Our Class Self-Watering Project

nicadez.com, nicole hernandez


Our class is learning all about agricultural technologies this term. One of the topics that we explored is the use of controlled technologies in plant production. I was completely fascinated by the idea of growing plants in low water conditions. In this case the self-watering system stood out as a simple yet very effective way of utilizing what little water there is available.

Self-Watering System

A self-watering system consists of two parts. An outer container that holds the water and an inner container that holds the plant and soil. A wick is used to join the parts together. The wick allows water to move upwards into the soil (capillary action) from the reservoir when needed. A self-watering system is beneficial for people who may be away for a few days because the plant does not require daily watering but instead gets its own water from the reservoir underneath it. 

In the pictures below, we planted turmeric rhizomes which I had sprouting on my kitchen counter top. Instead of discarding them I decided that we would use the rhizomes in our own self-watering planters. We will monitor their growth daily and each student will make the necessary notes in their journals. I plan to let them take the plants home after 4 weeks so that they can transplant their young plants to their own backyard. 

nicole hernandez, nicadez.com




nicole hernandez, nicadez.com

Take a look at this video which demonstrates how to make your own self-watering planter.



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