Bog Garden Drainage: Side Holes vs. Bottom Holes for In-Ground vs. Above-Ground

Designing Drainage for a Carnivorous Plant Bog Garden

A Cleveland, OH grower plans a bog garden using a pre-formed plastic pond liner (2×2 ft, 1 ft deep) for S. flava and 'King Henry' flytraps. They ask whether to drill drainage holes in the sides (a few inches up) or the bottom.

Expert Recommendation

Jeff Dallas: For in-ground installations, prefer side holes to prevent groundwater from seeping back into the bog. A saturated bottom layer forms but is refreshed by regular watering. For above-ground ponds, use bottom holes for free drainage.

Key Consideration

The goal is to avoid external soil water (often high in minerals) contaminating the bog's pure peat medium.