How do self watering pots work

As the plant roots absorb water, the soil wicks up more, maintaining a consistent level of moisture in the soil. So read on for an in-depth look at how self-watering pots work.

This is also how plants, including the tallest trees, are able to overcome gravity to draw water up from their roots to the very top of the plant. Capillary action is caused by the intermolecular attraction in liquids, along with the attractive forces between a liquid and a solid material with narrow tubes or small spaces within it. If the adhesive force between the liquid and the solid is greater than the cohesive force within the liquid, which occurs when the space between the walls of the solid material is sufficiently small, the liquid will be propelled within these spaces.

With self-watering pots, you need to thoroughly water the potting soil from the top at planting. Then, as the plants release water from their leaves, more water is drawn up by capillary action from the plant roots to replace it. With the proper potting mixture and wicking mechanism, the soil remains consistently moist but not overly wet. The growing bed is the upper part of the container that holds the potting soil and the plants.

It may consist of soil as well as non-soil growing media such as coco coir, perlite, or growstones. The key is to use something that will continuously wick up water while also providing plenty of oxygen to the plant roots. This essential element of a self-watering pot is located beneath the growing bed.

And of course, there must be a way to refill the reservoir, which can be a vertical pipe for pouring in water from above or an opening at the side of the container. The two separated areas for the growing bed and the water reservoir may be formed by placing a container at the bottom of the pot, by devising a barrier within the pot, or by having an inner pot for the grow bed and outer pot for the reservoir.

The wicking system is what delivers water from the reservoir to the soil and on to the plant roots. To achieve this, you can either use wicks made of absorbent material such as pieces of rope or strips of cloth that are situated with one end in the water and the other in the soil, or you can devise a wicking pot that puts the potting mixture directly in contact with the water in the reservoir below.

One simple way to bring the water from the reservoir to the potting soil is to use wicks. Plenty of plants can do well in self-watering pots: vegetables, herbs, annuals, and perennials will be just fine and can even thrive within a self-watering system. One of the cons of self-watering pots is that plants that need very moist soil may struggle with the bottom-up watering system.

Self-watering pots will never properly soak a thirsty aquatic plant like umbrella palm or fiber-optic plant. Choosing the right type of plant to go into your self-watering pot is key. Consider the environmental pros of self-watering pots. 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.

Make sure that the string is on a downward slope so that water can travel from your bowl down to your plant whenever it gets thirsty. 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. Want to learn how feng shui can help you create a high-vibe home and set powerful intentions to manifest your dreams?

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Explore Classes. Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may earn a small commission. August 18, They have a unique irrigation system that works beautifully both indoors and out. These planters are pricey but are gorgeous and have the quality to match the price.

On a smaller scale, we have discovered that the only way we can successfully grow seeds is to use self-watering containers. We love the APS System from Gardeners Supply, but we wanted to figure out a less-expensive system that schools and community centers could use to start seeds successfully. We came up with a design where we used a supermarket plastic pie holder and cotton string to wick water into the soil. We're happy to say that the system works really well.

The string wicks water up from the reservoir and keeps an even moisture level while seeds are germinating and then after they sprout. Mike Lieberman , who runs the website Urban Organic Gardener, has instructions for making your own self-watering container out of recycled 5-gallon buckets.

There are some plants that you shouldn't put into self-watering containers. Succulents and cacti and any plants that like to thoroughly dry out between watering. It is said that many herbs won't taste as strong if they are kept in damp soil, and some, like rosemary, prefer to dry out between watering.

Also, herbs and some flowers, like nasturtiums do better if they aren't in a rich and highly fertilized soil, so research your plants' requirements before putting them in self-watering containers. Actively scan device characteristics for identification.

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