How to make a self watering container
Self watering containers are the perfect way to irrigate
house plants, If you are going away on holiday or just want to save
time, then the self watering container is the answer to your house
plant problems.
You will need
- Leca
- Large pot
- Irrigation pipe and float
- Porous membrane
- Absorbant compost
- Hacksaw
- Sharp knife
Step 1: Preparing the pot
Your container should be without drainage holes, it can be
any large pot, be it ceramic, plastic, or fibre glass. Place the rim
down on your membrane material, and use it as a template to cut a
circle.
Fill the pot with 3/4 cm of leca and place the membrane over
this to
check the fit.
Step 2: Fitting the pipe
Place the pipe into the pot at the edge, and mark where it
will sit on the membrane.
Remove the membrane, and cut a small slit in which to insert
the pipe.
It should be a snug fit.
The pipe should sit a couple of inches above the pot rim, so
saw it to
height.
Step 3: The float
Place the membrane into the pot, and push the pipe down into
the Leca. Place the float into the pipe. It should sit 1 cm below the
rim, so it may need to be trimmed. Attach the cap to the pipe.
Step 4: Add Water
Place soil over the membrane to just below the container rim.
Pour water into the pipe. It will take quite a lot to make the float
move at first, so keep poring until it floats to the top. Allow the
float to sink, and then re-water so that it sits between the maximum
and minimum mark on the pipe's cap.
Make sure the float always sits above the minimum mark. The
plants will start to absorb only the water they need from the reservoir.