Self-watering planters are ideal for busy gardeners

Self watering planters aren’t completely self watering—you must add water from time to time to keep their water reservoirs filled. Most have a reservoir built into the bottom to hold a supply of water for the plants.

Some self-watering garden planters have a wick running from the soil to the reservoir; others have a column of soil that runs down into the water reservoir and soaks up water as needed.

Self watering planters tend to be a little more expensive than standard outdoor planters, but they do help reduce the frequency of watering and make up for extra cost in time-savings. They can also be a help with planters that are placed in locations that are difficult to get at.

Characteristics of Self-watering Planters

Benefits:

• selfwatering garden planters are often lightweight
• a good solution for busy or ‘forgetful’ gardeners
• can be handy for hard to get at planters, particularly hanging planters or baskets or planters at the back of big groupings

Considerations:

• self-watering planters are usually more expensive
• do not eliminate the need to water plants, but do reduce the frequency
• choice of materials available for self watering planters is more limited than standard planters
• can be damaged by freezing in the winter, unless cleaned and stored in a protected place