Self-watering capillary mat

How to set up a self-watering system

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

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
At its best
At its best

Plant is at its best in January

Plant is at its best in February

Plant is at its best in March

Plant is at its best in April

Plant is at its best in May

Plant is at its best in June

Plant is at its best in July

Plant is at its best in August

Plant is at its best in September

Plant is at its best in October

Plant is at its best in November

Plant is at its best in December

To do
To do

Do To do in January

Do To do in February

Do To do in March

Do To do in April

Do To do in May

Do To do in June

Do To do in July

Do To do in August

Do To do in September

Do To do in October

Do To do in November

Do To do in December

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.

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You Will Need

  • A flat tray
  • A deep tray
  • Capillary matting
  • Large pots

Total time:

Step 1

Fixing capillary matting to the tray and reservoir
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
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
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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