Creating a container garden can be incredibly fulfilling. However, if you frequently forget to maintain a watering schedule, a self-watering container garden may be a viable solution. One of the biggest benefits of self-watering containers is that plants draw up the water they need when they need it. Beyond general care for the plant itself, with a self-watering planter, all you have to do is fill the reservoir periodically.
Self-watering planters are available to buy, but sometimes they don’t meet the dimensions, look, or requirements to create the container garden you’d prefer. We’re going to walk you through one of the easiest ways you can create a self-watering container garden on your own.
How to Make a DIY Self-Watering Container Garden
Double potting—or “cache” potting—is a classic method that allows plants to drain properly without damaging surfaces. To use this technique, simply place your plant in a grow pot, then place the grow pot into a larger, more attractive container. The grow pot is hidden; therefore, the plant appears to be nestled directly in the exterior container. Though this method is used to ensure adequate drainage, you can also use this technique to create a self-watering container garden.
Supplies
- Large exterior planter
- Plant
- Soil
- Grow pot
- Cross risers
- Capillary wicks
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Place capillary wicks in the bottom of the grow pot, with the ends sticking out through the bottom drainage holes.
2. Use soil to plant the foliage in the grow pot, on top of the capillary wicks.
3. Set cross risers at the bottom of the larger exterior planter.
4. Position the grow pot on top of the cross risers. This creates a small reservoir and keeps the bottom of the grow pot out of the water, which helps to prevent root rot. Make sure the capillary wicks can touch the bottom of the exterior plant container.
5. Fill the bottom of the exterior planter with water, submerging the ends of the capillary wicks. Water will wick up towards the plant’s roots and allow the plant to gather moisture as needed.
Using this technique, you aren’t limited to one large exterior plant container with one plant. Instead, you can use a large, rectangular planter with multiple cross risers and grow pots to create a self-watering container garden to display a variety of foliage, flowers, or fruit and vegetables.
Let your imagination run wild with planting possibilities while alleviating your schedule of watering responsibilities.
Recommended Self-Watering Planters
If you don’t want to make your own self-watering container garden, there are plenty of self-watering planters, both large and small, ready for your plants and creativity.
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