Home tools Buyer's Guides from tech enthusiast who loves technology and clever solutions for better living.
Best self watering planters 2018 – [Buyer’s Guide]
Last Updated June 1, 2023Hi there, my name is Roger Barnett and the first thing I would like to say is thanks for stopping by my website. After 30 hours of research including speaking with consultants and experts, and plenty of parents and 13 hours spent testing 10 self watering planters, I believe that I found the best self watering planters of 2018.
Just read here for my top 3 recommendations. Why are these 3 self watering planters on top of my list? Well read on… We take a close look at some of the best self watering planters to help you get ripped.
Best self watering planters of 2018
Many brands have introduced self watering planters on the market. These brands have resulted in a variety for the user. These require that the consumers be well aware of what they are buying so as to make the best choice. So this is not only going to give you an insight to the best self watering planters of the 2018 but also those which are user friendly and easy to work with.
The above tidbits will bring you closer to selecting self watering planters that best serves your needs and as per your budget. There’s a product for every kind of user on the list of affordable options below.
Test Results and Ratings
Rank | №1 | №2 | №3 |
Product | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Total | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
Design |
4 points
|
4 points
|
4 points
|
Size |
5 points
|
4 points
|
4 points
|
Durability |
5 points
|
5 points
|
4 points
|
Price |
5 points
|
5 points
|
5 points
|
Awards | ![]() |
||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the self watering planters by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
№1 – Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 | Indoor Fresh Herb Growing Kit With 3 Basil Cartridges | Self Watering Planter & Patented Nano-Tech Growth Medium | Soil Full Of Nutrients
Total: |
4.8
|
Why did this self watering planters win the first place?
The rear part fits perfectly! It is mounted really tight and reliable. The product is very strong. Its material is stable and doesn’t crack. I am very happy with the purchase. It is definitely worth its money. The product is top-notch! I don’t know anything about other models from this brand, but I am fully satisfied with this product.

4
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
№2 – Rozway Premium Dual Head LED Grow Light | HIGH YIELDS | 10W LED Grow Lamp W/360 Adjustable Gooseneck LED Grow Lights for Indoor Plants
Total: |
4.5
|
Why did this self watering planters come in second place?
Seems that the material is good. It has a very beautiful color but I don’t really like the texture. I really liked it. It is amazing in every aspect. It did even exceed my expectations for a bit, considering the affordable price. The design quality is top notch and the color is nice. I like this product. For such a low price, I didn’t even hope it to be any better. It’s decently made.

4
|
4
|
5
|
5
|
№3 – Santino Self Watering Planter Asti 7.1 Inch Green-Gold/White Flower Pot
Total: |
4.3
|
Why did this self watering planters take third place?
A very convenient model. It is affordable and made of high-quality materials. I liked the design. We’ve been using it for 2 months and it still looks like brand new. It doesn’t squeaks nor bents. Looks great in my apartment. It is inconvenient to use due to the size. I am going to get something different next time.

4
|
4
|
4
|
5
|
self watering planters Buyer’s Guide
Lechuza Sub-Irrigation Planter System
Irrigação vaso Many versions of self watering containers, also known as self watering grow boxes, self watering pots, and self watering planters are sold online, but you can make them yourself for a fraction of the cost out of some easy to find items.
Step 5
Attach the soda bottle to the lid and secure it with some duct tape. Same goes for the water pipe. Line the edge of the lid with some wadding to avoid any unnecessary soil from falling into the water reservoir.
TIP: an old wine cork with a stick in it makes a good and cheap indicator of when it is time to refill the reservoir.
And there you have it! Now all you need is to fill the barrel with some good quality potting soil, making sure that the soil is pressed firmly down the soda bottle and you are good to go. When you plant your flowers or herbs, you will have to water as if it were a normal pot i.e. from the top. This allows the soil to get properly moist and will make it easier for the capillary system to work next time you water through the water pipe.
Not only is this a lot cheaper than buying lots of self-watering pots and capillary boxes. It also allows you to choose the exact design you want.
Experience
Instead of having a plant-tender to check on your flowers, the plants can draw the water up on their own. When they need water, they drink. When they are saturated, the water stays in the reservoir.
People have told us that their 40-60 inch self-watering planters can go as long as to weeks before the reservoir needs more water.
Sound Investment
There’s a separate cost for these separate pieces but it cuts out the scheduled maintenance and hassle of having to worry about watering the plants. If the plants water themselves, it’s one less thing to worry about and one less “landscape technician” or weekly item on the schedule and the budget.
Installing self-watering planter systems can benefit all kinds of commercial clients: cities, nonprofits, municipalities and any customer looking to upgrade the look of the grounds, without the extra work or trouble.
Installation
This is the easiest watering system you’ll ever have the pleasure of installing, owning and showing off.
We can custom fit a reservoir system for an odd-sized piece, although the cost associated with that may be prohibitive and so we usually recommend finding a size that we have in stock, unless you are making a large order for a corresponding custom planter order, in which case the size of the request would facilitate the custom water-wicking system order without being cost-prohibitive.
Exceptions
People who do not need self-watering planters, would include customers in areas like South Florida or Seattle, where lots of rain falls all year long. Even though there is an overflow port built into the system, in heavy rainfall areas, self-watering planters would be excessive, since the natural rainfall would be sufficient for the foliage there, and too much excess moisture can be detrimental to your precious petunias. So if you are in South Florida, Seattle, or another heavily watered area, you probably don’t need the self-watering accessory.
You can save a tremendous amount of time throughout the season simply by investing in a self waterer for garden irrigation. There are several types of systems to choose from. Check out a few below and decide exactly the kind of self watering system that is best for you.
Water Absorbing Mats
You can turn an ordinary pot or container into a self waterer as well. These mats can hold up to a quart of water which will be absorbed over about a week’s time. This is a terrific time saver for outdoor potted plants that may normally need more frequent watering during the hot summer months.Simply cut to fit the bottom of the container that you will be using. After placing it in the bottom, add you potting soil and then your plant. Check the soil periodically for moisture and add water as necessary.
Automatic Water Systems
This is like a sprinkler system for your garden instead of your lawn. Typically these are set on timers so they will turn on and off at a specified time. A system like this allows you to go to work or anywhere else and your garden is still watered when it needs it. It is also a great option if you will be going on vacation and don’t want to worry about your garden while you are gone.
Soaker Hoses
Soaker hoses are probably the most efficient way of using a self watering system. Lay soaker hoses along garden rows and then just turn on the hoses as needed. The pliable hoses can be placed around any shape of garden and you control when and how long the water runs. Water is going directly to the roots when this type of system is used, so water use is the most efficient.
Drip Irrigation
These systems can be a bit complicated so be sure you buy from a reputable manufacturer. One advantage is that they can be customized to fit any size garden or greenhouse. If you expand (or reduce) your garden space, you can adjust the size of your watering system to fit. This is because the system is made up of individual components that are pieced together with tubing.
DIY Waterers
For additional water efficiency, mulch your plants a few inches deep. This will reduce evaporation and keep roots cool and moist. By using a combination of self watering systems and a good mulch, you can save time and water. This will result in healthy, productive plants that will be the envy of your friends and neighbors.
The support cage, when assembled, measures 14-1/2″ wide by 21-1/2″ deep by 30″ high with 8″ legs (38″ overall). It gives adequate support for average-size plants. But as you know, tomato plants can grow to be well over feet tall. It’s a good idea to add a center stake at planting time for extra support. If you choose a type of tomato that’s anything but a dwarf or bush variety, order cage extensions.
Plastic clips for the cage assembly are a bit flimsy. You may need to replace them year to year. You can also try other tomato cages in your planter. Check out different tomato cages to find the right ones for you and your garden.
Drawbacks to the Tomato Success Kit
You need to purchase cage extensions if you grow larger varieties and casters to attach to the bottom of the planter if you want to be able to move it around easily.
The cost for the Tomato Success Kit is higher than self-watering tomato planters you can find at discount department stores like Walmart. But the growing volume is larger, reservoir size is double or more, and materials are sturdier, less likely to crack, and will last many more seasons. You get what you pay for.
Don’t be fooled into planting more than one indeterminate tomato or two determinate tomato plants in your planter. Seedlings may look lonely when you first set them out but they will grow very quickly.
Move the planter under cover when rain is forecast to prevent over watering.
Read the set up directions carefully, especially if you’re using the kit outside. By opening up the overflow holes in the columns supporting the reservoir platform, you can prevent over watering.
How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the self watering planters by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
Final Word
First of all thanks for reading my article to the end! I hope you find my reviews listed here useful and that it allows you to make a proper comparison of what is best to fit your needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to try more than one product if your first pick doesn’t do the trick.
Most important, have fun and choose your self watering planters wisely! Good luck!
So, TOP3 of self watering planters
- №1 — Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 | Indoor Fresh Herb Growing Kit With 3 Basil Cartridges | Self Watering Planter & Patented Nano-Tech Growth Medium | Soil Full Of Nutrients
- №2 — Rozway Premium Dual Head LED Grow Light | HIGH YIELDS | 10W LED Grow Lamp W/360 Adjustable Gooseneck LED Grow Lights for Indoor Plants
- №3 — Santino Self Watering Planter Asti 7.1 Inch Green-Gold/White Flower Pot

Questions? Leave a comment below!
Chatting about self watering planters is my passion! Leave me a question in the comments, I answer each and every one and would love to get to know you better!