Plants don’t normally require a lot of care and are great to have around for numerous reasons. However, there’s a problem. What will you do with your plants if you have to go away for a few days or more? They’re like quiet pets which you can’t take with you on trips and which have to be watered on a regular basis.
The solution is quite simple: DIY self-watering planters. Yes, there are quite a few fancy self-watering planters available in stores as well but they tend to be pretty expensive whereas these ones are super cheap and easy to make.
- Do Self Watering Planters Really Work?
- How Do I Make My Planters Self Water?
- Do You Put Rocks in the Bottom of a Self Watering Planter?
- Best Plants for Self Watering Pots
- Pros and Cons to Using Self Watering Planters
- How to Make a Self Watering Herb Planter Box
- 20 Quick and Simple DIY Self-Watering Planters
There are so many benefits to using a self-watering planter, especially for indoor gardeners looking to save time caring for their plants. The overflow hole helps to prevent root rot, which can sadly kill off your houseplants. This hole also helps to empty excess water that accumulates, minimizing the risk of this occurring. They also offer a much more efficient use of water and will avoid water wastage. Some self-watering planters offer users a moisture-wicking system, which can help to further improve efficiency.
Water delivery using any of these devices on our list today will be more targeted than using your regular watering can or spray bottle. You’ll find it’s far less wasteful as you aren’t spraying water around that doesn’t make it near your plant. Self-watering planters also give even moisture levels, and the water will go straight to your plant’s roots. These methods also help to minimize the risk of fungal diseases, making houseplants live longer. You won’t oversaturate the leaves, which is a top reason that plants develop these diseases.
You can also use any of these self-watering planters to feed your plants nutrients or food as well as water. The slow-release of these nutrients can help them to thrive for three or four weeks. If you live in an area that experiences a lot of hot weather, you’ll want to be careful that the water doesn’t evaporate after you’ve made your new self-watering planter.
This sort of defeats the object of the device, and makes it difficult to use if you are traveling or away for a while. They also aren’t ideal for all types of plants but are great for tropical plants and vegetables. However, species that need to be kept in very moist soil will struggle with a self-watering planter.
Do Self Watering Planters Really Work?
Self watering containers can be highly efficient, as long as you know how to use them properly. A container that advertises itself as “self-watering” does not actually water itself.
It is a watering system that makes use of planters that comes with a water reservoir located on the bottom side of the container. By means of a soil “foot” or a fabric “wick,” this reservoir is connected to the area where the plant is located.
Plants that are grown in a soil foot system send roots down into the foot and take up as much water as they require. The water is carried up the wick and into the soil of the main pot in a wick system, which is a capillary action system. In either case, the plants will have access to water as long as there is water in the reservoir. This allows you to water your plants less regularly while maintaining their health.
How Do I Make My Planters Self Water?
We’re going to teach you a cool trick on how you can create a self watering system using an empty soda bottle. This trick is suited for a larger planter or container, or even a sensitive plant in the ground that needs more consistent watering.
- Fill a two-liter soda bottle with water and rinse it.
- Remove the neck so that the top aperture can be readily filled with a hose after it has been cut.
- Alternatively, cut off the bottom of the bottle and turn it upside down. The cut-open bottom has now been transformed into a “neck.”
- Small holes should be punched or sliced randomly across the bottle’s body.
- Make a hole in the soil that allows you to put the bottle in the center of the planter or right close to the root system of a plant that is already planted in the ground and fill it with soil.
- Fill the bottle with soil all the way up to the open neck. Fill the bottle with water all the way up to the top.
This homemade self-watering system works by allowing water to slowly seep through the perforations in the bottle and into the soil. The fact that it is buried in the soil will help to prevent excessive evaporation. This approach also aids in the development of a strong root system.
Do You Put Rocks in the Bottom of a Self Watering Planter?
This topic is a little controversial, as some claim that gravel is required in a self watering planter, while others claim it’s a bad idea. Some people believe that not only are rocks not required in the bottom of self-watering planters, but they will also interfere with how these planters use the self-watering function if they are used. Gravel should not be used to line the bottom of such a planter.
The water reservoir and wicking mechanism in self-watering pots allow the water to be delivered to the plant roots only when it is required, rather than when the pot is completely dry.
This occurs as a result of capillary action. Those of you that add rock layers on top of fabric wicks in planters should know that they will take up space in the reservoir, limiting the volume of water it can contain, or they will reduce the amount of time the planter can be left without being filled with water between replenishing the reservoir.
Best Plants for Self Watering Pots
Self-watering pots are ideal for anyone who has a habit of forgetting to water their plants. However, they aren’t just for those who are prone to forgetting about their gardens. They are also ideal for plants that dislike being watered by hand, such as succulents and cacti. That being said, let’s check out five best plants that you can grow in self watering pots.
Pothos or Devil’s Ivy
Pothos, like many other plants, flourishes in a self-watering pot for a variety of reasons, including convenience. Root rot can be avoided by using a self-watering planter. Pothos suffers from this condition owing to a lack of water or excessive irrigation.
Excessive watering of our Potho plant can result in fungal diseases and the drooping of its leaves. It is preferable to use self-watering pots in order to avoid any of these problems. When using self-watering pots, always allow for a period of drying time for the soil before replenishing the reservoir. Essentially, it is something that aids Pothos in acquiring nutrients.
People frequently top-dress their Pothos with new soil, particularly in the gaps that appear. It is a fantastic method of providing the plant with the nutrients it requires on an as-needed basis.
Ferns
Ferns thrive when they are provided with enough moisture and humidity, and when they are planted in peaty soil. Using water that is at room temperature will help to ensure the health of fern plants.
Generally speaking, ferns die as a result of either inadequate moisture or over watering. When ferns are subjected to the problem of under-watering, their leaves turn yellow and become dry. However, overwatering can result in the rotting of plant roots as well as fading of plant foliage.
We can, on the other hand, ensure that our ferns receive adequate water by planting them in self watering pots. In addition, we must monitor the moisture requirements of the plant on a regular basis. It is important to avoid adding water from the top once we have planted our ferns in self-watering pots.
Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes do exceptionally well when grown in large containers. This is due to the fact that it will allow greater space for the soil to absorb water. They demand a greater quantity of water in order to provide us with a nice harvest.
Under-watering can produce blossom end rot, as well as split tomatoes, in some cases. Over-watering can also have a comparable effect on the plant’s performance. For the plant to remain healthy, it is necessary to give it consistent water and nutrients. Although the soil must be moist, this does not necessarily imply that it must be humid.
The use of a self-watering container can assist us in ensuring that our cherry tomatoes receive an adequate amount of water supply. We can also have a system in place to water the plants on an automatic basis.
Umbrella Palm
Umbrella palms require a lot of water to thrive. In addition, it is a semi-aquatic plant. If we plant an umbrella palm in a self-watering pot, it will thrive and flourish.
Because it thrives in water, we must regularly fill the reservoir to its maximum capacity and replace it as needed. It is possible to refresh the plant by checking on it every now and then and supplying it with water.
When dealing with an umbrella palm, we must make certain that the roots are kept moist and moist. If the plant’s roots become dry, it will have a negative impact on the plant. It causes dehydration in this particular type of plant resulting in brown stains on the tips of their leaf tips and other symptoms
Basil
Basil, which is widely used in culinary preparations, requires enough sunlight and mild temperatures to thrive. When the weather is hot and dry, it grows at its best. When it gets chilly, the plant may not be able to withstand the weather.
We can avoid these issues by providing the plant with an atmosphere that is conducive to growth. Growing a basil plant indoors, either under a fluorescent lamp or placed on a windowsill, can help it to develop faster and more vigorously
A self-watering pot can make it easier for our basil, especially those that are kept inside, to get the amount of water they require. When the reservoir is completely depleted and the earth is no longer moist, we can replenish it.
Pros and Cons to Using Self Watering Planters
Now that we know more about self watering planters, let’s examine the overall benefits of choosing this type of self-irrigation system:
- Convenience is the main benefit of self-watering pots. With our busy lifestyles, a self-watering pot can help you relax in your outdoor hideaway.
- These pots are designed to save water and distribute it efficiently. This will save time and eliminate the need for sprinklers and hoses.
- Your plants will be watered even when you leave on vacation, and you don’t have to rely on people coming in and watering the plants.
There are also a couple of drawbacks to consider:
- Since they can’t detect the environmental humidity, having these pots outside in the rain will cause overwatering for your plants.
- If you are attempting to grow plants that are very thirsty, a self watering system won’t do the trick.
How to Make a Self Watering Herb Planter Box
Making your own self watering herb planter box is very easy, so here is a short tutorial that will guide you through the process so you can see for yourself how easy and cost-effective this is.
What you’ll need:
- A plastic container
- A wooden crate that fits the container
- Some gravel
- A PVC pipe
- Geotextile fabric
- Potting mix
- The herbs of your choice
- Handsaw
- Drill
- A wine cork
Step One
Pour a layer of gravel into the plastic container to create a layer that’s about two inches deep.
Step Two
Dig a few holes into the gravel and push in some small pots.
Step Three
Using a handsaw, cut a piece of the PVC pipe that’s the same height as the box. Insert this vertically into one of the corners of the plastic container.
Step Four
Drill a hole on the side of the box, just above the gravel layer
Step Five
Cut a piece of geotextile fabric and place it on the top of the gravel.
Step Six
Put the plastic container into the crate and add soil on top of the geotextile fabric, but make sure to leave some space at the top.
Step Seven
Put the plants into position and add some extra soil, tapping in gently so that the roots of the herbs are covered.
Step Eight
Insert a sharpened paddle pop into a wine cork and place it inside the PVC tube that’s sticking out of the soil
Step Nine
Pour water inside the pipe and when you notice the cork floating about two inches from the top, it means you’ve added enough water.
Quick and Simple DIY Self-Watering Planters
1. DIY Self-Watering Planter Using a Recycled Bottle
A lot of the DIY self-watering planters on our list are made from recycled bottles. The tutorial from craftyourhappiness shows how you can make such a planter out of nothing but a plastic bottle and a piece of string. Cut the bottle into two sections, make a hole in the cap and run the string through, put a few stones and soil into the top section, add the plant and then place this upside down into the bottom half of the bottle which is filled with water.
Related: Click and Grow Smart Herb Garden Review – The Best Self Watering Pots
2. Self-Watering Concrete Planter
Check out how cute this self-watering planter is. It has two parts: a water reservoir at the bottom and the actual planter at the top. there’s a hole in the bottom of the planter with a wick coming out of it. The (or string) absorbs water and lets it seep into the soil, ensuring a suitable environment for the plant to grow in. You can make planters like this one using molds and concrete mix. Find all the details on instructables.
3. Self-Watering Downspout Planter
All DIY self-watering planters have pretty much the same structure. They feature a reservoir filled with water and the actual planter which sits on top and slowly receives water from the reservoir through small holes or a sort of wick. The self-watering downspout planter featured on instructables is no different. With this planter, you don’t have to worry about a thing. Just remember to fill the reservoir every once in a while.
4. Glass Bottle Self-Watering Planter
Plastic bottles are definitely easier to cut, but if you want your self-watering planter to be a bit more sturdy you might want to use a glass bottle instead. You’ll need a bottle cutter for that. The project is fairly easy even with this extra step. What’s nice is that you could use a green-tinted wine bottle that would match the plants and would be heavy and sturdy enough to last for a very long time.
5. Bottle Gardens for your Herb Garden
DIY self-watering planters are a perfect idea if you’re trying to grow an herb garden. The planters are small enough to be kept on the windowsill and large enough for the plants to have enough room for growth. The ones suggested on designsponge are made out of recycled bottles that could be beer or wine bottle tops. As you can see, the two pieces don’t have matching colors and that’s a pretty cool detail.
6. Sports Top Water Bottle Self-Watering Planter
To make it even easier to craft a self-watering planter out of a plastic bottle, choose a bottle that has a sports top. This way you won’t need to add the string and to make a hole in the map. In addition to the bottle, you’ll also need some aquarium gravel, soil, a plant, scissors (or a small utility knife), and some dried moss. Follow the instructions on thechillydog and pay attention to the details.
7. Large DIY Self-Watering Planter
After you’ve seen the ideas we’ve gathered so far, you might be wondering if there’s any possibility that you could make a large self-watering planter, more similar to what you already use. The answer is yes. Check out bucolicbushwick to find out how you can convert a standard planter into a self-watering one.
8. Homemade Self-Watering Planter
If you like the idea of a large self-watering planter or one that has a big reservoir for those times when you need to take long trips, you should have a look at the tutorial offered on frugalupstate. It shows you how to craft a self-watering planter that suits these criteria. The project is fairly simple and budget-friendly.
9. Upside-Down Hanging Self-Watering Earth-Filled Box
There’s more than one way to connect a planter to a water reservoir. The idea with the bottle planter that has a hole in the cap and a wick is one of the easiest ones to achieve but there’s another strategy that you might want to try. This idea comes from instructables. As you can see, the planters are hanging upside down and that’s pretty cool even without the self-watering system.
10. DIY Self Watering Planter Box
Another tutorial showing you how to build a self-watering planter can be found on thehandygardener. The supplies needed include a foam box with no holes and with a lid, a PVC pipe, a saw (or something to cut the pipe with), scissors, waterproof tape, and a stick. Curious what the stick is for? It serves as a gauge that lets you know whether your planter box needs water or not.
11. DIY Self Watering Container: Water Cooler Bottle
The idea of upcycling water bottles into self-watering planters is great because you can make planters of all shapes and sizes, depending on how big the bottle is and how it’s shaped. If you need a large planter then use a water cooler bottle. That should offer a big water reservoir that will take care of your plants for quite. some time. the tutorial featured on bucolicbushwick also suggests using a tomato cage as a support structure if needed.
Related: AeroGarden – The Best And Easy Way To Grow Plants Indoor
12. A Self-Watering Planter for Under $10
Speaking of large planters, another idea is to use buckets instead of big bottles. According to the tutorial offered on reallifeathome you can make a self-watering planter using two paint buckets, a paint mixing container, a piece of PVC pipe, a dowel, and a drill. You’ll also need some coffee filters or cheesecloth to cover the holes at the bottom of the bucket so the soil doesn’t block them.
13. Customize Your Self-Watering Planter
As you’ve probably figured out by now, you can probably use any type of pot or container to build a self-watering planter. It’s just a matter of adjusting the design and strategy to the supplies and tools that you have. Check out littlevictorian to find out how this whole process goes. It’s easy, cheap and anyone can do it. Also, there’s a lot of room for customization.
14. Self-Watering Container Garden
It’s possible to build a self-watering planter out of just about anything. I think we’ve already proven this with all the planters made of bottles we showed you earlier but in case you still need convincing check out this project from verticalveg. These planters are made out of wood boxes, plastic sheets, pipes, and plastic boxes.
15. Self-Watering Planters for Tomatoes
Thanks to self-watering planters like this one you can grow beautiful tomatoes without even having a garden. You can make a planter like this one for less than $10. All you will need is a towel, two containers, and two sponges. You can find all the details plus instructions and tips in this Youtube video tutorial.
16. DIY Mini Self-Watering Wicking Garden
This is a great option for anyone who is short on space, and this wicking bed container garden is simple enough for anyone to create. Follow this tutorial on YouTube for more details. It will save you water and give good moisture to your plants, yet it is quick and easy to build. You could even get your kids involved in this project, and it’s ideal for anyone who lives in an apartment or who is an urban gardener. Your new garden setup should last for a few years, and you’ll just have to replace the fabric on the bottom from time to time.
17. Make your own Self -Watering Container out of Buckets
You’ll just need two buckets and a Styrofoam cup to form the base of this self-watering container. You can easily find buckets for this project from crestonesolarschool at your local grocery store. Try to get two different sizes and depths to be able to make this self-watering planter properly. The shorter one will hold the plant, and then the larger one is used for the water reserve. The Styrofoam cup will need to be large if you have a deep water reservoir, but it can be small if it’s shallow. You can also opt for an empty plastic bottle if this is easier to get a hold of. This is a fun and easy project to create, especially in comparison to other options, and it’s a great choice for anyone going away for an extended period of time to keep your plants healthy.
18. Self-Watering Garden using your Air Conditioner
For an eco-friendly option that can use your air conditioner’s recycled water, check out this self-watering garden from instructables. It will save on your water bill while looking after your planter garden, and you won’t have to be involved in the process at all once it’s set up. It will save you precious time and effort in the garden, and your vegetables and plants will actually taste and look even better since no chlorine is used.
19. One Cut Soda Bottle Self-Watering Planter
For this incredibly simple DIY project, you’ll just need a 2-liter plastic bottle and an old sock that’s ready to go in the bin. It requires just one cut of your bottle, and then you’ll push the end of the sock through the bottleneck. The elastic band in your sock will help to keep it in place with no issues. It’s perfect for indoor use, as you’ll simply fill the sock with soil and add a plant of your choice, as shown in these instructions from planteatrepeat.
20. Self-Watering Planter with the Container of Your Choice
Use a container of your choice to create this self-watering planter from thekitchengarten. Good options include a Rubbermaid tub or a decorative planter if you are planning to have this as a focal point in your home or garden. You could use any large container, even if it’s not designed with plants in mind. This project is ideal for planting salad leaves and will help them bloom in just a few weeks.
Conclusion
All of these self-watering planters are a fantastic way to keep your plants well-watered for an extended period of time, especially if you are going away for a week or so. You’ll want to ensure you use them with the specified types of plants for these containers, which are generally vegetables and tropical plants.
The great thing about all of these projects is that they encourage you to reuse household items and containers, and minimize waste. It’s an excellent way to bring new life into an item that may otherwise be heading for the trash. With minimal time and effort, you will have added a handy tool to your gardening supplies that will save you water and hassle in the long run.
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