DIY Self Watering Container / Planter Box - 💦🪴🌺🌸💦

Here's a method for creating a DIY Self-watering Container or Planter Box. So many of us want to use a self-watering container, but they can be super-expensive to purchase a large pre-built one. So I'm taking a wooden box that we previously built, and creating my own DIY Self-watering container for a fraction of the cost. The same method can be adapted for any type of container.
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[@extra8891]

Clearest explanation and least complicated of any of the multitude of self-wicking systems watched. Thanks

[@janstiver3350]

You are so funny! Great video! Loved the Marlin Perkins anaconda video! Laughed outloud!

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it! hahahaha!

[@debbiecurtis992]

I absolutely love the anaconda fight comparison. But I think what you should have done. Is wrapped the middle of it around a tree or a post and grabbed both ends and just walked away and pulled both ends away from whatever was holding the middle and it would have stretched both ends out.

[@debbiecurtis992]

you've got a wheelbarrow, but you carried each soil bag individually from the street to the backyard, seems inefficient

[@MPNM64]

I am so happy I found your channel. : ) You put a smile on my face, the entire time you were carrying the soil from your car to the planter box, I was saying if she had a wheelbarrow it would be easier for her. Then what do you know you have a wheelbarrow you could have saved time and trips with to transport the soil! Sorry, I am not making fun, for my own sanity I had to post this. Still you made my day. I am so happy I found your channel. : ) I have watched several videos on this subject and will be using your system. Thank you again.

[@UsernameBarbF]

What a great video! I'm going to see if you've posted a follow up video to see what words of wisdom you can share with us about your experience! I would just like to add--please, PLEASE, whenever you work with vermiculite (or dry cement) ALWAYS, ALWAYS wear a good mask. Vermiculite has asbestos particles in it and you do NOT want to breathe even the tiniest amount of the dust. When asbestos gets into the lung tissue, it causes terrible, lung damage (my father suffered from this after working in ship building). Dry cement--like when you pour it into a container before adding water also gives off dust. Everyone needs to realize that if you breathe that cement dust into your lungs, your lungs are moist and that combination can create a corrosive solution that can cause permanent damage to your lungs (cement also contains silica which is extremely deadly). Thank you so much for taking the time to create this very helpful video!

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Hi Barb, no particular follow up, but the container is working wonderfully as designed! And thanks for the concern re: masks. good tips!

[@UsernameBarbF]

@@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden Thank you for answering!! I can only garden on my deck because I live in an area with a huge deer population. Currently 2 "herds" come through my yard on a twice-daily routine. There are 7, sometimes 8 in the first herd and 5 in the second. Far-away friends say, "can you plant deer resistant plants?" My answer is "Sure, but imagine 12 to 13 deer walking through, one behind the other, each taking a bite and, finding the taste unpleasant, spit it out...twice a day...every day." Some folks here who garden on their decks have found the deer ON their decks eating the flowers in their containers, veggies in containers--my deck has gates to go through in order to get up top, so they don't seem inclined to try. They do go up the steps to my front porch though. And the does will be having their babies any time now and most of them give birth to twins. Yikes. Anyway, I really like the idea of your planter and will be trying to find someone to build one for me. Happy gardening to you!

[@kwanamurray1768]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! For explaining and presenting this diy that I'm positive I will use when I am in my house.

[@youniqueboutique2134]

Just found you today. Couple video's in. I have watched hundreds of KZbin gardening videos throughout the years. You are showing things I have not see anyone else doing on KZbin. Amazing! I do hope there are follow up videos with these DIY how to's.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thank you!

[@Kate98755]

i’m going to create a dip stick to monitor water level. cork on the end of the dowel, place inside the pvc water pipe, vertical….mark the dowel when the tub is empty, that way you can watch the dowel and water when it’s at the empty line, like checking the oil in a car(in the old days i guess😂)

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Smart!!!

[@sharonaleshire1556]

This has made my day! I loved watching the Mutual of Omaha clips and you working......flashback to my past, both the '60s AND the 2020s because I too have been creating wicking totes and tubs and gro bags using the perforated drain pipes. I buy a 100 ft roll and cut it in pieces so I've had a few of those days grappling with the anaconda as well. In fact today I was clearing out the side of my garden and toted about 8 - 4' lengths to my side yard in preparation of creating yet another style. I like to experiment.😉 The wicking, I like to call them SIP [sub irrigated planter] tubs work very well. I have grown tomatoes, okra, peppers, squash, watermelons and cantaloupes using this method over the last several years. My favorite use is for my roses. They are very happy growing in a sip tub. I live in western Arkansas, zone 7-B, and I'm so glad I found your channel!

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

That sounds awesome! Do you use roughly the same method that I used?

[@barbarareed9778]

In the 53 self-watering containers on the streets of the Town of Black Mountain, North Carolina, we have found that it is necessary to seal the plastic liner around the drain tube. Several of our containers have leaked there and rotted the wood. Otherwise this was an excellent video.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

That's a great tip. Thanks! Wow, 53!!!!!

[@barbarareed9778]

I'm chair of the Black Mountain Beautification Committee and researched the SIP system when we decided to do the boxes. That was 7 years ago. The leaks around the drain tubes have caused several problems that are now coming to light. 😩. Repairs are being made. I suggest some kind of sealer around your staples in the bottom, also. Water is sneaky! We have a whole lot of volunteers to maintain the boxes. We plant spring and fall. Our 0⁰ weather this winter did a job on the pansies that usually do well all season. I'm going to suggest your video to new box managers so they understand the process. Thanks! 🌸💐🥦🥕🥒🫑🍆

[@GinaCriv]

I love your work!!! You are so inspiring in the garden...you tackle any and every thing.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thank you so much! I do try to do things myself if I can. Why not, after all??? :-)

[@robert673]

Thank you. Great video

[@hmark29]

Loved the Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler reference!!! Made my day!!! Great video. Thanks

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

:-) Thanks!

[@ItsMe-dr7ir]

I just discovered you today!!!! I’m hooked on your beautiful personality, straight-to-the-point tips and instruction and your dedication to your garden! I watched from beginning to end. New sub here!!!!!

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Wow, welcome!

[@judyhobbs991]

I love this! You’re adorable and so fun to watch! Beautiful gardening!!!

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thank you!

[@judyalley1036]

Very nice. You did a great job? Can’t wait to see what plants you choose to plant in your planter.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thanks!

[@maureenbarker2551]

Loved this video . Thank you, I know that it is 2years old, I’m just hoping that you are no longer using Peat!! Over here in England we no longer even have peat based compost to purchase but I loved the video thank you

[@cynthiahamblin-perry5880]

So enjoying your videos! Loved the snake video - childhood memories! Thanks for sharing.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@barebones5884]

Awesome explanation I .may copy this

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Go for it! You can do it!

[@Barbara-gy9jq]

I laughed so much as you pulled the corrugated drain pipe to it's full length. Loved the side video with it.

[@jasminelouisefarrall]

Excellent idea 🪴🌺🪴 it’s so hot here in the UK 🇬🇧 we are not used to heat like this and neither are our poor plants 🥵

[@BeADad2447]

Handled that like a pro! Thank you!

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thanks!

[@kathleencoronado4573]

What a great idea! By mis summer when it is super hot out I am just about done hand watering containers! I would love to try this 😊

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

You should! Let me know if you do and how it goes.

[@Flecha57]

I just came across your video. Nicely explained. No mumbo jumbo or annoying background music. If I can find the types of soil you used, will certainly try this on a much smaller scale. 🍅 🥕🥦 Thanks so much!

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thank you, glad it was helpful!

[@flob4332]

I did self-watering in 17-gallon buckets a couple of years ago. Last year I removed the wicking system because I was having to supplement the water from the top. Figured if I was having to water from the top anyway, I would just water with drip tape. Got better results with the drip tap. Hope you have success.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

So far, so good.

[@zazelda]

Cool idea! I can't wait to see it occupied.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thanks!

[@lisanagel214]

Wild kingdom!!! Bahaaa!!

[@ceemee7368]

Great video with good instruction. Thank you.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thanks!

[@kathyowens9901]

This was a very cool video, I didn't know any of this but what an easy way to water!

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Glad you liked it!

[@kathleendietz8935]

Boy Girl what a project! Bravo 👏 👏 👏 I had to giggle on the snake and when you said you might need your husband to help with the bags of soil after you carried them so far from your car to the backyard by yourself! Your tough! LoL it looks beautiful! Hope to see what you planted. God Bless

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

well, I was really tired out by the time I got to filling the soil!!!!! Keep watching for more planting videos. Thanks for visiting!

[@kathleendietz8935]

@@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden i will thank you

[@judyanderson3500]

I will be trying this process. You have a beautiful garden from what I see.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thank you! Good luck!

[@IndiaCollins-zy9tc]

Easiest instructions and best explanations will be starting my raised garden next week thanks so much

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Glad it was helpful! Good luck!

[@claudiasolomon2108]

Bought one at Costco in Calif. love it, but was a bit of a job assembling it. My flowers and veggies are loving it.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

That's awesome!

[@harrymyhero]

I have purchased coarse vermiculite on ebay in big bags.

[@harrymyhero]

My raised beds are on legs and they are metal, but I will ask my hubby if we could do this.

[@dianac2596]

I will definitely be trying this this year. It takes the right person to explain things just right. Thank you for being that for me. It doesn’t look hard to do at all. Thanks so much!

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

You are so welcome! Have fun!

[@cynthiamichellesimmons2929]

Well done !

[@Kate98755]

this is just what i need, i want to build a planter box similar to this, thanks for the video &

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

You are welcome! Hope yours works out well!

[@sharonallen805]

Great job Jenny, but boy that was alot of heavy work for you. Those bags of soil not so lite. Can't wait to see what you are planting in there.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thanks! Not too bad, I like to think I can stay strong and healthy by doing these kinds of jobs.

[@leslief5129]

Is that classic “ Mutual of Omaha wild kingdom” footage?! Wow! 😁

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Yep!!!! hahaha!

[@lilhemy1008]

Good luck to your garden 👍❤️❤️❤️

[@ladyewo6778]

This is great. Thank you.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

You're very welcome!

[@Grandmair1]

Great job

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thanks!

[@TheVintageGardenerNJ]

Bravo

[@debweideman8319]

I recently started watching your channel & particularly enjoy this segment AND the Bubbler Fountain creation. You are a natural, humorous & clever (including the anaconda reference). I hope you dont think it too personal in asking but where do you get your cute summer tank tops (wider straps & longer length)?? Thank you for your inspiration. Happy Gardening!

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thanks for watching! I got the black and white one in this video from Lane Bryant. I also shop at Duluth Trading Co. for their moisture-wicking tops. and then just random places.

[@theteamhawkins]

This is great! I have an endless supply of leaves. Do you think shredded leaves mixed with vermiculite would work? Gonna add this to the project list!

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

I'm not sure, really, I'd be thinking about the decomposition of the leaves as compared to the nutrient needs of the soil... might be great, but also might take up too much nitrogen from the soil while the leaves are decomposing. I'm just not sure, sorry.

[@starz965ss]

I'm thinking adding leaves would be helpful to peat moss and vermiculite. Maybe mow over the. First with a mulching blade to speed up decomposition.

[@markxrocksollidptofit]

🙂

[@Pat206]

This was such a great video and funny. Thank you. Just wondering if you put small washed gravel onto the pipes instead of peat and vermiculite, would that cause problems? 🤔SUBSCRIBED.

[@jmdolanhall]

This was an amazing, informative video. How high did you drill the drain hole? Above or right at tubing? Also, can you let us know how it worked? Ty

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

The drain hole hits the on the high side, so about 2-3” from the floor. It works great!

[@modularripoff3696]

Is that plastic food safe? Your directions are easy to follow

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

I'm not sure, but I'm not using it for food so that was not a consideration for me.

[@tdhtran]

I was wondering about that as well but she answered, not going to work for vegetables or anything that we eventually put in our mouth.

[@gazsto9510]

How well did it work? great job by the way and how often you filling it with water?

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

It worked great! Water about every 3-4 days, maybe more when the plants are larger and drawing more water.

[@tamijo1962]

Please post an update!!!!! We want to see how your garden is doing!!!

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Will do. Keep watching!

[@mariacorazonlua2532]

Hi, thanks for the video. It’s very helpful. May I know how often you need to fill the reservoir with water

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

I don't keep a close eye on it... I try to remember to top it off every couple of weeks or so.

[@EnchantedKD]

Did it work well? Do you still use that garden bed?

[@kimv7105]

How did this work out. Anything you would do differently?

[@KatherineTheGr8t]

The editing was hilarious and a great use of the French drain. However, it was disappointing to see so much Peat used, gardeners are using Coconut Coir or another renewable for many reasons but especially the effect of Peat's release of Co2. You built a really nice planter including the height but as always, I'm intrigued in what's new & interesting being planted in a shady spot...I'm subscribed so I know I won't miss it! ps There are several YT channels coming out of Minnesota that are quite popular in some homey & wholesome areas of interest - another of my favorites is Dawn Madsen from 'The Minimal Mom' : )

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thanks! I've had trouble finding coir in my area. Thanks for subscribing!

[@vickil2118]

OK, I’m made your self watering planter box and planted my tomatoes and pepper plants three days ago. How long will it take for the roots of these plants to get to the water? I’m having to water every day so far.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

you shouldn't have to water at all. The water in the bottom will wick up through hte soil to keep the whole box moist. (That is, if you start with moist soil and a full water reservoir.). You may want to put a layer of mulch on top to keep the surface moist.

[@jenniferhooks2454]

What about the two open ends of your corrugated pipe? Won’t the water just seep out of the ends?

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

In the video I showed how I used the nylon sleeve to cover the ends with a rubber band. Otherwise, you could use landscape fabric, burlap, or a number of other options.

[@debbiecurtis992]

the pipe is perforated, it doesn't hold the water inside, it's just a spacer to keep the soil up and away from the clean water and air in the pipe space. The water then gets soaked up by the wicking mix.

[@elizabethworley7073]

Hi, in the last three years, how has this lasted? Any leaks?

[@AMANDA357vblog]

How is the garden bed holding up a year later? Would you suggest this for a veggie garden?

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

the garden is working great! Mine is too shady for veg, but you could totally do this with a veg garden if it had the right amount of sun. Good luck!

[@-maccabee]

i noticed alot of people use river rock instead of peat moss and vermiculite.. why did you choose thaat option instead of the river rocks?

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Well, honestly, I had vermiculite and didn't have any river rock.

[@debbiecasalina4475]

This may be a stupid question, but how do you know when you need to water again?

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

I don't, actually!!!! but, I generally stop by with the hose once a week or every two weeks or so and top it off.

[@mariadelaluzzilinskas4165]

How did it hold up?

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

very well!

[@eldnah2]

I'm confused by the need for underground air circulation. Where in the real world do plants and trees get air circulation? Also, I thought exposing roots to air would kill plant life.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

In the garden, the earthworms, insects and bacteria are working the soil bringing oxygen into the soil in tiny little bubbles of air - the tiny gaps between grains of sand, rock, clay, and organic matter. In a container, there are no organisms like that, so the soil could be come compacted. Also, a water-tight container like this would go rancid if it didi't have air exchange in it. The air under the soil helps keep that from happening, and keeps the soil oxygenated.

[@carrlinewhitfield5282]

Hey you’re a handy person to have around, maybe a new career:

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

hahaha - no thanks - I'm already dedicated to my career as a retired person!!!!

[@atefbasha1809]

Hi!! Together!! Jenny 🍎🍌🍏🍉🇺🇸🐱🐶🐎🐺

[@ladyewo6778]

You had me at self vwatering. 😀 Now let me watch the video. 🥲

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Hope you enjoy