If you’re a subscriber, you’ll know I put a video out already about making a self watering pot. Well, a reader sent me some 5 gallon bucket inserts he made and I have to say…the design is super smart!
These remove the need for a wicking material, because the soil cups built into the plate act both as supports for the water chamber as well as the area water flows into the soil and starts to wick upward via capillary action.
I compare and contrast my design with Fred of 5 Gallon Farm’s design in this video, as well as show you how I’m going to plant this one out with a bunch of basil!
If you want to make a DIY self watering container, I suggest checking out my other video, linked in the top right corner of this one.
IN THIS VIDEO
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→ 5 Gallon Farm’s Website: http://www.5gallonfarm.com/
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There’s nothing new under the sun. Good innovation though.Perfect for those who r not that handy but have extra cash
Tqvm for sharing
I made one like that before but one v sliming bucket like a snow cone five gallon fit well had 3 gallon res easy over flow hole it killed it no more being in the hot sun everyday watering
How do you know when to water again? And how do you fill it up with water?
Send me stuff if you dont have time to check it out.
Were can I get the inserts?
I've been using a rain-gutter grow system for a few years now which is truly self-water via my rain barrels. The title says "self-watering" so I was curious to see how that would be done here but you don't really go into that other than if you manually water it there is a small reservoir. I like the idea of a bottom plate to keep the water from filling up the bucket but in my situation I just use a net cup that sits in the gutter to absorb and wick up the water. Is there more to it that you didn't add to this video?
I love both! Would definitely buy if it was in black. UK urban farmer
Suggestions:
# For better wicking, lightly press the lower half of the soil in the bucket to make it a little more dense.
# The "dirt plate" can be made from the inner part of the bucket's lid, with a hole in the middle, to which you can attach the small pot that the plant came in as a support, (one big "leg" instead of four small ones).
# Just like @Merry Davis suggested, insert a used coffee filter to prevent soil from clogging the water chamber. Add the used coffee grounds to the soil for extra nutrition, it also improves soil structure much in the same way Bio-Char does.
# For a "mulch plate" you can use the potting soil bag: pull it over the top of the bucket, (after filling with soil, of course:), and use the outer rim of the bucket's lid to hold it in place. When you're ready to plant, just cut a little "X" in the bag with a knife, and insert the plant.
This way, you're REUSING and RE-PURPOSING, (two of the 3 R's:), all the parts of your bucket, the potting soil bag, coffee filter and grounds, and the small nursery "disposable" pot, saving yourself some money, and reducing waste at the same time 🙂
Good luck 🙂
For blocking light to avoid heating up of the soil, instead of using white bucket, would it be possible to paint the bucket silver? It serves duel purpose of blocking out the light and reflecting the heat. Just some thoughts, I didn't try it out.
i DID NOT know all 5 gallon buckets dont have a standard size. thank you for that sir 🙂 well thanks for the whole video lol ijs you learn something knew everyday lol that literally made me go "huhhh" outloud when u said that lol
Can I just use clay pebbles and cover it by agrofabric instead of this green tray?
Post link for purchase. Thanks
My first thought is there is a possibility of what looked like just two small holes in the bottom to the wicking tubes being clogged by roots. Net pots have a lot more openings.
What is the mulch plate made of?
Love the second idea. It's great!!
Hello l like this system,where can I buy it. Please let me know and what is the name of it. Does he has a web sight,please let me know. Thank yoh.
Never call SOIL as dirt soil is the reason we all are alive.
Saw a video a guy used an old disposable pie plate you know the silver ones then took an old plastic flower pot cut holes to make it the wick and a pvc tube and made a self wicken bucket.
Looks good
Got 7 gal food grade bucket, put in a drain hole in it. Add a 1 gallon jug with air and drain holes, put in a pvc pipe in the jug to fill with water. in goes my soil around the jug, and to the top. cost $2.5 for bucket. cost for top soil peat moss ect.
Where would I find out which plants prefer bottom watering vs top watering?
Thank you for sharing this video. It seems like a good idea to use dirt plate and mulch plate.
Love the tutorials.
how long does it last before you need to water again?
Bloem Ariana………….
Hi Bro , can you put some light on air-pruning in this process , Please …. ( air-pruning : I understand as letting the roots to breath directly , If am not wrong ) , Thank you.
Request click this link for info please : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSl8s4hyVZY
Where is the fill tube
i guess it is like your design. pretty neat to have a stand down there.
Ur one of my favorites