Raised Bed for Hardy Carnivorous Plants: Drainage and Mole Protection

Tigard, OR (Zone 8). Planning raised bed lined with plastic for hardy pitcher plants and flytraps. Concern: excess water rotting plants. DVDs didn't cover this.

Drainage Solutions

• Deep bed? Drill drain holes in bottom.
• Large soil volume holds water—tray method not needed. Water diligently in summer.
• Or: drill holes 3–4" up sides in liner → reservoir at bottom, roots above water table.

Critical Protections

• Chicken wire on bottom — moles love soft CP soil.
• No Darlingtonia in ground-contact beds — prone to Phytophthora root rot from groundwater. Use elevated containers or concrete base. Other CPs fine.