standard nursery pot and convert it and do some side by side testing this year with the same tomato plant in 3 of them and basil in 3 of them to see if I notice the differences in growth and root structure. I'm not going to experiment on my trees :)

I do have 3 of my small citrus in the 7 gallon rootmaker pots I just transplanted them into those last week.
a1an
8 years ago
Why not just buy a root pouch, smart pouch or any of the knockoffs. Between the work of drilling out said holes or even the fact that the plastic pot will not be as ~durable~ with said holes, why even bother ?
Nick (9b) Modesto Area
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
a1an I have air pruning pots, rootmaker and a dozen smart pouches. I enjoy piddling around trying different things. :)
a1an
8 years ago
I hear ya. I just think once you start making a dozen holes + in a plastic pot, it's not as strong as it was...
Nick (9b) Modesto Area
Original Author
8 years ago
agreed a1an
yassir hussain
6 years ago
HI,Nick, any updates on how it turned out?