Self Watering Pots: Step Up Your Gardening Game

By Steven Harrisson, May 28, 2021

self watering pots
source: smartgardenguide.com

Having plants means that you have to dedicate yourself to growing them. Some people are talented about this, but others struggle to keep a plant alive. There are many reasons why a plant is dying, from inadequate sun exposure to a nasty fungal infection that’s destroying it. But most of the time, if a plant fails to thrive, it usually has to do with much or too little water. 

Learning what your plant needs may not be enough if you keep forgetting when to water it or if you’re overdoing it. The great thing is that there is a solution for this and is called a self-watering pot. When you search for self watering planters for sale, you’ll notice that they come with a little container in the bottom; this is where the water goes. So, it pretty much does all the work for you; the plant’s roots have enough moisture to remain alive, the leaves aren’t affected by water and the plant grows gracefully. Here’s what you should know about these pots.

How Self Watering Pots Work

A self-watering pot works with a reservoir system; the pot has a water storage tank in most cases placed at the bottom of the container. This is where the water goes and even if there is an excess amount, there is an overflow hole that will help water drains away. The soil will soak up the water from the bottom, so as long as the reservoir is filled, the plants get adequate moisture, that goes directly to their roots. 

This reservoir system makes self watering pots excellent for people who aren’t good ‘plant parents’ and who want to add just enough water without destroying the plant. The water is stored away from the elements (sun and wind) so it will not evaporate quickly. This way you will keep your plants alive with less water. 

Also, there are various types of self-watering pots, from decorative to utilitarian and even commercial outdoor planters suitable for restaurants and cafes. If you plan to start planting vegetables, pick a more utilitarian one that will help you maximize yields. Depending on location, there are also wall-mounted and mini-wall planters as well as pots suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

self watering pots
source: trendhunter.com

Ways These Innovative Planters Can Benefit You 

If you’re a dedicated gardener, you’ll always look for ways that can save you a bit of time. This is why it’s important to seek self watering planters for sale; they are specifically made to make your life easier. However, that’s not the only benefit these planters offer. 

Ensure Excellent Root Growth

If you’re new to the whole planting thing, you may overuse water. Some houseplants don’t mind it, but some will die in a few weeks. Root rot can damage the houseplant faster than you think; this happens when you add too much water and the soil has a hard time draining; you’ll notice that the leaves are drying or the plant doesn’t appear as lively as it once was. But, the self-watering container will deliver just as much moisture as the roots need (whenever they need it). The overflow hole in the planter will make sure there is draining and the roots will survive.

If you don’t have the time to educate yourself about a certain plant’s water needs or spend most of the day busy and out of your home, then a self-watering container will work its magic for you. 

self watering pots
source: organicauthority.com

Reduced Risk of Fungal Diseases

Fungal diseases in plants are a very common thing. If your plant is healthy, then it will naturally live longer. But, when you water the plant from the top down (no matter if you aim for the roots) the water will still end on the leaves. So, if this happens constantly, then the risk of fungal disease is higher. When you use a self-watering pot this won’t happen; the watering happens down in the roots, and the leaves remain unaffected.

Besides watering your thirsty plant, you can also use your self-watering pots to provide the plant with nutrients and plant food. The slow-release nutrients can give your plant the nutrition it needs for three to four weeks at a time, keeping it healthy and strong against disease.

plants with fungal disease
source: containercrazyct.com

Smart Use of Water

Smart use of water means that you won’t have to water the plants every day. This way you don’t only prevent them from root rotting, but also you’re using just enough water. Perhaps you don’t have only one plant at home, so the self-watering container will be a great investment. Waste of water leads to high bills, but also, our planet is already facing some harsh times, when it’s smart to go green and use water carefully. 

The self-watering planters have a great moisture-wicking system that makes them incredibly water-efficient; when the water chamber has water inside, the moisture-wicking system will absorb the moisture and send it to the plant’s roots as water.  When you water the plant with a water can, you have very low insight into how much you’re using. With a self-watering container, you know exactly how much water you spent.