For those who lack the green thumb gene or struggle to find time and space for a full-scale garden, a self-watering planter is a game-changer. This innovative gardening solution enables individuals with limited gardening experience or those confined to small apartments or houses to cultivate their own plants indoors or outdoors, ensuring their plants receive the necessary moisture to thrive.
The 7 Best Self-Watering Planters
When it comes to finding the perfect self-watering planter, there are many options available on the market. One popular choice is the Window Garden Aquaphoric Self-Watering Planter, which allows plants to thrive while reducing maintenance needs. Another option is the Bloem FBA Lucca Planter, a stylish and functional addition to any home or office space.
For those who want more flexibility, the Lechuza Delta Self-Watering Garden Planter offers adjustable water levels and multiple plant compartments. Our top pick, however, goes to the EarthBox Garden Kit, which provides a comprehensive system for growing a variety of plants while minimizing watering worries. For those with limited space, the Mr. Stacky Self-Watering 3-Tier Stackable Garden Vertical Planter Set offers a unique solution that maximizes vertical space while keeping plants hydrated.
Finally, the HowPlumb Self-Watering Flare Planter provides a modern and sleek design that’s perfect for small gardens or indoor spaces.
Our Top Pick for the Best Self-Watering Planter
Our top recommendation for self-watering planters is the EarthBox Garden Kit. This robust and durable planter offers ample space for cultivating your favorite plants, making it an excellent all-in-one gardening solution. The kit includes a planter box, aeration screen, water fill tube, two biodegradable mulch covers, and a handy overflow hole to prevent waterlogged reservoirs. With its compact design, the EarthBox is ideal for gardeners with limited space constraints.
Additionally, it features castor wheels, making it easy to relocate when needed. To explore pricing options, simply visit Amazon.
The Magic of Self-Watering Planters
While gardening can be a rewarding experience, it’s no secret that maintaining a garden can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially when you’re dealing with challenging climates. The right balance of sunlight, fertilizer, and moisture is crucial for plants to thrive and produce the desired results. However, what about those who lead busy lives or have limited space to cultivate their green thumb?
For instance, apartment dwellers may struggle to find room for a garden, leaving them to rely on potted plants or window boxes. And then there’s the added concern of vacation planning – leaving your plants unattended can be disastrous, resulting in wilted or worse, dead plants upon your return. But fear not! With some creative solutions and innovative products, like self-watering planters, the joys of gardening don’t have to be limited by time, space, or travel constraints.
In hot, humid, and dry conditions, ordinary containers can quickly become bone-dry, requiring constant watering. Some plants are particularly finicky about their watering needs, such as African Violets, which may not appreciate excessive moisture. By finding ways to simplify the process and minimize maintenance, anyone can enjoy the benefits of gardening without sacrificing the health and well-being of their plants.
How A Self-Watering Planter Works
Self-watering planters employ a clever reservoir system or drip sub-irrigation mechanism, ensuring plants receive a steady supply of moisture throughout the day. At its core, this system relies on simplicity. A hollow plastic container at the planter’s base creates a reservoir that collects excess water, while the top features a separator screen with tiny holes (or aeration openings). This design allows roots to absorb water and permits soil drainage into the reservoir.
As plants thrive, their roots grow through the holes to draw up water from the reservoir, replenishing the soil as needed. Some self-watering planters come equipped with intuitive indicators, protruding from the topsoil, allowing users to monitor water levels and refill the reservoir when necessary. Others feature a quick-view lip at the bottom of the reservoir, enabling easy monitoring and topping off.
Once the reservoir is replenished, trapped water beneath the separator feeds back into the soil through wicking or capillary action, providing plants with the life-giving moisture they require to flourish. This innovative system not only saves time but also reduces water waste by storing excess for future use, ultimately curbing your water bill.
Three Things to Remember Before You Use a Self-Watering Planter
When you first introduce your plant to the self-watering planter, the water feature doesn’t kick in until the root system has established itself. Initially, add liquid fertilizer and water directly into the soil at the top of the pot or container. As the moisture flows through the plant and into the reservoir, monitoring is necessary. However, once the roots grow into the separator, they will start to draw up moisture into the plant.
Self-watering planters provide a consistent amount of moisture, but may not deliver an exact amount. This means your choice of planter depends on your lifestyle. For instance, a smaller self-watering planter is suitable for gardeners who need their plants watered during the day while they’re away at work. On the other hand, if you’re frequently traveling or away from home, a larger planter with greater capacity to store water might be ideal.
Smaller planters typically require monitoring every week (depending on indoor conditions or climate), whereas larger ones can go up to 12 weeks without needing more water. The convenient watering system these planters provide will give you back precious time to relax, knowing your plants are well-tended even when you’re not around. Self-watering planters cater to standard garden vegetables but also accommodate annuals and many perennials.
Before buying a self-watering planter, it’s essential to check the plant’s soil or watering requirements beforehand. Some plants thrive in dryer soil, while others prefer wetter conditions, so suitability is crucial.
How to Choose a Self-Watering Planter
Self-watering planters offer a diverse range of sizes, shapes, and designs to suit various tastes and needs. From modern and sleek to rustic and charming, these planters cater to different aesthetics. For instance, some self-watering planters resemble conventional pots with removable reservoirs at the bottom, available in an array of colors that can complement your home decor.
Others may have a more unique design, such as rectangular shapes perfect for window sills or square box shapes made from durable plastic, complete with a wood-grain finish that adds a touch of elegance to patios and decks. Additionally, some planters come equipped with handy mulch covers that help maintain the soil’s moisture by preventing it from evaporating too quickly.
These covers also protect added fertilizers from getting washed away, ensuring they release nutrients at an optimal rate for healthy root growth.
Tips for Using a Self-Watering Planter
When selecting self-watering planters, consider those with drainage holes located at the bottom or side. These holes are designed to prevent excess water from accumulating in the soil, which can lead to root rot. Bottom-draining planters are particularly effective, but be mindful of elevating them on bricks or blocks to allow for proper drainage. If you’re concerned about water leakage onto the floor, place a medium to large-sized dish underneath. However, this may require periodic emptying.
Some self-watering planters feature a water indicator that protrudes from the soil, which can become stuck or knocked over while tending to your plants. In such cases, it’s essential to inspect the indicator and reseat it firmly in the soil to ensure an accurate reading.
7 Best Self-Watering Planters – Reviews
Window Garden Aquaphoric Self-Watering Planter
The Window Garden Aquaphoric Self-Watering Planter is designed to provide your plants with a constant supply of life-giving moisture, eliminating the risk of overwatering or underwatering. This contemporary planter features a unique water level indicator that signals when it’s time to add more water, ensuring your plants receive exactly what they need.
Unlike traditional planters that rely on intermittent watering, this self-watering planter provides a steady supply of nutrients and moisture, allowing your plants to thrive. The included 2-quarts of high-quality Coco Peat fiber soil make it easy to get started, simply add 2 cups of water, some fertilizer if desired, and you’re ready to go. One of the standout features is the built-in reservoir that stores excess water, eliminating the risk of overflow.
This planter also comes in a range of bright colors, allowing you to choose a style that matches your home décor. The pros of this product include its excellent value for money, high-quality construction, fitted water indicator, modern design and color options, and ease of assembly. It even includes plant soil, making it a complete solution for indoor gardening. The only potential drawbacks are the small container size and shallow water channel that may overflow if not monitored.
Bloem FBA Lucca Planter
The Bloem FBA Lucca Planter is a reliable and visually appealing self-watering option that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Crafted from 100% recyclable UV-stable blue plastic, this planter ensures durability without compromising on aesthetics. The planter’s material is resistant to fading, making it suitable for outdoor display, whether on a porch or balcony.
The 12-inch planter features an integrated reservoir that sits atop a stable platform, allowing for easy water addition and level monitoring via the jutting out lip. Watering frequency depends on the type of plant and climate conditions; however, the reservoir typically requires refilling only once a week. Notable benefits include good value, strong recyclable plastic, a sturdy platform, and an effective self-watering system. The attractive color adds a touch of style to any space.
While the planter is generally well-designed, there are some drawbacks to consider: pouring water into the reservoir can be challenging, and it may not be suitable for larger plants.
Lechuza Delta Self-Watering Garden Planter
The Lechuza Delta Self-Watering Garden Planter is a stylish and practical solution for indoor gardening enthusiasts. Its sleek design and modern finish make it an attractive addition to any home or apartment. The planter’s self-watering system ensures that your plants receive the right amount of water, eliminating the need for frequent watering and reducing the risk of overwatering.
With its capacity to hold up to 3 plants, depending on their size, this planter is perfect for those who want to grow a variety of houseplants without the hassle of constant maintenance. The innovative design features a water-level indicator that lets you know when it’s time to refill the reservoir, as well as a separator with aeration holes that allows the plant’s roots to draw water from the reservoir.
Additionally, the planter includes a bag of potting medium and a supply shaft with a water level indicator, making it easy to get started on your gardening journey. The Lechuza Delta Self-Watering Garden Planter is available in 5 colors and measures 4-inch wide x 5-inch deep x 5-inch high, making it a great option for those who want a high-quality planter that can hold its own against the demands of indoor gardening.
EarthBox Garden Kit
The EarthBox Garden Kit is an excellent choice for anyone looking to start an indoor garden. This compact planter boasts a spacious 2-cubic foot capacity, making it perfect for growing a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The durable plastic construction features a terracotta color that will seamlessly blend with your home decor. A notable feature of this kit is the self-watering system, which includes a water reservoir, fill tube, and overflow hole.
This means you can tend to your plants stress-free, without worrying about overwatering. The package also includes step-by-step instructions, making it easy for beginners to get started. Additionally, the kit comes with 2 black/white mulch covers, an aeration screen, a pound of organic Dolomite soil, a pound of fertilizer, and 4 castor wheels for effortless portability. Some kits may also include a bonus red mulch cover (indicated on the package).
The EarthBox planter is available in green as well. While it has its pros, such as being an excellent value for money, working well for tomatoes and herbs, and being simple to use, there are some drawbacks. For instance, it’s not ideal for larger plants, and it does require a significant amount of water.
Mr. Stacky Self-Watering 3-Tier Stackable Garden Vertical Planter Set
The Mr. Stacky Self-Watering 3-Tier Stackable Garden Vertical Planter Set stands out for its clever combination of space-saving design and hydroponic capabilities, accommodating up to 12 plants such as strawberries, herbs, and succulents. The planter’s vertical layout features three tiers with individual water reservoirs on each layer and a single 12-inch drip tray at the bottom. This setup makes it easy to conserve indoor or outdoor space while still enjoying a diverse range of plants.
The planter itself is constructed from strong, UV-protected plastic with a terracotta finish that adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen, patio, or living area. For added convenience, Mr. Stacky offers a conversion kit that includes a pump and timer for automated watering, ensuring your plants stay healthy even when you’re away.
Some notable benefits include the planter’s well-constructed build, lightweight design, and ease of assembly.
Additionally, its center support pipe allows you to stack two units together for even greater space efficiency.
While there are a few minor drawbacks – the drip tray is slightly fragile, and plants at the back may not receive ample sunlight – the planter’s unique features and versatility make it an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels. Check out the current price on Amazon to see if this innovative planter fits your needs.
HowPlumb Self-Watering Flare Planter
The HowPlumb Self-Watering Flare Planter is a sleek and intelligent choice for showcasing your flowers or herbs on your balcony or patio. This self-sustaining planter boasts a 3-in-1 design, featuring a built-in reservoir that provides plants with a consistent supply of moisture for up to two weeks. The container comes in three stylish color options – flat gray, latte quartz, and salsa red – allowing it to seamlessly blend into any outdoor environment or match your home’s décor.
Crafted from UV-resistant recycled plastic in the US, this planter is built to last, with a sturdy and durable construction that resists fading in the sun. The planter’s depth also allows for strong root growth, which is crucial for long-term plant survival. Some notable pros of this self-watering planter include its affordability, easy-to-read viewing lip, ventilated base for optimal drainage and aeration, and the fact that it comes in three stylish color options.
However, some users have reported that the pots are smaller than advertised, which may be a drawback for those with larger plants. Additionally, the viewing lip can be tricky to pour water into, but this is a minor inconvenience compared to the planter’s many benefits.
Mayne Fairfield Patio Planter
Mayne’s Patio Planter is a masterpiece of functionality and sophistication, offering ample space for your plants to thrive. Its sturdy square design and New England-inspired aesthetic bring a touch of elegance to outdoor living spaces. This US-made, eco-friendly planter is built to withstand extreme weather conditions, featuring water, fade, and insect-resistant material made from high-grade polyethylene with a double-wall design for added durability.
The exterior’s wood-style finish adds a natural charm, making it a stunning addition to any patio or deck. To ensure healthy plant growth, the planter features an easy-to-use sub-irrigation watering system with a built-in reservoir and drainage holes. With interior dimensions of 15.5 inches in height, width, and depth, this planter can hold approximately 9.5 gallons of soil and 8.75 gallons (33 liters) of water, making it perfect for large plants.
Cleaning is a breeze, requiring only a hose wash. Mayne also offers a generous 15-year limited warranty. The planter comes in three color options: classic black, White, and Expresso, allowing you to find the perfect match for your home or apartment.
Our Top Pick for the Best Self-Watering Planter
Our top recommendation for self-watering planters is the EarthBox Garden Kit. This robust and durable kit offers ample space to grow a variety of plants, making it an excellent choice for garden enthusiasts. As a comprehensive gardening solution, it includes everything you need to establish your own thriving garden oasis, including a planter box, aeration screen, water fill tube, two b/w mulch covers, and a convenient overflow hole to prevent flooding in the reservoir.
The compact design of EarthBox makes it ideal for gardeners with limited space constraints, while its castor wheels allow for effortless relocation. Check out the current price on Amazon.
