How to Make a Water Wicking Plant Tray

Are you tired of constantly watering your plants? Do you have a hard time keeping them hydrated while you're away on vacation? Look no further than a water wicking plant tray! This DIY project is easy to make and can save you time on plant maintenance. Follow these steps to create your own water wicking plant tray.

Materials Needed:

Container with drainage holes (such as a plastic storage bin or planter)

Potting soil

Fabric (such as burlap or cotton)

Cotton rope or nylon cord

Scissors

Plants of your choice

Water

Steps:

Step 1: Line the Container

Use the fabric to line the bottom of the container, making sure it covers the drainage holes. This will prevent soil from falling out while allowing excess water to drain through.

Step 2: Add Soil

Add a layer of potting soil to the container, filling it about 1/3 of the way full.

Step 3: Cut the Rope

Cut the rope or cord into pieces that are about twice the height of the container.

Step 4: Plant Placement and Rope Insertion

Place your plants in the container, making sure to leave space between them. Insert the rope into the soil next to the plants, leaving about an inch of the rope above the soil line.

Step 5: Fill with Soil and Water

Add more soil to the container, covering the roots of the plants and the rope. Water the soil until moist.

Step 6: Rope Placement

Take the remaining length of rope and create a wick by threading it through the hole of a plastic bottle cap, tying a knot at the end. Place the cap on the opposite side of the container from the plants and bury the rope so that it's touching the bottom of the container. This will act as a wick, drawing water up to the roots of the plants as they need it.

Step 7: Water Reserve

Add water to the container, filling it just below the cap. You can also add water through the hole in the cap as needed. The water will be drawn up through the rope and into the soil, keeping your plants hydrated.

Conclusion:

A water wicking plant tray can be a simple and effective solution to watering your plants. By creating a wick from a rope and using a water reserve, the plants are able to draw up water as they need it. This DIY project is easy to make and can save you time and stress when it comes to plant maintenance. Give it a try and see the difference it can make for your houseplants!