Summer Garden Hack: The Self-Watering Planter
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Gardening enthusiasts and newbies alike can agree on one thing: maintaining healthy and thriving container plants during the summer can be both rewarding and challenging because many gardeners struggle with either underwatering or overwatering their planters. One innovative solution that has gained popularity in recent years is the self-watering planter. These planters significantly reduce time spent watering while ensuring your plants receive the consistent hydration they need, thanks to a built-in reservoir that provides water in case you lapse (gasp!) in your watering duties. Additionally, consistent watering can help deter fungal issues, drought stress, and disease resulting in healthier plants.
This summer, I decided to set aside my skepticism about self-watering planters and explore whether they truly live up to the hype. And although there are number of manufacturers of these planters, I narrowed my choices to Crescent Garden and EarthPlanter.
What are Self-Watering Planters?
The premise of self-watering planters is that plants draw water from a reservoir within the pot. This encourages the plant roots to grow deep, where they can find cooler temperatures and a consistent water supply, reducing the need for frequent watering. These planters typically consist of two main parts: the planter itself and a water reservoir traditionally at the bottom of the planter although it can sometimes be integrated into the sidewalls. A wicking system helps draw water from the reservoir up into the soil as needed, ensuring that the plant roots receive a steady supply of moisture. In summary, the plants are taking up what they need when they need it rather than humans determining or guessing how much water is needed and when.
Think of it as a “smart planter”.
Breaking Down How Self-Watering Planters Work
The functionality of self-watering planters hinges on capillary action, which allows water to move upward through a medium, such as soil or a wick. The systems can vary, from perforated funnel to wicking systems of various materials but are composed of three basic components:
- Water Reservoir - The bottom part of the planter holds water, which can be refilled periodically. The size of the reservoir can vary, influencing how often you need to refill it. Some manufacturers incorporate a water indicator into the planter taking out some of the guess work and letting you know when the reservoir is full. In my opinion, the best test for when to add water remains the finger test. Touch the top of the soil and push your finger an inch deep. If the tip of your finger feels dry, it’s time to refill the reservoir. Filling the reservoir and monitoring the water level regularly is critical, in bouts of hot, dry weather.
- Wicking System - A wick or similar mechanism connects the water reservoir to the soil, allowing your plants and soil to draw water from the reservoir. The wick can be made of various materials like cotton or synthetic fibers. In the case of Crescent Garden, there is no wicking system per se but instead a doubled wall reservoir with perforations.
- Soil Moisture - As the soil in the planter begins to dry out, the wick or soil draws water from the reservoir to the plants’ roots. This process, allowing plants to take up the water when they need it, ensures that the soil remains moist without becoming waterlogged.
Benefits of Self-Watering Planters
Self-watering planters offer several advantages that can make them an excellent choice for gardeners:
- Consistent Moisture - The ability to provide plants with a steady supply of moisture helps prevent the common issues associated with overwatering or underwatering and allows you to go on holiday with less concern about watering.
- Water Conservation – The wicking system reduces evaporation and runoff, ensuring that more water reaches the plant roots.
- Convenience – For people on-the-go or those who travel frequently, self-watering planters can alleviate concerns. They reduce the need for daily watering, allowing you to go longer periods, in some cases up to a month, without worrying about the hydration of your plants.
- Healthier Plants - Self-watering planters promote healthier root systems and more robust plant growth. The consistent moisture they provide prevents the stress plants experience from irregular watering schedules. On hot days, plants seek out cooler temperatures and take up the water they need. Thirstier plants will send their roots deeper, while more drought-tolerant plants might not.
- Fewer Pests - Traditional planters with saucers can attract pests that flourish in standing water. Self-watering planters minimize this risk by keeping the water contained within the reservoir.
- Less Leaf Scorch - Leaf scorch occurs when water splashes on the leaves and water beads act like magnifying lenses under bright sunlight, burning the leaves. When water is taken up through the soil there is no water splash.
The Challenge of Self-Watering Planters
The term "self-watering" might sound like a magic solution, but it can be a bit misleading. You still need to fill the reservoir with water, and water the plants, just less frequently.
Self-watering planters can't detect the weather. They release water to the plants regardless of humidity or how much rain is in the forecast which can lead to too much moisture if there is no overflow system.
Tips for Using Self-Watering Planters
While self-watering planters simplify plant care, there are a few tips to ensure you get the most out of them:
Choose the Right Soil - I recommend a soil-less mix that contains a large percentage of perlite. Any high-quality potting mix that is well-draining yet retains moisture is preferable. Avoid heavy garden soil, as it can retain too much water and become compacted, suffocating the plant’s root system.
Select Appropriate Plants – Not all plants thrive in constantly moist conditions. Plants like succulents that prefer to dry out between waterings will struggle in this type of setup. On the other hand, many plants such as herbs, geraniums, and begonias thrive in self-watering planters due to the consistent moisture they provide.
Monitor Water Levels - Even though these planters reduce watering frequency, it’s essential to monitor the water reservoir to ensure it doesn’t run dry. If the soil is dry and there is sufficient water in the reservoir, it could be that the plants are shallow-rooted and unable to pull moisture up, making them unsuitable for this type of arrangement.
Ensure Drainage or Avoid Overfill - It’s important for outdoor self-watering planters to have an overflow system or drainage hole even though it may seem counterintuitive. Instead of drainage holes beneath the reservoir, these containers typically feature an overflow hole or small fill tube that serves as an overflow drain on one side, allowing excess water to escape when it rains or when watering. This prevents excess moisture from accumulating in the soil, which can cause root rot and other issues for plants. Watering indicators can also help prevent overfilling.
Add Fertilizer - Since self-watering planters use a closed system, nutrients can become depleted over time. Mix in a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to the water when adding to the reservoir to maintain plant health. Because water breaks down water soluble fertilizers at a higher rate, you’ll want to incorporate a slow-release fertilizer when initially planting. It’s also important to use a diluted fertilizer solution to prevent salt and mineral build-up in the reservoir..
Clean the Planter - Periodically, clean the planter and reservoir to prevent the buildup of algae, fertilizer, minerals and bacteria. This will help maintain a healthy environment for your plants.
I'm still exploring the benefits of self-watering planters and will keep you posted as we move from summer to the wetter, cooler fall and winter seasons. In the meantime, these planters are a great option for cutting down on watering chores, giving you a chance to enjoy a stress-free holiday. They've definitely made my plant care routine easier, allowing me to get away without worrying about my plants.
Happy gardening!
