Self Watering Mini Garden
Intro: Self Watering Mini Garden
Building on the idea of the self watering plant pots (there are several instructables) I've built a bigger version, using IKEA boxes.
STEP 1: Get All the Tools / Materials
Get some boxes. I used "Samla" boxes from IKEA because they are cheap, available in different sizes and you don't have to buy the lid (which we don't need).
You will also need some string, scissors, and your trusty Swiss Army knife. (Since you are on the instructables website I think it is save to assume you have one)
You will also need some string, scissors, and your trusty Swiss Army knife. (Since you are on the instructables website I think it is save to assume you have one)
STEP 2: Prepare the Boxes
Drill some holes in the bottom in one (!) of the two boxes and thread the string through. I tied some knots to make sure they don't fall out of the bottom while I assemble everything.
STEP 3: Fill the Box With Earth
Now about 1/3 of the box with earth an pull the strings up a bit. (so they are not just at the bottom of the box)
Now fill the rest of the box with earth.
Now fill the rest of the box with earth.
STEP 4: Plant Your Stuff
Now it's time to plant whatever you want to plant in your box. I started with some peppermint and some basil which I had grown in some self watering pots made out of PET-bottles.
Put the box with earth in the other box (which we haven't touched until now).
Don't forget to water everything and fill the lower box with water. But don't overdo it! The upper box should not touch the water. (Using the Samla boxes I can put approx. 1 liter of water into the lower box.)
Put the box with earth in the other box (which we haven't touched until now).
Don't forget to water everything and fill the lower box with water. But don't overdo it! The upper box should not touch the water. (Using the Samla boxes I can put approx. 1 liter of water into the lower box.)
STEP 5: Wait...
Now wait and enjoy your little garden. This is a picture of mine after about a month. Everything has grown beautifully!
Please note that the basil was a lot bigger the day before I took this picture. But I had used a lot of in my pasta sauce. :-)
Some tips from experience:
- Drill some holes in the lower box just underneath the point where the top box ends. This way you don't have to worry about overfilling the lower box (accidentally of if there are heavy showers)
- The one liter reservoir lasts for about 2 days of intense sunshine. (but that's here in Switzerland This may vary in other climates)
Please note that the basil was a lot bigger the day before I took this picture. But I had used a lot of in my pasta sauce. :-)
Some tips from experience:
- Drill some holes in the lower box just underneath the point where the top box ends. This way you don't have to worry about overfilling the lower box (accidentally of if there are heavy showers)
- The one liter reservoir lasts for about 2 days of intense sunshine. (but that's here in Switzerland This may vary in other climates)
66 Comments
LangdonHarris 9 years ago
I like the string idea!
ilikecake3 10 years ago
bikeboy 13 years ago
One small concern though: I've read that it's bad for plant roots if they're in contact with UV radiation. Too bad IKEA doesn't make these boxes in non-transparent version. Very easy adaptation of the earth box. I was looking for this!
RoBear613 10 years ago
bikeboy 10 years ago
I happend to have made a wooden "skirt" around my DIY earthbox, just as you described.
My boxes aren't transparant, but the wood looks fine!
Noadi 13 years ago
bikeboy 13 years ago
For my soda bottle self watering containers, I just used cardboard to block the light. It's a cheap and eco friendly alternative, and theirs tons laying around in my appartment building. If cut with care, it looks tidy (opinions might vary on that...), and you can use it as a label too. Just don't poor water over it or it'll warp (but then again, the water should go into the tube).
gkaneto 12 years ago
I just wrote an instructable about self-watering indoor plants: really self-regulating, and no powering needs.
It is here: https://www.instructables.com/id/Self-regulating-watering-system
Hope someone find it useful.
Best wishes,
Gustavo.
peregrine81 15 years ago
damiano80 13 years ago
Good idea man!
tlreyes 14 years ago
the_sandypants 14 years ago
maurice1993 14 years ago
smh 14 years ago
maymomma 14 years ago
stifoo 15 years ago
RomanH 15 years ago
HAL 9000 15 years ago
HAL 9000 15 years ago
RomanH 15 years ago