I filled the growing pot in layers. There is screen in the bottom drain. There is about 2-3' of clay balls medium in the bottom, then about 3" of potting soil, then 2" of clay balls, then 4" of potting soil, then 1' of clay balls on the surface. I water through the top layer to keep the feet wet about 1/2 - 1" of water in the dish under the pot. Water runs through the soil within 20 seconds. If I let it go dry and stay dry for a day, she droops. Only happened twice in veg. No problem. I am curious to see the root structure later to see how it navigated the soil medium variety over time.