Self-Watering Planters: How to Choose a Reservoir You Can Maintain

A self-watering planter can make a container easier to maintain when you can refill the reservoir without lifting a heavy pot. Read the manufacturer’s instructions before you choose one. Some designs rely on a wick or a column of potting mix. The setup may call for watering from the top while the plant gets established.

Look for visible access to the reservoir

Find the refill opening and check if it will be easy to reach when the plant grows. Ask how you can tell the reservoir needs water. A visible indicator or fill port is useful if you can see it at the height where the planter sits. Make sure you can clear debris from the opening.

Find the overflow path

An outdoor planter needs to cope with rain as well as the amount you pour in. Check the location of the overflow and where the water will land. On a porch or balcony, test this before installing it above a walkway. Follow the manufacturer’s directions about plugs and indoor use.

Start with the plant’s needs

Check whether the plant prefers regular moisture or a drier interval between waterings. Use a compatible mix and follow the watering guidance for that plant. The University of Minnesota Extension notes that light, temperature, wind and container size all affect watering frequency. Try one reservoir before buying several.