Good Plants for Self-Watering Planters

Function

• While self-watering planters are available pre-made, you also have the option of using a conversion kit that turns any container into a self-watering one. You can also make your own self-watering system in existing planters or containers. The basic design has a screen that separates the potting mix from an empty space in the bottom of the planter. A tube connects that area to the top for filling the reservoir. An overflow hole at the top of the reservoir prevents the whole container from filling with water since it doesn't have drainage holes.

Produce

• Many fruits, herbs and vegetables thrive in self-watering containers. Lack of water harms the quality and taste of produce, as well as reduces crop size. Using a self-watering container helps ensure that the fruits and vegetables don't dry out. Smaller, dwarf varieties make ideal selections for container gardening. Vegetables, fruits and herbs that are good for self-watering containers include strawberries, bush tomatoes and beans, basil, cucumbers, eggplant, thyme, greens, blueberries and peppers. Larger plants, such as melon and corn, can be grown in large planters. Smaller, dwarf or columnar fruit trees, including apples, peaches and nectarines, also grow well in large self-watering containers.

Ornamentals

• Indoor plants and tropical houseplants tend to need a consistent source of water. Tropical climates generally have high humidity and regular rainfall. Putting houseplants in these containers helps mimic their natural environment. Some good choices to consider include maidenhair fern, zebra plant, Norfolk pine, rattlesnake plant, spider plant, areca palm, flame violet, fuchsia, azalea, peace lily, African violet and ladyslipper orchid. Avoid any plants that prefer dry conditions, such as cactus. Most annual and perennial flowers also do well in self-watering containers. Annual choices include small zinnias, geraniums, snapdragons and salvia. Perennials to grow in containers range from verbena, foxglove, mums and dahlias to ornamental grasses.

Considerations

• A lightweight soil or soil-less planting mix makes the best choice for self-watering planters. Regular soil introduces bacteria and makes the planters heavy and difficult to move. During hot and dry weather, a container with a small reservoir will need to be filled more frequently. Plants may need fertilizer, depending on the variety and potting mix used. Follow the manufacturer's directions when using fertilizer. If the self-watering containers will not be in use during winter months, dump the soil into a compost pile, empty the water reservoir and clean the container for storage.