Garden therapy is beneficial to mental health.
If you reside in a home with limited outdoor gardening opportunities, it is best to use containers to grow the plants you want.
Smart Garden Growers have numerous styles and size options of containers available.
Many container options will have a built-in self-watering option.
The following guide outlines the top 7 self-watering vegetable planter options available.
How Do Self-Watering Vegetable Planters Work?
When growing vegetables, keeping your plants adequately watered can be tricky.
Too little or too much water can lead to either drowning or killing the plant.
Also, many gardeners use self-watering planters to reduce the chance of over-watering.
Self-watering vegetable planters depend on three layers:
- The bottom layer is a reservoir containing water that you will not be able to see. The plants will be able to access this water through capillary action (the soil being saturated; in turn, pulling moisture into the plant).
- The second layer is a layer with various sized holes that separates the soil from the water. This way, the plant roots can get to the water underneath the soil.
- The third layer is the mixture of soil and fertilizer that you will use to plant the seeds. The fertilizer will provide nutrients for your plants.
Also, your self-watering planter has a drainage/outlet. This will enable you to remove any excess water when needed.
Initially fill the reservoir with water, then the plants will use that water via capillary action through both the root system and the wick that keeps moisture in the soil.
As the plants continue to grow, the height of the water in the reservoir decreases. When the height of water in the reservoir drops below a set reference line, the water intake opens, allowing you to refill the reservoir.
Whenever the water level in the reservoir gets above the designated reference line, you can bring it back down by opening your drainage outlet.
What Should You Consider When Getting A Self-Watering Planter?
If you choose the right self-watering planter, it may be the deciding factor in your enjoyment of gardening versus your frustration with gardening.
If you find a self-watering planter that fits with your lifestyle and your gardening needs, this may allow you to spend less time dealing with the challenges of growing plants while enjoying the fruits of your labour more.
The most important thing when choosing a self-watering planter is making sure that the size of the planter matches your available space and your plants’ needs.
So before you go out and buy that cool little metal planter to grow your onions, here are some things for you to keep in mind.
Reservoir’s size
How often you need to water your plant(s) depends on the size of your planter and what type of plant(s) you decide to grow in that planter.
Some plants will do perfectly fine in very little water, while others will need a large volume of water to survive.
Oxygen Circulation
Just as all life forms need oxygen, so do all plants.
When choosing a self-watering planters for vegetables, be sure to find a balance between water and soil.
This will help ensure the oxygen flows through the soil.
Ease of use
It must be simple to operate a vegetable planter.
The user of the vegetable planter should be able to easily access the filling mechanism and clearly see the water level.
You should also know if you haven’t given enough water to your plants or fed them too much of it.
Where will you use the planter, and how many plants will you plant?
The planters available for outdoor planting differ from those used indoors.
Outdoor planters are designed to withstand outdoor climates because they are exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Therefore, they generally need to be more robust than indoor planters.
You will likely require a substantially larger outdoor planter if you plan to be planting numerous plants. Whereas-an individual that is only planting a couple or more plants will usually require only a comparatively small-sized planter.
So, what are the most effective self-watering vegetable planters available for use in your garden or home?
7 Amazing Self Watering Vegetable Planters
1. The Lakeside Collection Self-Watering Vegetable Planter
Top Features
- Strong polypropylene body
- Wheels and handle for easy movement
- 3-gallon water storage reservoir
- Trellis panels to support climbers, up to 3 feet high
- 10 gallons potting soil capacity
You can create your own small garden for vegetables, fruits, or flowers using this product easily. If you plan to use climbers, this planter will provide the necessary support for your plants.
The planter features a design that includes a 3-foot-high rail system that provides adequate support to the climbing vines, allowing them to grow tall and long.
The overall planter is made from polypropylene, which is a type of thermoplastic resin. Polypropylene is used typically in cars because of its properties of being resistant to shock, heat, and other hazardous elements. Also, due to the density of the polypropylene material, it is an excellent shock absorber.
Therefore, if you accidentally drop your planter, it absorbs the impact and keeps its original shape.
In addition to its shock-absorbing ability, polypropylene also is resistant to both heat and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Polypropylene will not become stiff as polyurethane does when exposed to excessive amounts of UV.
Pros
- High quality of the product
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to move around
- Holds up through the seasons
- Saves on space
- Perfect for climber plants like passion fruits
Cons
- The trellis panel is a bit flimsy and could get pulled by the plants as they grow
Furthermore, it also has a handle on the top for easy transport.
The upper portion holds up to 10 gallons of potting soil while the reservoir at the bottom holds 3 gallons of water.
Thus, you can leave your plants at home unattended for days without the worry of drying out or wilting.
2. Keter Easy Grow Raised Bed Self Watering Planter
Top Features
- An easy to read water gauge
- A simple drainage system for better water control
- Easy to assemble
- Versatile- you can use it indoors or outdoors
- Lightweight
- 31.7 gallons capacity
- Durable plastic body with a drainage hole
The Keter Easy Grow planters are ideal if you are looking for ergonomically designed planters.
Their design provides comfort, helps to increase productivity, enhances your safety culture, and is cost-effective.
Gardening does not require as much bending and straining with this type of design.
Additionally, these planters are equipped with a built-in watering system which provides a supply of water to support your plants for several days.
The refill tube is at the top of the soil making it’s easier to connect a pipe or funnel and fill the reservoir.
Pros
- All-weather resistant planter
- You need zero maintenance
- The material does not fade, even when used outdoors
- Easy to clean
- Easy to assemble
- Suitable for small spaces
Cons
- Extra care when loading with soil so that the legs do not give out
And in case it exceeds the intended capacity, you can open the drainage at the bottom of the planter to release the excess water.
3. Emsco Group City Picker Raised Bed Self-Watering Planter
Top Features
- Convenient four swivel caster wheels for easy transportation
- Sun tracking for small spaces
- Easy to follow guides on assembly and growing
- A wick-supported self-watering mechanism
- A 2-gallon reservoir
- An aeration screen to enhance oxygenation
- Compact size to save space
- A self-contained soil system to deter the growth of weed
The introduction of the raised self-watering vegetable planter from Emsco adds a new level of convenience to gardening.
An ergonomic design and easy care make this planter an excellent choice for growing a variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowering plants.
Water is absorbed into the soil via wicking and excess water from the bottom of the planter flows out through the overflow holes, preventing pool-like water accumulation.
The planter has an aeration screen which ensures the roots of your plants receive oxygen, air, and nutrients so they can grow with the least amount of effort.
This compactly designed planter is an excellent solution for individuals with limited space for gardening, such as urban dwelling individuals living in condominiums or apartment buildings.
Emsco’s Raised Self-Watering Vegetable Planter. Go from being a city dweller to having fresh strawberries or herbs in your own home.
Pros
- Suitable for tight urban areas
- The caster wheels for more effortless movement
- It is easy to refill the reservoir
- The mulch prevents the growth of weeds in your garden
Cons
- The planter is not suitable for seeds
- You need unique dirt products like dolomite to grow vegetables successfully
The Emsco Planter also has a mulch layer that keeps moisture in the soil. This protects soil nutrients from leaching away due to excess moisture evaporation, which allows for weed growth.
It enables you to grow healthy vegetables, protects them from weeds, and reduces the chance of disease by eliminating the possibility of rodent and insect attack.
4. OurWarm Windowsill Herb Self-watering Planter
Top Features
- Water level monitoring window
- A double layer design that allows for water reservation
- Plastic ABS material that is durable and anti-corrosive
- Environmentally friendly, impact-resistant, and sturdy
- Lightweight and removable
- Water socking strips that keep the soil moist
- Water pouring port for ease and convenience
A window garden is a great way to bring life into your home!
When you place a few small houseplants in your window, the vibrant colours of the plants contrast nicely with the dull colour of the walls. It also allows the plants to receive the maximum amount of sunlight available.
To create the perfect window garden, OurWarm Windowsill Herb Self-Watering Planter is the right choice for you.
With OurWarm’s Window Herb Self-Watering Planters, there is a clear level indicator so that you can see your water levels anytime.
The planters are designed for easy use, and whenever you look outside, you can see the beautiful little gardens that you can take advantage of when you’re feeling down.
The planters also have a double-layer system to retain excess water.
At the bottom of the planter is a cotton wick that brings the water up to the soil and keeps the soil moist.
Pros
- Perfect for growing herbs like cilantro and oregano
- It comes with cotton strips to keep your soil moist
- The containers are lightweight
- They have an easy to use water pouring spout and water level indicator
- A sturdy design
Cons
- The plastic material calls for a careful selection of plants
- If you want to plant crops that require well-drained environments, you may have to add some sand for better soil drainage
The fact that this product is durable, environmentally confident and completely safe for your plants; furthermore it has scratch resistance properties.
It also allows for the soil not to stick to any side of the container making the containers easy to clean for reuse or to continue to use for planting out again.
5. VINGLI Square Raised Garden Bed
Top Features
- A sturdy design
- Ventilation and drainage holes
- High-density PP material with UV protection and weather resistance and rated as food-grade
- Multiple configuration options to fit your space
- User-friendly
If you are looking for a great solution to your gardening/space issues, look no further than the VINGLI advanced planters.
The all-weather VINGLI advanced planters may be used indoors and outdoors.
These all-weather planters are made of high-density polypropylene, which is ideal for use in all weather conditions, including extreme cold and heat. They will also stand up to the elements, including being exposed to the sun’s UV rays.
Depending on how many planters you purchase, you have several options for how to arrange your garden planters.
You can assemble your planters vertically (stacking them) or horizontally (placing them flat on the ground). This flexible design helps you to utilise your available space more efficiently and allows you to maximise your plants’ growth potential.
Pros
- The material combination is sturdy, making it a long-lasting option
- The planter is spacious
- Has ventilation holes to keep the soil aerated
- Includes protective caps to avoid any injuries for elderly and young gardeners
- The reinforced PP material is UV, weather, and scratch-resistant
- Versatile application
Cons
- The design is beautiful, but it is a little complicated to assemble
If you suffer from lower back pain and do not want to bend over when gardening, this is your best option. This planter has ergonomic support built into it.
By raising the garden bed to a comfortable height for you, you will prevent back pain. Also, the garden bed raised at this height will allow older people to continue to enjoy gardening.
6. CedarCraft Self-Watering Elevated Planter
Top features
- 8 wells that keep the soil moist via wicking action
- A water level indicator for accurate watering
- 4 overflow drains to remove excess water from the reservoir
- 6-gallons reservoir
- A soil separator for better soil aeration
- Quick and easy to assemble
Depending on how you design your home inside, there may come a time when you need a wooden planter as part of your design aesthetic.
CedarCraft provides an additional benefit for you by allowing you to save space with their product.
The lightweight nature of the wood makes it easy to move about with no stress or strain on the body.
This self-watering veggie-growing planter has a 6-gallon water reservoir to keep your plants hydrated!
In addition, the planter comes equipped with leg support so you can reduce the amount of strain placed on your knees and lower back. Plus, the planter has a fill tube that makes it easy to add extra water to the reservoir.
As the planter is constructed from wood, there could be concerns that it will begin to rot over time.
The manufacturer of the CedarCraft planter has taken care of this by selecting cedar for use in their planters.
Cedar is an extremely durable species of wood that is often used for outdoor decks and furniture as well as building materials in construction.
Pros
- Ergonomic design that lessens strain on knees and back
- Easy to use fill tube comes with a water indicator for accurate water measurement
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy design for indoor and outdoor applications
- Saves you space
Cons
- Although Cedar is resilient, it weakens after continuous exposure to different seasons
Additionally, it is perfect for resisting insect infestation.
Lastly, it does not stain, which means you can preserve the color of your vegetable planter for a long time.
7. FOYUEE Raised Planter Box
Top Features
- A sturdy galvanized steel metal body
- Handle and wheels for easy movement
- Ample storage space for your gardening tools
- Drainage holes to prevent waterlogging
- Easy to set up
- Anti-rust protection for both indoor and outdoor use
If you’re looking to ditch your plastic materials as well as your wood planters, you may want to consider a quality metallic self-watering vegetable planter such as FOYUEE.
The metals used to craft these stylish planters add a visual flair to your home, breaking up the ordinary and creating something out of the ordinary!
The FOYUEE planter is made of steel that has been coated with a gray anti-rust finish which allows usage both indoors and outdoors.
Despite being a minimalistic design with clean lines, The FOYUEE Planter Provides ample Room to Grow Healthy Vegetables, Herbs, and Flowers.
An Industrial-looking Metal Combined with Beautiful Plants will Create Harmonious Contrast Within Almost Every Background.
In addition, the FOYUEE Planter’s Elevated Design, It Creates an Easy Way to Grow without the Added Pressure of Putting Pressure on Your Back While Gardening!
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Ergonomic design that saves on space
- Caster wheels and handle for more effortless movement
- Stylish and durable for all seasons
Cons
- The planter is heavy
- No attached assembly instructions, but you can request them from the company
Another great addition is the inbuilt rack which provides you with space to store your gardening tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the same amount of water for all my planters?
It is unlikely that all your planters will require the same amount of water. However, it is possible if they are the same make and brand.
How do you maintain your planter?
The best way to keep your planter going for a long time is to clean it often.
You can remove the soil, clear the holes, and even unblock the clogged drainage holes when you harvest your plants.
Will wooden planters rot?
Some manufacturers use high-quality and treated wood to make planters.
Cedar is among the most durable wood planters you can use. However, if you neglect it, leaving it to the harsh weather conditions, it wears out and may start rotting or falling apart.
Final Thoughts
There is no need to surrender your gardening goals simply because you live in a small urban area.
Every day there are newer products being developed for use by gardeners living in small spaces.
Using modern technology part of the gardening process allows you to grow vegetables indoors in small containers.
Another innovative way to grow vegetables indoors is to use a self-watering planter, which uses capillary action to deliver moisture to the soil throughout the growing season.
Using self-watering planters makes gardening enjoyable and very user-friendly.
Additionally, the ergonomic design and sturdy build of the self-watering containers prevent you from sustaining injuries to your back and knees while gardening.