DIY: Self-Watering Plants
By Jenn | May 8, 2008
For someone who loves the nature so very much, I’ve got quite a brown thumb. The only two plants I’ve managed to keep alive for any length of time are four stalks of bamboo (which live in a vase of water and are thus impervious to my care) and some small aloe plants. Everything else just seems to wither up and die on me, and I’m never sure if it’s due to over- or under-watering. Or maybe I’ve just got bad gardening juju– the year I tried to grow tomatoes on my fire escape, all but the very last two fruits were stolen by squirrels.
I love the idea of a self-watering pot, because then my inadequacy as a waterer is removed from the equation, and if a plants dies it would be because of its own lack of personal determination. I also love that one can build self-watering pots from everyday materials, and not have to go out and buy new a pot expressly for this purpose. ‘Cause the last thing the world needs is more plastic flowerpots.
If you’re so inclined, here are some links to get you started on the path of DIY self-watering:
- Self watering recycled vase
- Self Watering Plant Container out of a 2 liter bottle
- Quick and easy self-watering garden planters
- Build your own Earthbox
- Another ez cheap Earthbox clone (without PVC!)
Do you have past experience with self-watering gardening? How’s it worked for you?
[Image via bbullet on Instructables]
Thanks for the earthbox clone. I am tempted to build one of those this year. I just have to get past my crippling fear of dirt.
Another easy plant besides bamboo & aloe is a peace lily. I have a brown thumb too, but I’ve kept my peace lily alive for over a year! Also, it’s a great plant for removing indoor air toxins. But beware if you have cats or kids: it’s toxic to them if they eat it.
[…] Tiny Choices talks about getting your plants to water themselves. […]
brilliant idea- absolutely love this !!!