How Do Self Watering Pots Work?
Self watering pots are a great cost-effective solution to ensure that your plants get the amount of water they need, without having to water them manually. They come in all shapes in sizes, and are great for those who don’t have time to water plants daily. But how exactly do self-watering pots work?
The Basics
Self-watering pots are equipped with a reservoir at the bottom that houses the water. The pot itself is double-walled and is connected to the reservoir via several small holes. As the soil of the upper pot dries out, the moisture is drawn through the holes from the water in the reservoir below.
Benefits
The great thing about self-watering pots is that they can be left in place for much longer periods of time without having to worry about the plants thirsting for water. This makes them an ideal choice for those with busy lifestyles.
Not only that, but it also helps prevent you from overwatering your plants, which can be damaging to them. This is because they draw only a small amount of water at a time, so the plants never get overly saturated.
Another great benefit is that self-watering pots help to create humidity around the plants that can help them to grow.
Types of Self-Watering Pots
There are several different types of self-watering pots available. Here are some of the most common:
- Wicking Pots: These pots rely on a wick system to bring the water up from the reservoir below. The wicks pass through both the soil and the water in the reservoir, allowing the roots to suck up the moisture as needed.
- Sub-Irrigation Planters: Sub-irrigation planters are designed with a water mat that sits at the bottom of the container. As the plants take in the moisture from the soil, the reservoir below is replenished.
- Self-Watering Bags: Self-watering bags are a great option for container gardening as they can be hung up or placed around the garden. They come with a flexible bladder that stores the water until it is needed. When it comes time to water, the bladders slowly release the water over time.
Conclusion
Self-watering pots are an effective and cost-efficient way to make sure your plants get the water they need without having to worry about over or under-watering. With different styles available, you can find one to suit your needs and lifestyle.
