PlantAeration.
The availability and exchange of air within the root environment.
What it means for your plants
Roots need oxygen as well as moisture. A suitable particle structure, appropriate container, and sensible watering cycle help preserve air spaces. Poking holes in chronically saturated mix does not fix every underlying cause.
IN PRACTICE
A loose container mix with coarse particles may preserve more useful air space than tightly packed garden soil in a small pot.
Put it into practice
Compare potting mix, potting soil, garden soil, and compost so you can choose the right root environment for container plants.
Potting mix vs. garden soil: what belongs in a plant pot?