How does self watering pots work

With a well-designed self-watering container, the plants will get just the amount of water they need to thrive. Self-watering containers are also the perfect solution if you travel and can't keep up with the watering needs of your plants. They also work well if you have a place where you want a container, but its location makes it awkward or difficult to water. Self-watering containers work on a reservoir system.

There is a water storage tank, usually at the bottom of the container, which you fill. There is an overflow hole, so excess water simply drains away. The soil soaks up the water from the bottom, so as long as you keep the reservoir filled, your plants get a consistent level of moisture, delivered directly to their roots.

The reservoir system makes self-watering containers very water-efficient. Because the water is stored out of the sun and wind, it evaporates slowly and with less water loss than if you sprayed water on your plants. There is also less chance of fungus and disease because you keep water off your plants' leaves by feeding them directly through their roots. There are many types of self-watering containers, from decorative to purely utilitarian. Those that are more utilitarian are specifically designed for vegetable container gardening and to maximize yields.

The generic name often used to describe utilitarian self-watering containers is grow box. There are several brands of grow boxes and lots of instructions on the web for how to make your own. One favorite brand of grow box is the Earthbox. We have had incredible yields from Earthboxes, and our plants have grown to outrageous heights and have been lush and gorgeous.

A huge advantage of the Earthbox system is that even if there is too much rain, the plants are protected from sitting in soggy soil because the soil is covered by a plastic cover that looks like a giant black shower cap. If there is too little rain, you completely control the amount of moisture by adding water to the reservoir.

Also, you add fertilizer at the beginning of the season, when you plant your box and don't add it again for the entire summer. Self-watering planters are a convenient option for plant parents who struggle to keep up a consistent watering schedule or travel often. They're easy to use, take the guesswork out of watering, and are suitable for most plant species.

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What are the benefits of self-watering planters? They take the guesswork out of watering. They protect against pests. They give your plant some much-needed consistency. They make plant maintenance easier. How do you use them?

Are there any plants that shouldn't go in self-watering planters? These devices are built to conserve water and distribute it in just the right amount at the right time. Using a self-watering pot will cut down on time using the sprinkler or hose.

One of the cons to consider with self-watering pots is that they cannot detect the weather or environmental factors. Self-watering pots release water to the plants no matter how humid it is or how much rain is in the forecast. As self-watering pots become more trendy, manufacturers are finding new ways to help gardeners express their style. There are simple pots in black, white, or concrete, larger planter styles, or entire wall features or window boxes.

Of course, buying a standard pot or planter is the more economical option. Self-watering pots are more involved when it comes to initial set-up and require some extra parts to keep them running efficiently. Prices will completely depend on the size and style you choose.