Window Boxes - Self-Watering Pots and Wicks
by John Yazo
Self-Watering products are a convenient way to keep your window boxes, pots, and container plants watered. There are two methods that can be used to keep a steady supply of water for your plants readily available for them when they need it, those that have wicks, and those have special pots or water reservoirs.
Wicks come in two basic configurations. There are ones that are pushed into the top of the plants soil mix, and others that are threaded into the drainage holes on the base of the container. The top wick systems are used a lot as a source of water when someone is going on vacation and the bottom wicks, also known as sub-irrigation systems, are set up when the plant is first planted in the pot. In both cases, the wick is generally made of a thick, fibrous material such as a cotton cord, and set into a container full of water. The water is absorbed into the soil as the plants need it.
Self-watering pots are another excellent way to give constant moisture to moisture-loving plants. These systems usually include a pot with a reservoir for water in the base. The water is absorbed into the soil as the plants need it. This allows for an even amount of water to be supplied steady to a plant. Organic liquid fertilizer can also be added in the water reservoir to supply a steady slow release of nutrients to the plants.
The use of containers and self-watering feature is a great way of gardening in limited space and it is less labor intensive.
If you would like to comment on this website or have any suggestions please feel free to contact us
