Never Forget to Water Again

Self-watering planters are expensive at the garden center, but you can build a highly effective one for a few dollars using two nesting buckets.

How the System Works

A self-watering planter uses a water reservoir at the bottom and a wicking system to draw moisture up into the soil exactly as the plant needs it.

Construction Steps

Take two 5-gallon buckets. In the first bucket (the inner one), drill dozens of 1/4 inch holes in the bottom. Cut a 3-inch hole in the center. Insert a plastic slotted cup (like a yogurt container with holes in it) into this center hole—this acts as the wicking chamber.

Drill a 1-inch hole near the top edge of the inner bucket and insert a length of PVC pipe that reaches the bottom. This is your fill tube.

Place a brick in the bottom of the second bucket (the outer one) and drill an overflow hole just below the top of the brick. Nest the inner bucket inside. Fill with soil (making sure to pack soil tightly into the wicking cup). Pour water down the PVC pipe until it runs out the overflow hole!