How to Make a Self-Watering Container

Self-watering containers ensure your plants are well-watered when you’re away on vacation – or if you simply forget. Learn how to make a self-watering container in this video by Better Homes and Gardens:

1. Cut the center from a bucket lid to make an aeration shelf.

2. Trace opening for wicking basket in the center of the aeration shelf.

3. Trace another hole for the fill tube.

4. Drill drainage holes in the aeration shelf and on the sides of the wicking basket.

5. Cut holes in the aeration shelf for the fill tube and wicking basket.

6. Attach the aeration shelf to the wicking basket.

7. Make an overfill hole.

8. Insert the aeration shelf in a bucket.

9. Cover the interior of the bucket with landscape fabric.

10. Cut holes in the landscape fabric for the fill tube and wicking basket.

11. Thread fill tube through the aeration shelf.

12. Mix potting soil and water and pack into the wicking basker.

13. Fill bucket with soil in 3-inch increments. Saturate each layer with water until full.

14. Add plants.

15. Add water to the fill tube until it flows out of the overfill hole.