We are all super busy these days, and many of us struggle to find time to do just about anything, including keeping up with watering our plants at the right time and when they need it the most.
If you are struggling to remember to water your plants or simply don’t have the time, using a self-watering window box is the perfect solution for you.
If you want to use a self-watering window box but are unsure about how they work, keep reading. Here we provide tips, tricks, and insight on this fantastic product.
Table of Contents
What is a Self Watering Window Box?
A self-watering window box planter takes the work out of keeping your plants hydrated. Most plants need frequent watering to survive, and sometimes our busy lives prevent us from remembering to do so. Having a self-watering window box is the ultimate solution.
There are a few different ways a self-watering box works. You might have a small drip irrigation system that waters plants on a timer, or you can use a self-watering reservoir system where water is stored in the box, allowing the soil to access it whenever it begins to dry out.
No matter which option you choose, these self-watering window boxes are a huge relief when you go on vacation, if the temperature heats up, or if you simply forget to water your flowers frequently.
Other DIY options:
- Wicking System – Using absorbent string to pull water from a bucket and distribute it to your garden.
- Water Bottle Approach – Place an empty water bottle at the bottom of your pot, removing the bottom half of the bottle.
- Wine Bottle Approach – Fill up a clean wine bottle with water and place it upside down inside the soil.
Growing Plants Indoors with a Self Watering Window Box
If you decided to grow plants in a self-watering window box, you probably have many questions about how to do so. Here are some simple tips to help you set up your self-watering window box to give you beautiful, healthy plants indoors.
Pick Your Planter Box
The first thing is to pick the best planter for your window box. There are many great options online to choose from, or you can make one yourself.
If you are interested in a DIY self-watering window box, you can find tons of videos and step-by-step instructions simply by doing a little research online.
Make sure your window planter fits the window and that the design matches the decor in your room. There are tons of different options, so it shouldn’t be hard to find something that suits your style.
Set Up Your Planter Box
Whether you bought a self-watering planter or you made one, give it a trial run before adding any soil or plants.
Ensure the system is working correctly, nothing is dripping or clogging up, and the hoses aren’t squirting everywhere.
Choose Your Soil
Potting mix is typically the best type of soil for indoor plants. These formulas will provide your flowers with all of the nutrients they need to stay healthy and thrive inside your home.
Potting mixes are usually lighter than other soils and work well with self-watering planter boxes because they provide plenty of irrigation and drainage.
Choose Your Flowers
Some flowers grow much better indoors than others, so ensuring you pick the right flowers is imperative.
Choose your flowers based on the location of the window box and how much exposure it will get to direct sunlight. Some flowers do better in direct sun than others.
Here are a few of the best types of flowers for growing indoors:
- Geranium
- Jasmine
- Lavender
- Peace Lily
- African Violet
- Bromeliads
- Cape Primrose
- Ferns
Considering growing a vegetable garden? Here are some of your best options:
- Rhubarb
- Spinach
- Asparagus
- Kale
- Mint
- Strawberries
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Cabbage
Because self-watering window boxes keep the soil moist at all times, you should use them for plants that prefer more moisture.
Plants that are NOT ideal for self-watering systems include:
- Succulents
- Rubber plants
- Snake plants
- Cacti
- Aloe
- String of Pearls
Advantages of an Indoor Self Watering Window Box
There are many benefits to using a self-watering window box. This product has changed the way people care for their plants and has made it possible for many homeowners to bring nature indoors when otherwise they would not have been able to.
Reduces the Chance of Disease
The two main causes of plant disease, stunted growth, and death are over-watering and under-watering.
When you use a self-watering system, you never have to worry about whether or not your plant is getting the right amount of H2O.
Saves on Water Use
When using a watering can, most people tend to overwater their plants. Plants will utilize the amount of water they need (absorbing in the soil), then it flows out the drainage hole or holes and evaporates.
If you are using a self-watering window box, the water is often inside a reservoir where it is only used when the plant needs it, saving on water and never adding too much.
Reduces Risk of Scorched Leaves
With a window box sitting in direct sunlight, there is always a high risk of scorching your plant’s leaves if water is sprayed on them or accidentally gets splashed on them.
When using a self-watering window box, the water is sucked up by the soil as the plant needs it, limiting the chances of scorched leaves.
Disadvantages of an Indoor Self Watering Window Box
There are a few disadvantages of self-watering window boxes. Here are a few things to consider when looking into this option:
- It isn’t ideal for all plants (as mentioned above)
- Certain soils and fertilizers can clog your system
- Sometimes it doesn’t provide enough water (mainly when the temperatures increase)
Summing Things Up
Growing plants indoors with a self-watering window box is one of the best ways to create a healthy, luscious indoor garden without the hassle of everyday maintenance.
No matter which self-watering tactic you choose, your plants are going to get the water they need and will be grateful to you in the end.
References:
14 of the Best Easy Flowers to Grow Indoors – Plants Spark Joy