Outdoor Planter Box Watering Devices
Planter boxes and containers are ideal for gardeners with little or no yard space or when the native soil is less than desirable. Their only drawback is that they can dry out quickly and so need frequent watering. This can present a problem for busy people, especially if you need to be away from home for a few days. The solution is a self-watering container or drip irrigation system on a timer. Does this Spark an idea?
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Self-watering Containers
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There are many styles of self-watering containers, but they all work basically the same way. The container holding your plants and soil sits atop a water reservoir. A wick submerged in the water tank runs up into the soil area and water is drawn up to the root zone as needed by means of capillary action. Self-watering containers can be purchased at most garden centers or through online vendors. Enterprising gardeners can also build their own using inexpensive plastic tubs.
Pros and Cons
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Self-watering containers are economical in terms of water use and better for plants than overhead watering, which can lead to fungal disease. Liquid fertilizer can be added to the reservoir. You can place them almost anywhere as they do not need to be directly connected to the water supply. This method still relies on the gardener to check and fill the water reservoir when it gets low. The containers are heavy when full of water and so not easily moved.
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Drip Irrigation
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A low-pressure drip irrigation system is a good choice for container gardens and is relatively easy to install. System components include a backflow preventer, filter and pressure regulator at the water supply, a ½-inch feeder line connected to ¼-inch flexible tubing and your choice of drip emitters, bubblers or sprayers which allow you to choose the watering rate and application method appropriate for your plants. The parts are available at most garden centers. Buy a kit containing all the basic components or customize your own system.
Pros and Cons
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Drip irrigation is efficient, delivering water directly to the base of plants. When connected to an electronic timer, your watering is automatic; you need only check occasionally to be sure the system is working and the rate of flow is adequate. Drip systems must be connected to a water supply, which limits where you can put your planters. They are a little more complicated than self-watering containers, but still simple enough for the average gardener to install.
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References
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