DIY Self-Watering Planters: A Beginner's Guide

Creating your own self-watering planters is not only an environmentally friendly endeavor, but also a practical solution for busy gardeners or those who struggle to maintain consistent watering schedules. This guide will walk you through the process of making your very own sub-irrigation planters using simple household items.

What Are Self-Watering Planters?

Self-watering planters, also known as sub-irrigation planters, are designed to provide a constant supply of water to the roots without the need for frequent manual watering. This is achieved by using a reservoir that can be filled with water, which then wicks up to the soil through wicking materials such as cotton strings or fabric.

Materials Needed

Plastic tubs or bottles (Recycled) Decorative pots (optional) Water wicking materials (cotton strings, shoelaces, etc.) Containers with drainage holes Drill or awl for holes Heavy-duty cotton shoelaces or similar Optional: Emitter systems, water lines, and timers

Simple DIY Self-Watering Planter Methods

1. Plastic Bottle Method

This method is one of the simplest and most easily accessible. To create a plastic bottle self-watering planter:

Recycle a plastic bottle and cut off the bottom portion, leaving the neck intact. Punch a small hole in the bottom of the bottle. Press the neck of the bottle into the soil tightly and fill the bottle with water. Decorate or hide the bottle for a more aesthetic appearance.

2. T-Shirt or Fabric Method

This method involves using a shirt or piece of fabric to act as a wick. To create a fabric-based self-watering planter:

Place a t-shirt or similar fabric in a bucket. Bury the other end of the fabric near the plant. Connect the exposed end of the fabric to a slightly open faucet or a water line.

3. Container and Reservoir Method

This method utilizes a container with a built-in water reservoir. Here's how to make one:

Choose a cheap Tupperware container that isn't too tall, allowing your pot to sit comfortably on top of it. Drill a few holes into the top of the Tupperware, with about 4 holes being sufficient. Drill one hole in the middle of the top of the Tupperware. Run a cotton strip like a shoelace through the middle hole and down to the bottom of the planter, emerging near the surface of the dirt. Add water to the Tupperware. You should be able to see the shoelace at the top to check if it is wet, indicating that the water is being wicked up to the soil. Mix some peat moss into the soil to improve its absorbency. This ensures that the water from the shoelace will be absorbed evenly throughout the soil.

Conclusion

Creating self-watering planters can significantly reduce the amount of time and effort needed to maintain a thriving garden. With just a few household items, you can enjoy the benefits of consistent moisture for your plants without the hassle of frequent watering. Experiment with different methods and materials to find what works best for your specific needs and plant types.

Additional Resources

DIY Sub-Irrigation Planters How to Make a Self-Watering Planter Self-Watering Container Garden Planner