How to Drill a Drainage Hole in a Ceramic Flower Pot or Planter

Container gardening which is gardening in pots adds versatility to small and large gardens, yards, and homes.  It is a way to add instant color and provide a focal point by placing them outside on the ground or on a pedestal and anywhere inside the home.

The ceramic pots can be used for flowers, vegetables, and herbs. Choosing ceramic plant pots and containers is part of the fun.

I am a firm believer that you should have drainage holes for all your plants - houseplants and outdoor plants.  A drainage hole is essential to keep the plant from getting waterlogged, causing it to drown and the roots of the plant to rot especially if the flowerpot is outside.

Say, you find the perfect ceramic container or flower pot in a store or thrift shop only to discover it doesn't have a water drainage hole in the bottom.  How disappointing. You can still use it for plants.  If you can drill with a power drill, you can create holes in the bottom of the pot.

Learn how to drill a drainage hole in the flowerpot base by watching our video or keep reading this post for a photo tutorial with step-by-step instructions.

DRILLING HOLE IN A CERAMIC POT OR PLANTER TUTORIAL

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED:

• Ceramic Flower Pot or Container
• Tile and Glass Drill Bit
• Power Drill
• Safety Goggles or Glasses

STEP-BY-STEP TUTORIAL ON MAKING A DRAINAGE HOLE :

STEP 1: CERAMIC CONTAINER

Place the flower pot upside down on a hard flat surface like cement or a deck.  The drainage hole should be drilled from the outside of the pot to the inside. Before drilling, you may want to place some newspaper or cardboard under the flower pot to protect the work surface.

Decide where you want to place the hole in the bottom of the flower pot.  You need at least one drainage hole that is usually placed in the center of the pot base.  If it is a large pot, you may want more holes.

STEP 2: ATTACH THE BIT TO THE DRILL

The type of bit used to drill the hole depends on the type of flower pot.  For a metal or plastic flowerpot, a normal bit is appropriate, for an unglazed ceramic pot a masonry bit and for a glazed ceramic pot a tile and glass bit.

A good drill is important so you have enough power needed to properly drill through the pot.  It can be an electric drill or a battery-powered one.  If using a battery-powered drill, make sure it is thoroughly charged.

For this tutorial, my glazed ceramic pots need drainage holes.  So, I attached a 3/8" tile and glass bit to the battery-powered drill. 

STEP 3: BEGIN DRILLING

Put on safety glasses or goggles before you begin to drill to prevent dust or pieces of the ceramic pot from getting into your eyes as you drill.

Many tutorial tell you to put masking tape where you want to drill the hole.  Some tutorials use water when drilling.  I have drilled holes in many flowerpots and found both of these techniques unnecessary. 

To begin drilling, place the drill bit perpendicularly on the pot base where you want to make the hole.

Holding the drill in one hand and with the other hand apply a firm amount of pressure to the top of the drill, slowly begin drilling until the bit begins to drill into the surface of the pot.  Then lighten up on the pressure, increase the speed of the power drill and drill the rest of the drainage hole into the flowerpot.

When drilling be patient, it can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes depending on the thickness of the bottom of the pot.

Once you drill all the way through the pot, gently pull the drill back out through the hole.

Repeat the process if you want an additional hole or holes.

Wipe away the dust and rinse the flower pot with water.  

STEP 4: ALL DONE!

Growing flowers, herbs and vegetables in pots is a satisfying way to add color and personality to your home, porch or yard.

Have fun purchasing any flower pot you like and if it doesn't have a drainage hole just drill one.

If you enjoyed this tutorial, you will surely enjoy our Sustainable Gardening and Foraging page.

Happy Gardening!

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