DIY Self-Watering Planter
How do I make a DIY self watering planter?
by
Shoshana
+9
I'm in need of a creative solution to ensure my precious potted plants stay hydrated while I'm away on holiday. I've heard about the wonders of DIY self-watering planters, and I'm eager to give them a try!
I thought I would reach out to this clever DIY community and see if anyone has some tried and tested ideas on how to create self-watering planters. If any green-thumbed enthusiasts have successfully tackled this project before, your expertise would be invaluable.
Since I'll be away for some time, it's crucial that the self-watering mechanism effectively provides moisture to the plants without causing any overwatering issues. If you have any insights on maintaining the right balance, please do share!
Looking forward to hearing from everyone.
Thanks
Here are several ideas for you to try:
https://www.hometalk.com/search/all?filter=DIY%20self%20watering%20planter
Go to the top of this page and type in Self watering planter, lots of help will show up.
I've used a glass soda bottle filled with water and inverted into the dirt in the past with success.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjwVDqUp5qw
Hi Shoshana: How long will you be gone? You will want your plants to have the same amount of light as they have now. What you can do is to get some totes to put your plants in and then, believe it or not, get some diapers and remove the filling that is inside and holds the liquid, and put some rocks, like lava rocks which are lighter in weight than regular rocks, and put them in the bottom of the totes, just enough to support your plants. Then, stick a lot of the diaper filling in between the rocks, fill with water to cover the filling and then put your plants inside. Watch the plants to see how much water they absorb and then fill the water so that it's about 1/2 inch over the bottom of the plant pot. The plants should be sitting on the filling so that the water is being drawn up into the filling and into the plant pots.
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/3-diy-self-watering-ideas-for-your-garden-or-planters-44446516
DIY Wine Bottle Self Watering Idea for Your Garden or Planters!
When I was younger we used to take bottles, fill them with water, turn them upside down and stick them in the dirt. It worked, but I'd move the plants to an area where they're not in direct sunlight, you'll go through the water much faster.
I’ve seen folks use water or wine bottles inverted into the soil. I’m sure there are a few more instructions to go with that so try the search bar at the top left.
This video might have some good tips, hope it helps! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tW6R7ZBjOM
By driving a nail all the way through, create a tiny hole in the cap or cork. Reattach the cap after adding enough water to fill the bottle completely. The bottle should then be turned upside down and buried about two inches deep in the ground.
I've used an inverted soda or wine bottle but with a delicate plant like this, I'm not sure if it will work. I do 3 ice cubes once a week on mine. Maybe you could get a friend to do that while you are away since it's easy. You could text a reminder to them.
Hi everyone, sorry that I never responded here but I loved the creative suggestions. In the end, we went with the old bottle trick - thanks for sharing!