there are drain holes in the bottom and sides. I used cut off cups turned upside down to raise the plants closer to the light and help them to drain better. the 2nd pic are about 5 days old, just up through the soil. i use the 1/2 deep for seeds as prescribed. i try not to water too often. i use the knuckle deep method for checking the soil. what do plants look like when they start to get too dry? thank again.