This innovative project was created by Anika from Anika’s DIY Life, and it’s designed to help gardeners who may forget to water their plants regularly. With a built-in sub-irrigation system, this planter allows for easy maintenance and healthy plant growth.
Materials Needed:
- 2×6 boards (for the planter body)
- 2×4 and 4×4 boards (for the base)
- Pond liner (for waterproofing)
- Corrugated perforated hose (for irrigation)
- Vermiculite and peat moss (for the soil mix)
- Potting soil
- Exterior grade screws
- Wood glue
- Duct tape
- Staple gun
- Utility knife
- Stain (for finishing)
Tools Required:
- Table saw
- Power drill
- Kreg jig (for pocket holes)
- Tape measure
Step 1: Build the Planter Body
Start by cutting six short and six long 2×6 boards. These will form the sides of the planter. Line up three of the long boards and attach them with a cross support using exterior grade screws. Originally, Anika intended to use 2x2s but opted for 2x3s instead. After realizing the need for 2x2s for the ends, she ripped down the 2x3s on a table saw to create the correct size.
Step 2: Assemble the Sides
Attach the two 2×2 boards to each end, forming the short sides of the planter. The assembly gets heavy, so Anika moved everything to the final location before fully assembling it.
Step 3: Create the Legs
The legs are made using 2×4 and 4×4 boards. Create pocket holes on each end of the 2x4s using the Kreg jig and attach them to the 4x4s with exterior grade pocket hole screws and wood glue. It’s crucial to work on a flat surface during this step.
Step 4: Stain the Base
After constructing the base, Anika stained it using a dark black stain before attaching it to the planter.
Step 5: Waterproofing the Planter
To make the planter self-watering, line the inside with a pond liner to create a watertight seal. Anika found it easier to attach the sides first before dealing with the corners, folding the liner to ensure it is watertight.
Step 6: Install the Irrigation System
Next, cover the bottom of the planter with the corrugated perforated hose. Anika cut the hose to size and ensured it fit snugly to prevent dirt from getting inside. She also created an inlet for a PVC pipe and an outlet for a flexible hose.
Step 7: Fill with Soil Mixture
Mix vermiculite and peat moss in a 2:1 ratio and fill the bottom of the planter. Make sure the mixture covers the pipes completely. After that, add potting soil on top.
Step 8: Water the Planter
Fill the inlet with water, and observe as it flows out through the drain hose in the back. Anika noted a small leak from the slit in the pond liner, which could be fixed with duct tape.
Final Thoughts
After four days, Anika checked the soil and found it remained damp, indicating the self-watering system was functioning as intended. You can get the plans here.