Introduction: Water Reservoir System

This system allows you to grow your plants by watering with a lot of water at one time, then not watering at all. The top tier is where the soil is and this is where the plants grow. You water this until the bottom reservoir is full from the water dripping through the holes. Over time, the bottom reservoir will slowly deliver water to the top part, watering the plants.

Note: The felt can only deliver water when it is already wet. You must water the top part until the bottom is full.

Step 1: Gather the Build Supplies

In order to build the system you need:

  • 2 of the same container, preferably clear.
  • 1 lid for the container
  • Duct tape
  • Felt

Tools:

  • Drill
  • Drill bit
  • Safety glasses
  • X-Acto knife
  • Scissors

Note: In the pictures there is a screwdriver, a hammer, and a pair of scissors I did not use. I ended up using the drill to pierce the holes rather than a hammer and screwdriver. I also found that the green scissors were really bad at cutting felt, so I instead used the metal sewing scissors.Contai

Step 2: Drill the Holes

One of the containers does not need any holes. For the other one you need to cut a slit on the end of it for the felt using the X-Acto knife. Make a matching slit on the lid. Put the lid onto the not cut container ant tape the cut container on top, matching up the slits. Using the drill, drill 3 drainage holes onto the cut lid and base. If any of it cracks tape it with duct tape to stop the cracks from spreading.

Step 3: Put on the Felt

Cut the felt skinny enough to fit through the slits and long enough to go on the bottom of the not cut container, through the lid, and onto the bottom of the cut container. Put the felt through the slits in the manner described.

Step 4: Gather the Planting Supplies

You will need:

  • The system
  • Potting soil
  • Seeds

Step 5: Plant the Seeds

Put the soil down in the top container, leaving some aside to put on top of the seeds. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil. Add more soil on top. Add water until the bottom is full.

Note: I tested this first so my bottom reservoir is already almost full.

Step 6: Wait and Water As Neccassary

Wait for your seeds to sprout. If you notice the reservoir is low, water the plants.

Maker Olympics Contest 2016

Participated in the
Maker Olympics Contest 2016

Low Water Gardening Challenge 2016

Participated in the
Low Water Gardening Challenge 2016