How to Make a DIY Self-Watering Planter Box & Bonus Summer Garden Hack
Growing flowers can be a joy, but keeping them watered can sometimes feel like a chore. That's where a self-watering planter box comes in handy.
In this guide, I'll walk through the steps to create your own sub-irrigated planter using simple materials and tools you might already have at home.
Plus, I'll throw in a bonus outdoor summer project to protect your newly planted flowers using waste bins from the dollar store.
This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.
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Tools and Materials:
- Waterproof container (such as an old metal tub)
- Milk jugs
- Builder plastic
- Duct tape
- Stapler
- Cedar strips
- Old window screen
- Screws
- Exacto knife
- Metal ruler
- Plastic bottle
- Drill
- Potting soil
- Plants
- Wire baskets
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1. Gather Materials from Recycling
Before you begin your self watering planter, rummage through your recycling bin because you're going to need to upcycle a few plastic bottles for this DIY.
Find yourself 4 milk jugs and a plastic drinking bottle to get started.
2. Waterproof the Container
First things first, let's ensure our container is waterproof.
Place a milk jug inside the tub and mark the tub just above the jug level.
Drill drain holes on the sides of the tub.
Roll out heavy gauge builder plastic, and cut it to fit inside the tub.
Secure it with duct tape.
Staple the plastic at each corner.
After the tub is lined, puncture holes in the plastic where the tub drain holes are located so that the water can drain out.
3. Creating the Screen
Now, create a screen to separate the soil from the water.
Place a milk jug inside the tub and measure just above it.
Cut cedar strips to create a square wood frame.
Add additional strips to fill in the sides.
Then attach old window screen to the top with screws.
4. Making the Water Reservoir
Next, make a water reservoir using milk jugs.
Then flip the jugs around so the cuts face down.
Holding two milk jugs together, trace around the spout of one jug onto the other.
Then cut the circle out with an X -Acto blade.
Repeat for each jug, remembering that the cut side should face downwards.
Attach all the milk jugs by pushing the pouring spouts into the cut holes.
Lay them down horizontally.
5. Assembling the Feeder Tube
Now it’s time to create a water feeder tube. Use a felt pen and the top of the drinking bottle to mark around one of the milk jugs and cut out the hole.
Slice off the bottom part of your water bottle
Insert the drinking end of the bottle into the jug.
Drill holes along the tops of the milk jugs for plant roots to gravitate towards once filled with water.
6. Planting and Testing
Add about 1 inch of potting soil to the bottom of the tub, then place the milk jug reservoir inside.
Twist off the feeder tube, set it aside, and place the screen on top of the reservoir.
Cut a feeder tube hole through the screen and reattach the feeder tube.
Add soil under and on top of the screen until it is deep enough to plant flowers.
Fill the feeder tube with water
Ensure the irrigation system is working by checking that water seeps out through the drainage holes in your tub.
Remember to periodically check the feeding tube and top up with water as needed.
Ready to take your gardening skills to new heights
Bonus Summer Project: Protect Your Flowers with Waste Bins
1. Prepare the Flower Bed
Clean up the flower bed by removing dead debris and weeds.
Use a half-moon edger to create a sharp edge and plant flowers.
2. Use Dollar Store Garbage Cans
Cover each newly planted flower with a dollar-store garbage can for protection against wildlife and harsh weather.
These bins are easy to lift for inspection and can remain until the flowers are stronger.
How to Make a Self-Watering Planter
Congratulations! You've created a sub-irrigated planter box that takes care of your flowers with minimal effort.
Plus, you learned a neat new trick to protect your plants from critters.
Let me know how your project turned out in the comments below!
Comments
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“A creative and practical gardening project that makes plant care easier while reusing everyday materials. The self-watering planter idea is especially useful for keeping flowers consistently hydrated during warmer months.”
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😃 I'm so excited to try this project out. It may take me a bit longer than normal, due to severe RA, Fibromyalgia, and other things. But this looks like fun and very simple to do. As soon as I get it done. I will come back to post my progress and finished project pics. YAY Y'ALL, YEEHAW!!!!🤪
Frequently asked questions
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Hello out there in this great big wonderful crazy world. Hope everyone is doing well wherever you.
Got a quick question for some DIY ideas for old dog cages. I have a couple that we no longer use and don't really want them to go to the trash. And I won't just throw them away, I'll see if anyone needs them before I do that, lol.
But on a chance that I could use them outside in the yard for a cute project. That if possible, can be a year round decoration. Even possibly a place for neighborhood pets (cats) could have a place to get out of the weather. No matter what it is. For shade in the summer or a dry place to get out of the rain or snow.
But anyways, if anyone out there has any ideas, that for the most part I can use other things that I have not being used atm and just kinda sitting around collecting dust. Please post on here, so not only myself could potentially use. But anyone else that may have the same situation. Thank you ahead of time. Stay Safe and Be Kind...