Self-Watering with Yarn

A friend told my Mom how to do this, she has been using this method for several years. 

You will need:

Yarn (I am using cheap acrylic Red Heart brand)
Scissors
Flower Pots
A drip try for flower pots
Plants
Dirt

Step 1: Braid Yarn & Insert into Pot

Cut six strands of yarn about one foot long (you want it to reach from the dirt line to about 3-5 inches hanging out of the pot, depending on the size of the pot), tie a knot on one end, braid, and tie off the other end. Poke one end through the hole in the pot, and pull out a few inches. 

There's no measurements here, since you can do this for any size/height pot you would like.

Step 2: Get Dirty

Fill pot part way with dirt, place plant in center of the pot, and fill the rest of the way covering the roots (or seedling starter in my case). 

Step 3: Water It

Place pot into your drip tray, fill with water, and let that baby water itself.

Comments

[iminthebathroom]

uh oh, crafty pot heads will be scoring this on 5 stars! kidding, neat idea!

[Mouserz]

you bet!

[dana-dxb]

this is shorly a good idea

[Darth_Reese]

Smart having the yarn act as a wick. I'm going to try this.

[q3qyuu]

this is awesome!

[ChrysN]

Clever idea!

[bruc33ef]

This is a great sub-irrigated planter (SIP) variant. The thing I really like about it is that you can use readily available materials like standard flower pots without having to cut them up and drill holes. In fact, it probably doesn't even need an overflow hole in the side as do most SIPs.

About the only way I can see to improve on it would be to cover the water tray to reduce evaporation. But that would be very easy.

Very well done!

[moxiepurple]

I didn't know what it was called, but we did something like that last year with big plastic tubs and pvc pipes so we could have a garden and not spend a ton of money the first year.

You are right, there is no over flow in the side, I did not have to do anything different from a normal planting other than braid some yarn and add it to the pot. I think I will cover my water trays with dairy container lids. Thank you for the suggestion.