DIY Self Watering Planter Conversion

[@rogueengineer]

Planters: amzn.to/3waykeX (affiliate link) Tutorial: rogueengineer.com/tall-self-watering-planter-diy-conversion/

[@JustASliceOfSweetPotatoPie]

Looking to by a self-watering planter has really been frustrating. The ones you have here are what I am looking for but only smaller. And just when I finally found it, I realized that there is NO WAY TO GAUGE water level! It's a guessing game that one can only hope doesn't lead to root rot! I think it is disgusting that the manufacturer failed to recognize that, when they designed these beautiful planters. But thanks to creative people like you who saw their shortcomings, I now know what to do.

[@theRatchet833]

Thanks for putting this out there. I was inspired by this and modded my own pots based on what you did. So for they are working well and we don't have to water daily anymore. We can now go at least 2 weeks between refilling the pots.

[@Peleski]

I think it's really good, though it needs an indicator for whether to fill it up, especially during hot weather. I've seen people use cork bobbers for the fill pipe with an attached straw, which kinda flags the water level.

[@evasraley2109]

This is a great idea for the plants that need more water. As luck would have it I am on my way to get some garden stuff. Might try it with my planters.

[@brianbrinegar6086]

Cool project. Retrofit idea: Clear tubing on the outside running from the top to the bottom of the reservoir will give you a visual indication of the fill level.

[@JimService]

If you go away for a while how do you know if the reservoir needs filling? The other idea would be some sort of dipstick that would fit in the filler tube.

[@rogueengineer]

Dip stick is a good idea 👍🏼

[@rogueengineer]

The clear tube would be very cool! I though about making some sort of float in the filler tube that would act as a gauge.

[@mihaivancu9567]

You know the tank is full when it starts coming out trough the small hole.

[@Peleski]

I wouldn't compromise the external integrity of the plastic bucket myself. Water is heavy.

[@kgt5442]

The water fill pipe should be cut at an angle to keep it from sealing to the bottom and make it harder to fill the reservoir.

[@rogueengineer]

It actually fills just fine because the pipe is installed at an angle. If it were straight up and down it could be an issue

[@gazsto9510]

Update Rogue Engineer, how well did they do? Ideas great, but does it work ok?

[@adz5bneweng589]

Ooh, excited to try this!

[@davidhayes6419]

May want to add a drain valve at bottom to flush out old water and salts that will build up from fertilizer

[@rogueengineer]

There is a plug at the bottom that can be pulled but a valve is a good idea

[@gregj2647]

Reminds me of an Earth Box. Very practical but I would have added a way to drain the water especially for those in a cold climate. If it freezes, it will more than likely crack the plastic planter.

[@rogueengineer]

There is a plug at the bottom that can be pulled

[@gregj2647]

@@rogueengineer thanks. I missed that

[@michellek6533]

Does the water in the bottom open to the air as to attract mosquitoes?

[@joejr9653]

Cool project. 👍

[@rogueengineer]

Thanks

[@elitelawn9547]

Cool idea. Great job.

[@bonsummers2657]

Ok, the soil in the tube is going to be submerged in water, - yes? If so, it's going to rot, and thus stink, - yes? (the soil has organic matter, and it will rot, due to organisms, of which some will likely be stinky, given the lack of air in the bottom of the pot without drainage). I'm curious as to your idea with all this.

[@courtney_350F]

How’s this coming along… looking to do a couple of planters this way. It would really help my current watering situation.

[@ImGonnaMake]

I know it’s only been a few days, but how do they seem to be working? I just bought these planters and then saw your video … wondering if it’s worth it?

[@bonsummers2657]

What's maximum depth of the water?

[@brankenflowery8416]

Way cheaper than a Aqua pot.