How to set up a self-watering system

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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.

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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

Watering the capillary matting

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

Step 3

Placing plants on the capillary matting

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.

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