Stones in bottom of planters or not

susananwms

I have always put stones in the bottom of planters but have read that you should not do this.  Something about modern composts and height of retained water level in pots.  I have 3 huge ones that I will be planting up soon but they only have one hole in the bottom and this seems raised up in the centre so causes a kind of moat around the pot.  While they are empty I can see where water is being retained in the bottom.  Should I put stones in or do they retain water for a reason?  Would be grateful for any advice 

Fairygirl

It's so that plants/roots can access a store of water when needed, but it can also mean roots sitting in it if they get down far enough.
I personally don't like these pots, although they often have markers on the base for making holes there too. That's what I do as plants would get waterlogged very easily here.
You can add a layer of stones to help mitigate it though, if you can't make extra holes in the pot sides or base. 

susananwms

Thanks for your advice, much appreciated.  I will have to put stones or gravel in as they are the ceramic type with no way of putting holes in them

Fairygirl

It would also depend what you have planted in them. If I have a large pot and the plants going in don't have really deep roots, I add rocks, offcuts of wood or even old plastic pots at the bottom to save on compost. That would usually be for annuals though