# DIY Self Watering Container Planters

- Link: https://lifeandwork.blog/diy-self-watering-container-planters/
- Published: 2026-08-03T07:58:30-05:00
- Author: Bert Swope

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.

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