DIY Self Watering Container Planters

DIY project to reimagine self watering planters as decorative and functional hydration stations with easy wick systems for moisture loving plants such as maidenhair ferns and pothos without over-watering soil.

This planter requires refilling its water reservoir about once every week during summer. You should also add fertilizer every few weeks using diluted, water-soluble organic fertilizers mixed into its reservoir water.

1. Glass Globe

Watering globes and self-watering vases are popular DIY options for keeping plants hydrated without constant attention. Not only can these decorative vessels add style and color to any plant display, they can also serve as an efficient hydration station that uses a simple wick system that draws moisture up through the potting mix to the globe when soil dries out – perfect for people who travel frequently or forget to water regularly as this method eliminates the need to check on plants at least once daily!

DIY waterers offer many advantages, as they can be constructed out of various materials ranging from glass bottles and recycled plastic containers, to reusing these items to reduce waste, while adding to any room or garden display decor. A bottle with a screw cap can even be transformed into an eye-catching planter by simply poking holes through its top; some even come equipped with fun colors like green or red that match any particular scheme!

Glass containers often look more elegant than typical planter spikes and complement any aesthetic of interior or outdoor spaces better. Furthermore, a watering globe made of glass is less likely to accumulate minerals that obstruct oxygen flow and limit plant growth.

The wick that draws water up into a globe should be regularly cleaned to reduce algae growth, while its contents should be replenished with clean, fresh water as required. Distilled or filtered water may help prevent minerals from building up in its narrow stem, while changing it regularly ensures that potting mix remains moist to prevent weed seeds from germinating while helping reduce salt buildup. Adding some bleach can also help eliminate unwanted organic matter buildup while inspecting it periodically can protect from its breaking or clogging.

2. Rubber Feed Bowl

Some planters come equipped with their own built-in water reservoir to supply plants with an even supply of moisture from below, while others depend on capillary action or wicking to draw the water from their reservoir into potting soil. Wicks can be constructed out of various materials – for instance a section of PVC pipe cut into pieces can act as the wick, while half-cut plastic bottles act as wells for collecting excess liquid).

Some self-watering planters come preloaded with coco coir as a planting medium to ensure roots receive oxygen while sipping up water from below them. You can also choose your own planting medium such as quality potting compost or vermicompost mix; since these containers are designed to hold large volumes of liquid, only choose one capable of handling such an abundance of moisture.

Many self-watering pots need to be filled up every one to two weeks, which makes them an effective way of providing plants with enough moisture without overwatering them. Still, it’s advisable to keep an eye on these planters in case the water level starts to run low – many also feature indicators which tell you when it’s time to check plants and fill up their reservoirs again.

Though not necessary, adding rocks to the bottom of your water reservoir vase or globe can be helpful as they prevent too much moisture entering and wetting out soil, which could otherwise lead to root rot in certain species of plants. As an alternative solution, consider adding slow-release fertilizer each time you refill your reservoir with new water.

This contemporary-looking trough-style planter comes in sets of three and is specifically designed to keep herbs and other moisture-loving plants easily within reach on windowsills. Unlike traditional garden containers, which must remain exposed to direct sunlight for them to flourish, this one doesn’t – and resists freezing temperatures too! – it is lightweight with an indicator so you can monitor water levels without opening its lid.

3. PVC Pipe

Staying hydrated when growing vegetables in containers can be one of the biggest challenges of all, particularly in hot greenhouses or polytunnels where overwatering or underwatering could damage yields. Watering can also be labor intensive and time consuming when thirsty plants need it; self-watering planters can make a real difference for busy gardens by collecting rainwater in a reservoir below each pot and using that moisture to permeate its way into the potting mix above; saving both time and effort when traveling over summer!

An ideal DIY self-watering planter solution for greenhouse crops such as tomatoes and peppers that need regular irrigation is a DIY self-watering planter, quick and simple to construct at much lower cost than ready-made units.

Start by gathering a large plastic container, such as an old food box or 50 liter (11 gallon) recycling bin with a closed bottom, such as an old food box or recycling bin. Drill several holes large enough for water to flow through. Cut a PVC pipe slightly longer than the height of your container – union fittings provide convenient removal/replacement capability – then secure with landscaping fabric or window screen at its base to prevent pea gravel/dirt clogging the watering tube.

After creating the planter, prepare a wicking vessel. This could be anything from a bottle or plastic pot, to something more elaborate like Amazon’s Terracotta Irrigation Spike – poke several small holes into it so it can absorb water similar to how straws do, then place in planter with soil of your choosing on top.

Now is an ideal time to evaluate your system. Press down on both the screen and the wicking vessel, releasing an amount of water that should keep your plants well hydrated for several days without risking overwatering them.

4. Hardware Cloth

This simple DIY project makes any closed-bottom plastic container into a self watering planter with minimal effort and effort. Simply create a false bottom, fill up a water reservoir at one side, and wick moisture directly up into the potting mix above via an enclosed tube system – cutting back watering time significantly while keeping plants healthier by preventing overwatering and underwatering!

Start by measuring the height of your solo cup inside its container, marking that measurement on a piece of hardware cloth (or whatever material is being used as your false bottom). Next, fold over and secure so the top is flush with the bottom of the planter before cutting a small slit in it so you can run pipe through. Use your tin snips to cut this hole through. Finally, once in place tuck away in one corner before covering with feed bowl to seal off openings.

If you are using a large planter, then to ensure the hardware cloth doesn’t sink to the bottom, you will need to construct 4 legs of some sort to support its weight and keep it off of the ground. PVC pipes or connectors work great as support legs for this.

Once you are ready to plant, start by layering vermculite and peat moss at the bottom of your pot along with regular potting mix on top. Next add in your chosen vegetables or flowers; just be sure to refill the water reservoir once every week during summer if possible – but no more often!

Use this technique with caution: only vegetables and flowers that don’t require as much moisture in their soil will benefit, to reduce root rot risks. Furthermore, orchids and succulents that prefer dry soil conditions won’t thrive under this treatment.