How to make a Self Watering Planter

[@epoll6321]

Wow, This video should be the gold standard for 'how to' videos. Its the most well organized I've ever seen. The format of first giving the basics of a concept, then the way you showed the execution - video at just the right speed with concise explanation on the side - was just perfect! I'll be telling everyone about this channel. Thank you!

[@marciaz31]

Ben, can I give you an Oscar for what has to be one of the best written, produced, directed and very well (explained videos) that I have ever seen ..... You should be hired to create other people's videos ... Thank You so much for the effort and time you put into this video ....

[@EasyLivingYards]

Wow thanks Mark! I'm glad you found it helpful. I really appreciate the kind words!

[@AlexM-nl6nx]

I second this.

[@ryanpalmquist4823]

I thought to myself, " that comment is over the top... it's just a stupid video"... Nope. Ben deserves an Oscar

[@l4real808]

Best tutorial re gardening tips. Most people forget and don't explain each step for newbies... BUT now I'm confident I can makes these and won't end up with an unexpected problem to solve. Thanks.

[@mrsauk1105]

The computer visuals were extremely helpful! I feel confident I can actually do this, thank you!!

[@swannoir7949]

I must admit, I have more confidence and understanding of this now that I saw it demonstrated in 3D. Great job.

[@joannefreeman3573]

I like the idea of using those buckets for herbs especially the ones that can be invasive like mint and thyme. What a great idea🎉

[@FirstNameLastName-gw2up]

Love how your video is straightforward. No “filler talk”. Also love the graphic/mechanical illustration! Very helpful for understanding the construction. Finally, appreciate your thoughtfulness about cleaning up plastic shavings!

[@lesleymasumoto808]

Ben, I’ve been searching KZbin for self wicking buckets for a long time. Yours however is the most simplest & cost effective. Here in Hawaii buckets cost $8 ea. so having a double planter was out of the question. Mahalo Nui Loa for the illustrations - it’s obvious that you’ve put a lot of work into it…and you’re appreciated!

[@jeffyablon6673]

You get a 10 out of 10 for this video. I wish all instructional videos where this comprehensive.

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks Jeff! I really appreciate it. Let me know if you need any further help.

[@ColHogan-bu2xq]

American pragmatism and efficiency. Well done guy. France

[@MrsKatze100]

As an engineer and fellow plant enthusiast, I ridiculously enjoyed the structured presentation of this video 😂 Perfectly explained.

[@EasyLivingYards]

Haha thanks! I guess my nerd shows through :-)

[@ColHogan-bu2xq]

Me too.

[@Anne--Marie]

I was impressed with the CAD as that type of computer work baffles me!

[@gameplandogtraining8594]

Civil engineering tech who also lovvved your presentation!

[@HusainDana]

I have been looking for videos that teaches how the winking system works. Finally I have settled on this video that simply explains clearly and easily. Thanks Ben, you deserve a 10 out of 5 stars.

[@marcpolecritti4824]

Just watched 5 videos on how to make self watering pots and yours was the best! You clearly showed each step and answered questions I had after watching video from the others. Thank you!

[@BumperEagle]

Thanks Marc!

[@kokilapatel5553]

Very nice vdo , beginner like me can follow , I’m from India and not so good with English , even then i followed your vdo, your assistant is also as good as you

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thank you Kokila! I hope it helps you build your own planters. Let me know if you have any questions. Your English is very good :-)

[@michelleboorman3288]

Such a fantastic step by step video, that was awesome showing all parts on the computer, I never completely understood the contruction of these self watering planters until now. Thank you!😊

[@karolinakaminska3462]

Agreed!

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks Michelle! I'm glad you found it helpful to understand better!

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks Karolina!

[@petersugar2185]

@@EasyLivingYards great video man 👍

[@nealkuo]

The best instructional video I ever viewed. I want to like it a thousand times if I can. Thank you, thank you, thank you. There is one improvement I would suggest: drill some small holes on the plate to allow excessive water to go down the reservoir in case of heavy rain.

[@EasyLivingYards]

Wow thanks Neal, that means a lot! Thanks for the feedback on the divider plate as well - hadn't thought of that.

[@justicematters5447]

How deep can the wick go before it stops watering the plant? can the bottom wicking container be long and sit in a long bucket and still work?

[@lindastrang6755]

@@justicematters5447 I saw someone put a long bamboo stick into the tube like a dipstick to see how much water is left in the container. They just remove it when they add water.

[@justicematters5447]

@@lindastrang6755 Good to know

[@malcolme.walker6467]

Just watched a Buku of videos on how to make self watering pots and yours was the best!

[@RobertGeter]

Ben, I've never commented on a video. But yours was EXCEPTIONALLY well made !!

[@atlantarealestatehub9305]

I have watched probably 20 videos by different people on how to engineer these buckets and it was by far the best one I have seen. I especially liked your explanation about gap of air between the top of the water and the lid. I have seen others where instead of using a T-shirt, it uses one of the containers at the bottom, pack it real hard and the water wicks through the dirt... I am amazed that enough water will wick through that T-shirt to keep the plants (tomato plants in my case) alive.

[@bethheerten1132]

I have also wondered about the difference in outcome of wicking material (the t-shirt) vs wicking soil tube. I have materials for both in hand.

[@ediecatto585]

Wow!!! As you have heard from pretty much everybody your video is brilliant on every level. My husband I and moved into our new home last August so this will be our first full growing season in our new home. I’m going to be using a lot of container planting this year and your self watering planter is going to be of immense help. Also wanted to mention that you can very easily turn the 5 gallons bucket into quite an attractive container with a quick layer of KILZ and then painting or spray paint. Not sure how to send you photos of them but am sure it’s possible if you would like to see them. Thank you again!

[@KeepGrowingOn]

Your description and computer diagrams are the best and clearest teaching video I’ve seen.

[@prbydominiquepryor4198]

Hands down best video on for people like me who have added and need something simple and to the point. I appreciate you for making this video.

[@kaharchis48]

You made this project seem so easy in this video I was able to show it to my husband and make 2 planters today. He wanted to make them! (NICE!!) You have a very clear and concise way to teaching! Thank you so much!

[@w7i7n7k7]

Great use of software and narration to thoroughly explain how this works. High quality stuff, thank you!

[@freewaybaby]

Finally…I get it! I must’ve watched 20 videos on how to do this, but there was ALWAYS a step or two that it seemed was left out. Probably, people assume a level of understanding, which I just didn’t have. Your working diagram leaves no missing link, so this is, by far, the best video explanation I’ve seen. Thank you! So, the wicking material doesn’t let the soil get into the water at all? Or, maybe it has to be redone at the end of the season? Again, thank you for a thorough explanation of the project; the sign of an excellent teacher!

[@Karen-mb4ko]

This is brilliant! And you do such a great job of explaining everything! There's nothing worse than DIY vidoes without any explanation of what they're doing or using for materials. So a huge thank you for all your hard work!

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks Karen! I appreciate the kind words.

[@dlynnfrazier5216]

Best explanation of this I've seen yet. Thanks!

[@EasyLivingYards]

I'm glad you found it helpful! Let me know if you need help!

[@atiaesolowesterlund]

Thank you for explaining how to put this whole thing together man…straight to the POINT

[@jkx6836]

This is a wonderful tutorial! The 3D modeling really adds a lot of information. Please include a link to the software in your show notes. Thanks for making this video available!

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks for watching! This was modeled using Sketchup. www.sketchup.com/

[@spir5102]

Wow! This is the best video I’ve seen on self watering planters! Your 3-D presentation was great. You’ve answered all my questions about self watering planters. Keep up the good work!

[@debbievilleneuve9799]

I appreciate your video instruction style. Keeping it simple and breaking it down "Barney style". No long winded instructions that make one lose interest or fall asleep. Thank you for a no nonsense approach. I'm now a subscriber. 👍🙏🇺🇸

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks Debbie! I'm glad you found it helpful and I didn't put you to sleep :-) Let me know if I can be any help!

[@debbievilleneuve9799]

@@EasyLivingYards 😂😂no not at all! Some of us need simple. So many take their presentation over the top.

[@spakchitown]

Your video on the topic is the best. You’re also the only one that introduces the air layer above the water line to separate roots/soil from the bottom water reservoir. As a MS Office power user over the decades, I appreciate your diagram so much! Tell, then show, is always the teaching method that works the best. Thank you!

[@valerijerger5379]

One of the clearest tutorials I've ever watched. Also, i love Organic Mechanics and glad others have discovered it.

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks Valeri! Good to hear you're enjoying Organic Mechanics as well!

[@trudymcconnell2906]

I watched a few of these videos. This one is by far the best!

[@BKeithAbyss]

Thanks. This is by far the best self watering planter video I've seen. Conscice and well orchestrated.

[@khonthainaidc]

You deserve more likes, I thought I understood self watering container but I understand it much much better after this video. And thank you for being responsible with plastic!

[@EasyLivingYards]

Ha thank you! And thanks for noticing my bit about plastic :-) Perhaps I should have put a tarp down first....

[@Annie-vg5bk]

Thank you very much! The clearest explanation I have seen. It helped to see all angles. Great job!

[@margaritoaguilar6080]

This is the first video of plenty I watched that I finally understand how it works. Keep it simple and well done brother

[@GardenKatt]

Repotting my tomatoes using your great instructions.

[@EasyLivingYards]

That's awesome! Tomatoes are thirsty and love self-watering planters. I'm glad you've found this helpful!

[@bingster-223]

I've been using wicking containers for a few years now. I have even made some very similar to the one you demonstrated here. But the use of the computer model makes this one of the best wicking container videos I've seen.

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks bingster. Glad you've had a good experience with wicking containers. Do you have any additional tips or pointers from your experience?

[@MikeM-uy6qp]

Great tutorial. The sketch-up was a nice touch. One thing I love about self-wicking buckets are the opportunities for materials reuse. I've got lots of old shirts I can use for the wicks and lots of food containers I can use as supports.

[@EasyLivingYards]

Yes as long as you aren’t concerned for aesthetics there are tons of opportunities. It’s a great way to repurpose materials. The only downside is I can’t wear my old ratty tshirts anymore!

[@bethheerten1132]

A great use for those 14 ounce plastic coffee containers that I can't seem to throw out and our municipality no longer accepts plastic for recycling.

[@sallyjoedward7209]

BEST instruction for making a Self-watering planter that I've seen! Very happy because I have to share with my husband and he's not familiar with them. Thank you!!!

[@horizon-one]

Thank you for the diagram. Absolutely excellent instructions.

[@bryn3457]

This is the best ‘how-to’ I’ve seen yet. The computer rendering was really helpful. Thanks 🤛

[@emgeespeaks8397]

Great video!

[@i_am_a_freespirit]

I love bucket gardening...great video with explanations

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks for watching and sharing your positive vibes!

[@ignaciodelapenarodriguez4176]

Nice explanation. Thanks.

[@renisha3134]

This is an EXCELLENT demonstration on how to achieve the final product! I’m am not handy and new to gardening. I’m confident now that I can do this. The 3D demonstration helped SOO MUCH! Thank you very much for taking your time to explain and show how to get to the final product! 🥰🙏🏽

[@shastrimaharaj5301]

Easy to follow steps.great i can leave my containers unattended for a couple of days...well done. .looking forward to seeing your other videos

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks Shastri!

[@Orangeshebert]

I’m seeing this long after you created. Wow! I second what others have said. Your presentation is top notch. I’d never heard if wicking containers or self watering until just this spring. I’ve read and watched a lot. Your video is the only one I’ve completely understood. Thank you so very much!

[@jackielittle4498]

Best video showing how to construct and how these self wicking tubs work. Thank you.

[@bodybygracecoaching]

This is the best video on self watering containers. Very cost effective and easy to do. You explained it very well!

[@patmartin1522]

Thank you sir, I hav looked at many self wicking video,I never could understand it ,this morning I looked at your video and voila I got it,it was so easily demonstrated,thank you again

[@TheVikingSasquatch]

Great vid dude. Gonna do some like that. I have a few with nested 5 gallon buckets and they work GREAT! On your fill pipe,try a couple 45s and a reducer at the top to act as a "funnel". Then cap it. The offset and reducer make them much easier to fill once they start bushing out.

[@karenk469]

Like the idea of the filling tube. Used to fill my big driveway planters 1/3 with packing peanuts, then a layer of of landscape fabric. I would use heavy cotton rope as a wick, 3 or 4 poked through the fabric into the water/peanut packing well. Add soil and plants. Would just top water, extra water fell into the bottom and would wick back up into the soil. Going to try a couple taller decorative ones with a fill tube and drain hole for our seasonal campsite.

[@nevinthomas8454]

By far the best video on this subject. Explaining all the steps and why they are important is so wonderful.

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks Nevin! I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@waterdragonclan9108]

Thank you for the very detail step by step how to create a self watering planters. 👍

[@connierivers1144]

Your video is the best on KZbin at explaining this project. Love your philosophy too❤️

[@SharonMarshall-cx5ll]

You have been gifted with teaching.Excellent presentation !Thank you

[@ianhammond5721]

I love how sustainable you are and the subtle suggestions with ways that work! There isn’t much availability of rice hulls and they’re entirely underrated in gardening! Amazing instructional video. Thank you!

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks for the kind words Ian!

[@millieh.-nyc6537]

Ben, this was great! I can't wait to make mine. All the best to you. Be well.

[@marilendiez8665]

Awesome, what a brilliant tutorial. You deserve a prize for this. Thanks so much.

[@mikedisher30]

These are cool, I did a hanging basket, I first put 2 litres of water then drilled my hole at the water line, amazing great post 👍👍🌱

[@EasyLivingYards]

Wow never tried a hanging basket. Thanks for the idea Mike!

[@mitzidify]

Thank you for such a great explanation and demonstration! I bought one and it didn't last a year. I feel this is a much better and affordable way to have my garden as I either over or under water!

[@everich08]

This video is just amazing!! Thank you so much.. I will be starting to do this wonderful project. THANKS!😊

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks Eve! I hope you enjoy building, and I hope it turns out awesome!

[@fylecabagnot4930]

Well explained with illustration. The best I've ever seen. Bravo!! Thx much!!

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks Fyle!

[@PrayerOpensDoor]

fantastic tutorial with awesome graphics. Thank you for sharing.

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@jessicahall8450]

This is so informational. I finally understand how self watering pots work. Thank you so much for doing this video it was awesome how to break everything down!!!!

[@johnbailey5133]

You just made my day! I’ve been wanting the expensive version of these; can’t wait to make my ow! Thank you for sharing!

[@saraswatiamin7727]

The best video I have seen so far

[@triciaakins8082]

Brilliant video. I have researched self watering pot videos a lot and this one is the best, hands down! Thank you!

[@reginabautista8333]

Thank you so much! All my questions answered! I’ve been looking for the wick in the videos I’ve watched and you clearly showed it. So simple and practical👌

[@vanessab2726]

Amazing video! You couldn’t have done it better ✅ You made it so easy to understand. Well done! Thank you and God Bless you! ❤

Loved your digital model! It really helped me to understand the function of everything. Thanks for your work!

[@goldbornmusic2025]

👍👍👍fantastic step by step video, that was awesome showing all parts on the computer, I never completely understood the contruction of these self watering planters until now. Thank you!😊👍👍🤏

[@gracelow5857]

This video is so clear in explaining how self watering works ! By far the best I have seen. Thank you!

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks Grace! Glad you found it helpful.

[@carminevescio6373]

Thanks for this computerized view and hands-on video on how to grow plants in buckets. It is inspiring, and I think it will be this summer's project or indoor, perhaps also with growing lights.

[@zacharythompson2342]

That was an incredible video! It explains things so easily!

[@gcumbey900]

Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you son. Thank you for sharing with us. this wonderful thing. Oh my goodness I have all of those materials at home. I’m gonna make me five of them. God bless you child.🙏🏼

[@DanceLauraJohn]

What an excellent design and video, making it easy! Thank You

[@dxannh8704]

Excellent video on every count. Thanks for your intentionality and your time and your energy and and and ... Top rate.

[@dianecagle3021]

I agree with all of the other comments. Your video is amazing and I've watched a lot of other nice videos. Your video is by far the BEST! Thank You!!!

[@cyn4rest]

This video is the BEST how 2 for self-wicking I’ve ever seen. I’ve seen a bunch! Thank you. New subbie. 😊

[@maliawhite1578]

Oooh thank you. I loved the demonstration.

[@EasyLivingYards]

You're welcome Malia! Thank you for sharing your gratitude. I appreciate it. Let me know if you need any help.

[@abdulazizkhan6833]

🌹🌹🌹🌹!!!! Nice video. You have made self watering pot extremely simple for every gardener. Keep it up. Stay Happy.

[@vickykent353]

😮 Wow! Thanks so much for your video! I'm just now starting my seeds, so this will come in very handy in another ~6 weeks or so. I have a good number of self-watering pots for my house plants, so I'm familiar with the idea and process. I love your design. Simple and efficient! ❤ 🎉

[@grantjones6748]

Another plus is the water comes from the bottom so the roots aren't pampered and stay shallow.👌

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks for pointing out! That’s correct - this helps train the plants to grow as naturally as possible in the pot. This is also why it’s really important to have an air gap between the reservoir and the soil so the roots don’t get waterlogged. Thanks for sharing!

[@hyacinthABC]

Wonderful description and the diagrams are top notch. Thank you!

[@mariakaracsony5305]

You made this project look so easy, great demonstration ❤

[@russwilkerson2741]

The best illustration I’ve seen yet. 👍

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks Russ!

[@jonathant1797]

Love the idea. How long does the water last? I need something that would last 1 month.

[@sharlawatkins]

This was an excellent tutorial. Thank you for doing this video!

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks for taking the time to share! It means a lot to hear all of the nice feedback! Good luck in the garden!

[@duncanmaina7491]

Your explanation is very clear. Thank you very much.

[@natachajoseph5278]

Thank you that was super helpful. Using simple things that I have at home. I am going to start right away. Thank you thank you thank you

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks Natacha! Let me know how it goes/went!

[@timogreen6209]

Thanks for that one, I really appreciate the Sketchup overview and the step by step explanation! Now my plants survive during vacation time :)

[@arlenecaine868]

Thank you for this video. I was glued right to the end and have saved this so I can watch it again. I am a bit unsure on the drilling side of things, though...

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks Arlene! Let me know if you have any questions about the drilling process. Good luck!

[@hartsfire416]

Greatest presentation ever! Thanks for the video! I'll be doing this with a few of my tomato and cucumber plants this year!

[@patrickriddlem9130]

Good teacher - which is very rare especially succinct ones

[@KIKOANGELESPARZA]

VERY WELL EXPLAINED AND IT IS NOT EXPENSIVE TO MAKE ONE,THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks for watching and commenting! That’s correct, you can make these as cheaply or as fancy as you want. A lot of us have enough scraps laying around to make this for free.

[@queeniesongs]

Thank you for this. I am a visual learner and this video made sense right away.

[@handychandra6238]

Great video for self-watering pots so far. Greeting from Indonesia

[@amlarose9773]

Thank you so much for your clear instructions. This is so far the most detail you tube l have seen. And l have much confidence to start after watching your video! Wonderful Job you did!

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks! I hope the build goes well! Share how it turns out!

[@janice3771]

Best video to answer questions and show how to do it. Thanks so much

[@EasyLivingYards]

Thanks Janice!

[@allborosnyc4544]

I love the visual aids, its totally dummy proof! Awesome work