Garden gadgets: self-watering pots

If you’re already making holiday plans for this year, or you’re concerned about a repeat of last year’s prolonged dry spells, consider investing in some gadgets to take the worry out of watering.

Self-watering pots and containers are a great, low-effort way to look after some of the thirstiest plants in the garden, even when you’re not at home.  It’s also a great way to ensure seedlings in shallow trays don’t dry out - something that seems to happen in the blink of an eye during a sunny day in a hot greenhouse! 

AutoPot makes a wide range of gravity-fed, electricity-free irrigation systems for all kinds of growing, including large, upright pots for crops like tomatoes and peppers, and wide containers with capillary matting to keep grow bags and seed trays well hydrated.  They’ve also got self-watering systems for indoor plants. While these involve a little time to set up and some extra space for a reservoir, they provide peace of mind and enough water for around two weeks.

There are many self-watering pots and planters on the market for outdoor use which include integrated reservoirs and capillary action, or wicking, to pull water up through the soil and into the plant.  Brands like elho and Lechuza have ranges to suit all kinds of growing needs, and they’re also popping up as seasonal items in many supermarkets, so keep your eyes peeled on the middle aisles for a bargain. 

Don’t forget about your indoor plants too: Scottish-based business Potr produces super sustainable self-watering pots from waste plastic which are designed to fold flat, making them easy to transport or to gift.