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How to Drill Drain Holes in Planters

This post is sponsored by The Home Depot.
concrete turtle planter in garden

It seems like we skip Spring this year.  Winter temperatures stayed waaay too long, then a couple of weeks with lots of rain and BOOM Summer is here!

Well, that's how it felt to me, as I kept on waiting and waiting for good weather to arrive to go outside and do some gardening. I'd bought this concrete turtle planter at the beginning of Spring. Ha, it only took me three months to use it! :D

I brought it outside and the rain kept on puddling in there. Every time it rained I had to go and empty it, otherwise Louie our dog would drink that water.
concrete Turtle planted filled with rain water

So, last week I finally had some time and hey, good weather to do some gardening. So, the first task was to drill a drain hole in this turtle planter before planting anything in it.

Can you imagine, planting without any drain holes? The roots sitting down there with all that water? 😝 They would rotten in no time!

It was easier than I thought and these were the main tools I used:

*This post contains affiliate links.
How to drill drain holes in planters
You can check the short video I made about this project right here:


Multi-purpose drill bits 6' long
Bosch Multi-Purpose Carbide Drill Bits
Now, the issue with drilling holes on any kind of material is what kind of bit to use. However, that's not an issue any longer when using this, the Bosch Multi-Purpose Carbide Drill Bits! You can use them for drilling tile, masonry, wood, metal, fiber cement, brick, block and concrete.  A set of five bits from 5/32 in. to 3/8 in. with sharp diamond-ground edges that deliver high drilling speed.


DRILLING HOLES IN CONCRETE

The concrete turtle planter was placed upside-down and using the smallest drill bit (5/32") a hole was drilled in the middle of the planter.
How to drill drain holes in planters

Go slowly, let the impact driver or drill do the job, don't push it down or force it. Drill a hole all through the bottom of the planter.
Makita drill and Bosch multi-purpose carbide drill bits

Change to a larger drill bit to drill a bigger hole.
Makita drill and Bosch multi-purpose carbide drill bits

Once done, all you have to do is plant.
concrete turtle with drain hole

DRILLING HOLES IN METAL

There in the garden I also had this metal watering can that I only use for decorative purposes. Even though it already had a couple of holes on the sides and spout, it's always collecting water inside.

So, a drainage hole was also necessary at the bottom of this watering can
#makita impact driver and #bosch #carbide drill bit

The steps for drilling a hole on this metal container were almost the same as the ones done for the concrete planter. Starting with a smaller drill bit, then changing to a larger one.

However, I pushed down the drill to set the drill bit in place, then I just let the drill to do the job.

DRILLING HOLES IN WOOD

I had this piece of 2x4 to use as a base. So, I gave the bits a try on it.
I couldn't be any easier!
#makita impact driver and #bosch carbide drill bit

So, the watering can was placed in its usual spot.
how to drill holes in metal container

Charming Mr. Frog Prince is busy planting some herbs.
how to make drain holes in planters - Gardening

And Mrs. Turtle's looking great in pink. ;)
flower box - garden decor

A hole at the bottom of a planter is critical for healthier plants

The Makita  18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Impact Driver Kit with (1) Battery 3.0Ah is a great deal right now... Tool, battery, charger and storage bag only $99.

  • Powerful brushless Motor delivers 1,500 in.lbs. of Max Torque
  • Brushless motor runs cooler and more efficiently for longer life
  • Tool, Battery and Charger have a 3-year limited warranty

Great deal in powerful tools



I acknowledge that The Home Depot is partnering with me to participate in the promotional program described above (the “Program”). As a part of the Program, I am receiving compensation in the form of products and services, for the purpose of promoting The Home Depot. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own words. My post complies with the Word Of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines.


*This post contains affiliate links.



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2 comments :

  1. I've been working on my yard too much more this year than the past two that we've lived here. and I'm ready for some cute planters with holes drilled into the bottom for drainage.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The drill looks so small and easy to use. Thank you for sharing!
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