Keeping your urban planter boxes consistently watered can be a challenge, especially during hot summer months. Instead of daily watering, you can create a simple, effective self-watering system with a few common items. This project is perfect for container gardens on balconies, patios, or rooftops.
The core principle is to create a reservoir that holds water and a wicking system that draws moisture up into the soil as needed by the plants. Here are two straightforward methods.
Method 1: The Bottle Drip System
This is the simplest approach, ideal for individual plants or small boxes.
1. Gather Materials: A plastic bottle (1 or 2-liter) with a cap, a drill or a nail, and some absorbent fabric like a cotton strip or a piece of an old t-shirt.
2. Prepare the Bottle: Poke several small holes in the bottle's cap. Using a nail or drill, make one or two holes in the lower half of the bottle's body; this will be your water level indicator.
3. Insert the Wick: Cut a strip of fabric about an inch wide and 12 inches long. Push one end through the hole in the bottle's neck and screw the cap on to secure it. The fabric will act as the wick.
4. Bury the Bottle: Dig a hole next to your plant in the planter box. Bury the bottle upside down, with the cap end down, leaving the water level holes exposed. The wick should be in contact with the soil.
5. Fill and Maintain: Fill the bottle with water through the open bottom (which is now the top). You can easily see when it needs a refill by checking the water level holes.
Method 2: The Reservoir and Wick System
For larger planter boxes, a built-in reservoir is more effective.
1. Gather Materials: A plastic container to act as a reservoir (like a storage tub), a drill, PVC pipe (2-3 inch diameter), a utility knife, landscape fabric or a weed barrier cloth, and potting mix.
2. Create the Reservoir: If your planter box doesn't have a false bottom, place your reservoir container inside the planter box. Fill the surrounding area with soil.
3. Install the Wick and Fill Tube: Cut a hole in the lid of your reservoir container large enough to fit your PVC pipe—this is your fill tube and overflow. Drill several small holes in the lid around the fill tube. Cut strips of landscape fabric and feed them through these holes; these will be your wicks, transferring water from the reservoir to the soil above.
4. Assemble the System: Place the lid on the reservoir. Fill the planter box with potting soil, ensuring the wicks are buried and spread out. The PVC fill tube should extend above the soil line.
5. Water Your Plants: Pour water directly into the PVC pipe until it fills the reservoir. The soil will wick up the moisture, keeping your plants hydrated for days or even weeks, depending on the weather and plant size.
These DIY self-watering systems are an excellent way to conserve water, reduce your gardening chores, and ensure your urban plants stay healthy and thriving.