How to set up a self-watering system

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Monday, 3 June 2019 at 4:10 pm

Find out how to set up an automatic watering system, in our step-by-step guide.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
At its best
To do

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on pinterest
Share on whatsapp
Share on blogger
Email to a friend

Returning home to discover dead or wilting plants is not the ideal end to a holiday. With a little forethought you can ensure your plants are kept well-watered while you're away, without being overly reliant on obliging friends or neighbours.

Follow our simple guide to setting up a self-watering system, below.

You Will Need

A flat tray
A deep tray
Capillary matting
Large pots

Total time: 30 minutes

Step 1

Fixing capillary matting to the tray and reservoir

Set up a flat tray over a container of water and cover with capillary matting. Add a piece of matting, which will function as a wick, drawing up water from the reservoir below.

Step 2

Fill the water reservoir right up to its brim and thoroughly wet the matting.

Step 3

Put pots on the surface, pressing them down so the pot's draining holes are in contact with the matting. Ideally, ask a friend or neighbour to top up the reservoir from time to time.