Simple Sub-irrigation Insert

You can make this sub-irrigated (aka self-watering) bucket planter with a pair of scissors or snips. This reservoir/wicking insert is about a simple as you can make. It will work in any watertight container. 

Most of the plans for self-watering bucket planters on the web use two buckets, one sleeved inside the other to create the reservoir. This also requires a power drill and hole saw. Even if you use free recycled buckets, why waste them if you don't have to?

Other than cutting the platform with scissors or snips, the only other fabrication is to poke holes in both the platform and the deli container (soil wick). I used a metal skewer heated on the stove. Of course, you could also use a Dremel rotary tool if you have one. 

This method isn't just for buckets. It is an easy, low-cost way to convert all of your planters to sub-irrigation. You can even use it in a clay pot. To make it watertight, spray (or brush) the inside with tree wound paint and plug the drain hole with caulking. 

The platform was cut from a vinyl floor tile. It rests on a 16 oz plastic deli container, which creates a soil wick. The fill tube is 1" (3/4" i.d.) vinyl tubing (it could be PVC pipe).

 

Although I made it from purchased materials, this planter could be made from all recycled materials. 

Purchased items: (Lowe's)

12" x 12" vinyl floor tile    .45

1" vinyl tubing  1.80

Sub-total – insert 2.25

5 gallon utility bucket $2.78   

Total  $5.03

The same construction can also be used to make sub-irrigated tote box planters, a post with photos to follow.