For those who struggle to maintain even a single houseplant, the concept of a self-watering planter may sound too wonderful to be true. Many people’s primary concern is that they either overwater or submerge their plants, which is where these handy containers come in handy. Thus, how does self watering planter work? You will learn about it in this article and also in this blog, we also have an article about best self watering planters on amazon.
How Does Self Watering Planter Work
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So, how does self watering planter work? Capillary action is the mechanism through which self-watering planters function. Each compartment of the self-watering planter contains a water reservoir from which the plants may draw water.
As the roots of the plant absorb this water, the soil’s hydration level is maintained. This is because as water is lost via the leaves of the plant, the roots pull in additional water to replace it.
Although you may create your own self-watering system, investing in a more complex, pre-made self-watering planter may be more beneficial if you want to use it frequently. Those purchased from a merchant or garden center frequently include essential extras such as a water level indicator, an overflow valve to let excess water to drain away, and irrigation systems with a 30-day run time.
Self-Watering Planters: The Science of It
Read the label carefully before utilizing a self-watering planter. To thoroughly hydrate the soil in certain planters, you must water from above. Once the soil is completely moist (often after a week of normal watering), begin adding water to the bottom reservoir.
After that, a wicking action wicks water up from the reservoir, which helps to keep the soil wet. Because plants just take what they require, this style of planter is incredibly effective. If you asked your elementary school science teacher, they would explain that these planters function due to capillary action—or, the way water molecules attach to one another to generate a wicking effect. (Consider blotting up a spill with a paper towel and the way the liquid spreads throughout the threads of the paper.)
Four Fundamental Components Of A Self-Watering Pot
Whether it’s a single-plant pot or a huge container garden, these self-watering pots always have four essential components:
Bed that is Growing
The growth bed is the portion of the container above the potting soil that contains the plants.
Soil for Planting
To ensure that a self-watering pot functions effectively, it is critical to choose a lightweight, absorbent potting soil. It can be made up of soil or non-soil growth medium such as coco coir, perlite, or growstones.
The trick is to find something that will continually drain water away from the plant roots while simultaneously supplying ample oxygen to them.
Reservoir of Water
This critical component of a self-watering pot is positioned directly beneath the plant bed. Due to the fact that you cannot see the reservoir, having a means of monitoring the water level, such as a viewing glass or a float, eliminates the need for an indoor planter overflow outlet.
Naturally, there must be a means of refilling the reservoir, which might be a vertical pipe allowing water to be poured in from above or an opening on the container’s side.
The two distinct sections for the growth bed and water reservoir can be created by inserting a container into the bottom of the pot, by constructing a barrier inside the pot, or by using an inner pot for the growing bed and an outer pot for the reservoir.
System of Wicking
The wicking system transports water from the reservoir to the soil and then to the roots of the plants. To do this, either utilize wicks made of absorbent material such as rope or strips of fabric with one end in the water and the other in the soil, or create a wicking pot that directly contacts the potting mixture and the water in the reservoir below.
Self-Watering Planters Provide Numerous Benefits
- Designed to accommodate players of various abilities. Beginner gardeners and those with green thumbs will appreciate the ease provided by these pots.
- Traveler’s Best Choice. If you enjoy unplanned weekend excursions, you won’t have to worry about returning home to find wilting plants.
- Root Rot Prevention. Plants will avoid becoming water-logged, which is the primary cause of root rot.
Self-watering pots require less watering while yet preserving the beauty of flowers, herbs, and other vegetation. They are basic yet successful in their science. If you’re new to container gardening, consider starting with one of these planters!
Hello, I am Yoseph, in my spare time I become a gardener and music composer♬.
I love gardening because it is a wonderful way to feel grounded, calm and connected to the earth. There are many things about gardening that I enjoy; picking flowers in the summer, planting vegetables in the fall, and harvesting produce in the winter. I also love how beautiful my garden is, watching plants grow into tall trees or being able to see all of my hard work unfold every year🎕🎕.
Its really help me to killing time and its also relaxing.