DIY Self-Watering Pots & Planters

Self-watering might sound a little bit robotic, so maybe I should title this post DIY Sub-irrigation Pots and Planters, but that doesn’t sound nearly as fun! But, let’s be clear, this home made system can be really really helpful when it comes to watering, but you’ll still need to water your plants once in a while.

So, what began this experiment? Let me explain: as part of our front yard un-landscaping project I’ve done my research on how to keep my window boxes lovely and lush all summer long. Even though I adore this simple front yard decor, I forget to water, which makes them not-so-lovely. The answer to my watering problems: sub-irrigation.

I know I promised this post a while back, but I wanted to make sure that these self-watering systems really held up to the hype. In my summer of experience, I can say that these help, but you’ll still need to water your plants at least once a week. Possibly every other or every few days, depending on your climate.

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Supplies Needed

Everyone knows that farms use irrigation to water their crops, but did you know that you can do the same in your window boxes and planters? All you need is:

• PVC pipe
• PVC end cap
• PVC elbow
• PVC primer
• 100% cotton rope (I’d suggest 1/2″ rope & it HAS to be 100% cotton or this won’t work! The easiest place to find this is on Amazon)
• Drill (The Black and Decker is my favorite!)

Building A Sub-Irrigation System

Start by measuring the length of you pot. Cut one piece of PVC pipe a few inches shorter than the length of your pot. Cut a second piece that is about 2″ taller than your pot. You’ll need to remember to leave room for the end cap and elbow that you’ll be adding later. (If you’re wondering how to cut PVC, I cut mine very carefully with my chop saw).

Using primer attach the end cap and elbow to your horizontal pipe.

Add your vertical pipe to the elbow and double check your measurement, ensuring that everything fits inside of the pot and comes about 2″ above the rim of your pot.

Using a drill bit that is a little bit smaller than your cotton rope, drill one hole for every 6 inches of length in the top of the horizontal pipe (so, if you think of it as an L shape, drill into the top of the lower part of your L). Carefully insert rope into each hole, about halfway. If your rope is thinner then the hole you drilled for, be sure to tie a knot and glue the knot to the outside of the pipe .If it’s a tight fit, then don’t worry about it and move onto the next step!

 

If your pot doesn’t already have holes for drainage add them now with your drill bit.

After glue has fully dried, place your pipe system into your pot/planter and hide the vertical pipe in the corner or center, depending on your plant placement. Add rocks to the bottom of the planter for drainage and to hold the pipe in place.

Add top soil and plant your flowers!

Now that your flowers are planted, go ahead and fill up your vertical pipe with water and watch the magic happen. As the roots of your plants dry out they will “sip” the water from the cotton wicks. I would suggest watering the entire pot initially and continuing to make sure that your pipe is full, until you get an idea of how thirsty your plants are & how quickly they drink all the water.

I’m sure the effectiveness of this system depends on your climate. For me, in central PA, it helps keep the edge off, especially when I forget to water most mornings. My flower boxes have managed to survive, and probably could be brilliantly thriving if I did a thorough watering once a week and filled these sub-irrigation systems once a week.

I’d love to hear how your adventure goes with this system! Make sure to leave comments and pictures below! Suggestions are always appreciated by other readers too!