Easy-care guide to drainage in pots
By Scott J Millin
I love pistachio nuts for their aromatic, earthy taste, but I hate waste, so what to do with the shells? Easy, as I have found that the leftover shells provide an excellent drainage material for plant containers.
I like to recycle as much as I can in the garden. Pistachio shells make a great natural alternative to pebbles or broken crocks. They are much lighter for a start and filter water well.
Just add an inch layer to the base of the plant container. They can also be mixed into the compost to aid drainage and aeration. A thick layer at the bottom of a house plant container can act as a reservoir for pots without drainage holes, resulting in less watering.
Ideally, you would want unsalted ones, but if they are salted, you only have to wash the shells before use. It is as simple as that.
So, if you are like me and love pistachio nuts, you know what to do with the shells now, too. Happy planting!
I like to recycle as much as I can in the garden. Pistachio shells make a great natural alternative to pebbles or broken crocks. They are much lighter for a start and filter water well.
Just add an inch layer to the base of the plant container. They can also be mixed into the compost to aid drainage and aeration. A thick layer at the bottom of a house plant container can act as a reservoir for pots without drainage holes, resulting in less watering.
Ideally, you would want unsalted ones, but if they are salted, you only have to wash the shells before use. It is as simple as that.
So, if you are like me and love pistachio nuts, you know what to do with the shells now, too. Happy planting!
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