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Self-Watering Planters
Self-watering planters, officially known as sub-irrigated planter (SIP), have been around in concept for centuries. They have recently enjoyed a rise in both popularity and use as more and more urban gardens take root in cities like Detroit, New York, Chicago, and Toronto. But it’s easy to understand its popularity for gardens of all types, urban or otherwise.
What is a Self-Watering Planter (SIP)?
A SIP is any watering planter where the water is introduced from the bottom, allowing the water to soak upwards to the plant through capillary action. You've seen this phenomenon in action yourself, like when you paper towel at the edge of a spill.
SIPs are perfect planting tools to use for non-traditional gardens, such as balconies or other urban locales, or even traditional gardens where space is a luxury. Gardens using self-watering planters have unique advantages over traditional in-ground gardens:
1. Easy setup and, if necessary, removal;
2. No yard of any size is required;
3. Can be used successfully on patios, porches, and balconies;
4. No disturbance of property, e.g., digging;
5. Incremental design makes for easy expansion or contraction of garden;
6. Encourages roots to grow downward towards the water, resulting in stronger root systems;
7. Alleviates fluctuating water levels, which can stress many veg crops;
8. Experiences up to 80% reduction in water usage;
9. Allows the crop to manage their nutrient intake.
2. No yard of any size is required;
3. Can be used successfully on patios, porches, and balconies;
4. No disturbance of property, e.g., digging;
5. Incremental design makes for easy expansion or contraction of garden;
6. Encourages roots to grow downward towards the water, resulting in stronger root systems;
7. Alleviates fluctuating water levels, which can stress many veg crops;
8. Experiences up to 80% reduction in water usage;
9. Allows the crop to manage their nutrient intake.
Maintenance-Minimal, Maintenance-Free
That last line-item is especially important. On a hot day, a growing tomato plant (as an example) can consume over a gallon of water. Unless it is watered 3 or 4 times a day, it’s hard to provide that much water on a regular basis. And nutrient intake fluctuations can stress out the crop. Letting the crop manage its own intake is what has given SIP technology the oft-misunderstood label, "self-watering planter."
You still have to water the crop, but you allow the crop the opportunity to ‘drink’ as it sees fit. When the plant needs the water, the water is there for the taking and the plant can better grow to its potential.
Regardless of the size of your gardening project or the space available, OCC Outdoors has the self-watering planter to fit your need. And don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you might have.