How to set up a self-watering system
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 | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| To Do | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
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
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.
Offers from Gardeners' World
Soak up the summer at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
per person. Friday 15 August, 2025.
use code: GW summer lunch
Sponsored content
Exclusive Gardeners’ World Reader Event at Ridgeview Wine Estate
Thursday 28 August 2025, £185pp.
You may like
