The Benefits of Self Watering Planters

The Benefits of Self Watering Planters

If you didnt know it already- self watering planters are all the rage! This nifty solution to
contemporary gardening solves a whole plethora of challenges through its simple yet
ingenious design.

Effectively a self watering planter contains two containers- one placed within the other; the
inner container holds the soil and plant, while the outer container acts as a water reservoir.
Water permeates from the reservoir into the soil through minute holes in the inner container
walls, ensuring regular, steady and adequate irrigation. Whats more you dont need to
worry about watering your plants for up to a week!

But thats not the only benefit these pots offer. Here are a few more that might just have you
rushing to buy your very own self watering planters online or in store.
1. Conservation of Water
With water coming at a premium, especially in dry seasons, self watering planters are a
boon as they minimise on undue loss of water through seepage or evaporation. Water
contained in the reservoir is protected by the soil cover above it and therefore does not
evaporate easily as when poured from the top into the soil. Further, as it is slowly released
into the soil there is no need for any excess to drain off as it does in conventional pots.

2. Soil Retains Nutrients

When watering a typical plant container, excess water drains out of the hole at the bottom
or through the sides. Very often the nutrients in the soil too are lost as excess water drains
through it and it becomes necessary to replenish it with new organic matter. Self watering
planters take away this hassle as its closed system keeps the nutrients within the immediate
environment. Any overflow keeps the nutrients within the held water and can be
conveniently poured back into the soil.

3. Encourages Healthy Root Growth

Shallow watering equals shallow roots and therefore healthy and deep root systems require
adequate and deep watering. This however poses the risk of water stagnation resulting in
the roots rotting in conventional pots. Self watering planters are a simple way around this,
enabling consistent watering at every depth in the pot without the danger of water
stagnation or roots rotting.

4. Cut Back on Diseases

Self Watering Planters use capillary action to moisten the soil. Since the soil is directly
watered and there is no water splashing on the leaves, stems, or soil surface, it prevents
the build-up of powdery mildew and other moulds that may infest your plant container.
5. No Hassle Gardening
The ease and convenience of a self watering planter is unparalleled, taking away the stress
and demand from your gardening routine. These not only make watering an occasional
concern through your busy week, but also allow you to go on much deserved vacations
without impacting the health and beauty of your garden and plants.

6. Protect Your Exotic and Delicate Species

Certain plants and exotic species require a steady dose of water to survive harsh and
extreme climates. Self watering planters make growing such species and their care a lot
easier on you, by ensuring a regular and apt supply of water directly to the soil.

7. Minimise spillage and messes

With self watering planters there is no need to water your plant container in the conventional
manner, such as through a watering can, every day. It therefore minimises the hassles that
come with it, such as spillage of water and soil, staining and dirtying of the surroundings,
etc. This makes them ideal for use in any part of your home or office- indoors and outdoors.