How to Make a Wicking Plant Pot

A wicking plant pot is a simple and efficient way to grow plants without having to water them constantly. This type of pot uses capillary action to draw water up from a reservoir at the bottom of the pot, ensuring that plants get the moisture they need while minimizing the amount of water wasted. In this article, we’ll show you how to make your own wicking plant pot in just a few easy steps.

Materials Needed:

A plastic container with a lid (the size and shape will depend on the size and type of plant you are growing)

A piece of PVC pipe or other tubing (this will be used to make the wick)

A piece of screen or mesh (to cover the opening of the PVC pipe)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Container

Start by drilling a hole in the bottom of your plastic container. The hole should be just large enough to fit the PVC pipe through.

Next, cut a piece of screen or mesh to cover the opening of the PVC pipe. This will keep soil from entering the pipe and clogging the wick.

Place the screen over one end of the PVC pipe and secure it in place with a rubber band or piece of tape.

Step 2: Create the Wick

Insert the PVC pipe through the hole in the bottom of the container so that it extends about an inch or two above the bottom. This will facilitate the flow of water from the reservoir to the soil.

Fill the container with soil and pack it down lightly around the PVC pipe. The soil should be level with the top of the pipe.

Create the wick by cutting a length of string or yarn and wrapping it around the outside of the PVC pipe. The string should be long enough to reach from the top of the soil down to the bottom of the container.

Cover the string with a layer of soil, making sure it is in contact with the PVC pipe.

Step 3: Add Water and Plants

Fill the small container at the bottom of the pot with water until it’s just below the level of the PVC pipe.

Plant your chosen plants in the pot, making sure that their roots are in contact with the soil and the wick.

Step 4: Let it Grow

Once your wicking plant pot is set up, all you need to do is keep the reservoir filled with water. The plants will draw up the moisture they need through the wick, so there’s no need to water them from above.

Keep an eye on the water level in the reservoir and refill it as needed. As an added bonus, the reservoir will also help to keep the plants hydrated during periods of dry weather.

Conclusion

With just a few simple materials and a little bit of effort, you can create your own wicking plant pot that will allow your plants to thrive without the need for constant watering. This method is especially useful for busy gardeners who may not have time to tend to their plants on a daily basis, or for anyone who wants to conserve water while still enjoying the beauty of a lush garden.