How can ‘over-potting’ be a thing when plants grow straight from the Earth’s surface with infinite amounts of soil available?

Question

How can ‘over-potting’ be a thing when plants grow straight from the Earth’s surface with infinite amounts of soil available?

In: 1858

Answer 1

In the ground, water can drain away in every direction. In a pot, it can only drain out through a small hole in the bottom. Moisture is retained much more easily in a pot, especially in the dense, rich potting soil sold by most nurseries, leading to rot.