How to Make Wicking Pots

Wicking pots are self-watering planting containers. The plant's pot sits on a reservoir of water and a fabric wick passes water from the reservoir and into the soil, removing the need for watering the plant from above. This is a useful solution for homeowners who forget to water their plants, or for those who are going out of town for several days. The wicking pot can be made from common items found around the house.

Plastic food container with lid
Scissors
Acrylic string
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Select a plastic food container that is as wide or wider than the plant pot you want to use. Use scissors to poke a hole in the center of the food container lid.
- 2
  Thread the acrylic string up through the hole in the container lid. Unravel the end of the string one inch.
- 3
  Place the end of the string over the point of a screwdriver. Push the screwdriver and the string up through a drainage hole in the bottom of the plant pot. Slowly work the screwdriver up into the root ball until it's halfway in the pot.
- 4
  Pull the screwdriver out of the drainage hole. Set the pot on top of the container lid and gently tug the loose end to remove any excess string between the pot and lid.
- 5
  Fill the food container with water. Lower the lid and pot onto the food container. Refill the reservoir with water whenever it's empty.

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