Build A DIY Self Watering Container Garden
One thing that puts people off growing their own fruit and vegetables is the constant need to water them. Many people live busy lives and simply do not have time to water plants twice a day in the summer months. Well there is a great solution and you don't have to purchase a commercial version.
Below shows the basic setup for a self watering container garden. It works by filling the bottom of the container with water which has overflow tubes to prevent over watering, an air gap that allows the air to get into the water and roots of the plants, a filling tube to fill with water from time to time and then conventional soil that picks up water from the central submerged section. It uses capillary reaction to wick water into the top soil and roots of the plants.
The system is simple, effective and easy to build.
Basic Diagram Of The EarthTainer
Below is a pre assembled unit with trellising for tomatoes / runner beans to grow onto. Note the Black plastic acts as a moisture barrier to hold in the water and slow down evaporation, which leads to much less topping up of the water reservoir.
Below show the self watering container gardens in full bloom!
For more detailed information on the Earthtainer, please visit their website HERE and for a very comprehensive PDF document on how to build your own Earthtainer then please visit this link HERE
If any of my readers have made their own self watering container gardens and would like to let the readers know please do leave a comment below with your links.