8 Automatic Watering Systems That Make Herb Gardening Easier

automatic watering systems

An automatic watering systems can save valuable time while keeping your garden healthy.

There are various reasons why people decide to build plant watering automatic systems. Whether they’re planning a few summer vacations and day trips or have a busy schedule, watering the garden isn’t the top priority.

An automatic plant watering system is one gadget that makes everyday life easier. Here are some of the most popular automatic watering systems.

Guide on Different Houseplant Automatic Watering Systems

There are several different types of houseplant watering systems. Depending on the level of automation required, you can use plant watering bulbs, an indoor drip irrigation system, or self-watering containers.

1.      Plant watering balls and spikes

The water spikes for flower seeds are a more successful and attractive indoor system. There are several different manufacturers for this device, and you can choose the style, look, and cost.

The basic premise of a plant watering spike is that it is a reservoir that waters plants through capillary action. The spikes themselves are made of unglazed ceramic or other porous material. It’s almost flush with the surface dirt in each herb pot, with the spikes just below the surface.

A small plastic tube connects from the spike to a nearby reservoir, and when the soil around the spike dries out, it automatically draws water through the unit into the soil. Yes, this does involve reservoirs, but some of these containers are quite attractive.

Clay Plant Watering Spikes

Some watering spikes for gardening seeds for sale don’t come with a water reservoir, so you’ll have to get one yourself. I love terracotta plant drinkers because they look natural, and you can choose your favorite flask like a beautiful wine bottle.

Some people have also used 2-liter soda bottles, but they tend to be top-heavy when filled. Place the reservoir above the plants so that the siphon works properly.

Plant Watering Balls

Plant watering system ball stakes are very welcome for your container, whether inside or outside. These are cute glass balls with hollow pointed ends. They are a beautiful and functional way to water herb pots. You can fill the sphere with water and drive the spikes into the soil. As the soil dries, water seeps from the sphere into the soil.

These self-watering bulbs are attractive to water plants without lugging hoses and tubes around. Large pots may simply require more than one globe.

2.      Indoor Drip Irrigation System

A drip irrigation system takes the guesswork out of watering your plants. Remember when you last filled the tank on your freestanding planter? Instead, you can run a drip irrigation system on those same pots and set a timer.

A drip irrigation system in plant watering automation can be one of the unsightly ones, with glaring tubes all over your herb pot collection.

For low-maintenance watering, however, there is no comparison. You can also get creative with your design to camouflage the drip line.

Take a close look at your indoor drip irrigation system to prevent overwatering.

One strategy to keep in mind when you are using this type of watering system is that the dirt in the pot itself cannot regulate the flow of water, as it does with most self-watering pots!

A timer on the water source turns on, drips water into the pot for X amount of time, and turns off. If your herbs don’t need much water, you run the risk of overwatering. Or even flood your garden area.

If you opt for a drip irrigation system, consider a two-timed system. Herbs with “wet feet” will need to be watered more frequently, while herbs that prefer “dry feet” need to be watered longer, with more time between waterings.

Oasis Plant watering globes is a great example of this type of drip irrigation system completely independent of your faucet, as it has a tank that holds up to 6.6 gallons. You can adjust the number of days to 40 days and water up to 20 plants with just the turn of a dial.

Oasis Plant Watering System

If you’re planning a vacation, this is exactly the type of system that will keep your plants healthy and watered. You don’t need to hire a sitter or beg a friend to water your plants while you’re away. Oasis is a unique self-watering solution perfect for those who travel a lot, need to be out of town, or are just forgetful.

3.      Self-Watering Planters and Containers

Self-watering planters and pots are a must-have for a container herb garden. These planters are available in various colors and sizes to fit almost any design style.

A good self-watering jug should have a deep enough tank to store water for at least a few days and provide easy access to water as needed.

There are several self-watering jugs on the market today. Here are few of the more interesting ones.

What is the Self-Watering Jug Reservoir Kit?

Self-Watering Conversion Kit is a low-cost option for building your low-maintenance watering system.

I love this option because it simply converts any existing pot or planter into one that waters itself. Self-watering pots are great, but most are plastic—and your style and color options may be limited. These conversion kits can convert heavyweight ceramic or stone planters into automatic waterers.

If you want to grow larger herbs (or veggies) in a 5-gallon bucket, GroBucket makes another kit that fits inside, turning them into a self-watering container.

Self-Watering Basin Reservoir for Buckets

This size bucket in the automatic watering system for potted plants fits a standard tomato cage and is deep enough to allow strong root growth.

·         Self-Watering Mini Plant Pots

These mini plant pots are just the right size to hold 3 to 3-1/2 inch plant pots. This is just the accurate size for most herbs sold at your local garden center and makes the whole planting process super easy. Just grab some of your favorite herbs, ditch the plastic or peat pots in which the herbs are sold, put them in a container and fill the reservoir.

3 Pack Self Watering Mini 3.5 Inch Planters

This set is available on Amazon and includes soil and a germination bag if you want to start your grass from seed. It measures 4 inches wide by 3.5 inches high. They look great on a windowsill.

·         Stackable Self-Watering Containers

Amazing Creations Stackable Herb Plant Planter

Stackable Self-Watering Containers are a great way to grow various herbs in a compact space. They’re easy to work with near a sunny window or the porch. The one on the right includes 12 individual planters, allowing for various varieties.

There is a water reservoir to keep your herbs well hydrated. Water runs down the top and through the system. These modular, stackable planters are versatile and allow you to add layers as your garden grows. They also work well indoors without much space. So find a sunny spot this year and enjoy fresh herbs indoors!

How to use Vertical Herb Garden Wall?

The Vertical Herb Garden Wall is a basic concept that will simply make your herb garden the main talk of the town. Many versions of this automatic water systems product have recently hit the market.

It’s a great way to grow instead of going out, especially if space is at a premium. Some mount to the wall — some mount to a fence outside, or you can keep it more traditional and lay it flat.

Worth Garden Self-Drip Standing Garden Wall Planter

Most of these pots include a water distribution system where you add water to the top and distribute it equally to all your herbs. It is sold above in a 3, 6, or 9-pocket configuration, including an automatic drip watering system, available from Worth Gardens. Worth Garden Self-Drip Standing Garden Wall Planter

Plants are scattering herbs such as mint or thyme that will cover the sides of the garden box, creating edible living art!

Outdoor Automatic Watering System

·         Timer

The timer is important in setting up an automatic watering system for indoor plants. Setting up a timer system for watering your garden can prevent your plants from getting stressed by over- or under-watering.

Setting your irrigation system to the correct schedule can also save water.

There are several ways to water your garden using a timer. They can be connected to your hose, sprinkler, or drip irrigation system. A timer lets you decide when and how often to water. Once you set the schedule, the timer will do the rest. Here are different types of electronic timers.

The latest modern technology is sprinkler timers that can be run from a smartphone. This automatic watering system from Rainpoint checks the weather to see if it’s raining and adjusts the watering cycle accordingly.

RAINPOINT Sprinkler Timer with system of Wi-Fi Hub, Smart Watering Timer

·         Electric Hose Timer

Connect the timer to your faucet, then connect your hose. Electric hose timers are best used with sprinklers, soaker hoses, or drip irrigation systems. 

You choose the length and frequency of your watering cycles, which are then programmed into the timer. The Orbit 1 Electronic Timer on the right also has a rain delay feature to help keep your garden from overwatering without resetting the timer.

Usethe Sprinkler Oscillating Sprinkler with Timer to connect to your hose and distribute water evenly throughout your garden. The AquaJoe is most popular because it has adjustable range controls and up to 3600 feet of coverage.

You can connect the hose to a timer to automate the process. This prevents overwatering if you get tied up or need to remember to turn it off. There’s also an always-on feature for when you want to override the timer.

·         Permeable Hose

A permeable hose is one of the excellent ways to water your garden. You can even bury the hoses, so they are almost invisible. 

Soaker and drip hoses are some of the most economical ways to keep your garden watered in the DIY automatic watering system for indoor plants.

They deposit water directly into the soil, which means there’s less chance of evaporation, and you’re using less water. Water is also less likely to fall on the ground or foliage, causing mold and mildew to straight collect on the ground near plants.

Setting Up Soaker Hose

  • Cover the main hose with a layer of mulch to blend into the bed. This also prevents mineral buildup that can clog the hose.
  • Use twigs or stakes to hold the hose in place, especially if your beds are frequented by animals that could knock the hose off your plants.
  • It may take 12 minutes or so for the water to reach the end of the hose and create enough pressure to start watering evenly. Include this lead time in your schedule.
  • Eliminate any kinks and try to avoid unnecessary turns. This will allow water to flow more easily to all parts of the hose.

Drip irrigation is accomplished by installing drip irrigators next to the plants, connected by an inlet hose that delivers water.  

The water drips in the automatic watering system for outdoor plants slowly and steadily where needed, so these systems are also very effective at saving water.

Drip irrigation systems bring water directly to the roots of the plants.

The beauty of a drip irrigation system is that you can customize the amount of water given to plants with different needs. Put more thread on plants or herbs that need more water and less on plants that like to dry out. You can install a container drip irrigation system to ensure all your potted plants are well-hydrated.

Self-Watering Containers

A potted herb garden is an excellent way to add color and flexibility to your garden. However, potted herbs dry out alot faster than those planted in the ground, so underwatering is common, especially during the warmer months.

Self-watering window boxes and planters are often larger than their smaller container cousins, so some mechanisms that make them work can be hidden.

Self-Watering Planters

Self-Watering Planters are great for combining herb groups and storing them on your patio or patio for easy access to the kitchen. They’re also nice and deep so you can combine more plants in one pot.

Glowpear Urban Garden Self-Watering Planter (available at Amazon)

Urban Garden Bench Planter, a longer planter that holds a variety of herbaceous plants. The plant watering design sits just inches off the ground, making it perfect for your patio or patio. It is also a mini version suitable for indoor and outdoor use. 

Self-watering window

These boxes are a great way to grow herbs. They are attached to the window, so there is plenty of light while being easily accessible from the inside. This way your plants get the ideal of both worlds.

The window frame is a good example of a self-watering window frame Fairfield Self Watering. It’s made of high-grade polyethylene, so it can accommodate natural elements without losing its beauty. 

The auto-watering feature is a built-in water reservoir, so your plants get water as they need it. The window frame measures 36″W x 11″D x 10.8″H. 

It’s the perfect example of beauty, form, and function that can transform your windows into your windowsill herb garden.

Self-Watering Hanging Basket

These are an amazing way to add herbs or flowers to your landscape without taking up too much space. 

You can even hang them on your balcony, porch, or front doorway. These self-watering hanging baskets are a great way to keep plants hydrated without the fuss.

When choosing hanging baskets, look for pots at least 5 inches deep to allow for a healthy root system.

Another nice feature is the pot has a hole on the side for easy watering. The unique water storage system allows plants to draw water from the roots as needed, ensuring healthy and happy plants.

What if you already have a cute hanging basket? Hangable Basket Drip Tray for mounting on your existing baskets.  

This serves two purposes. First, it prevents water from dripping from the bottom of the basket onto the patio when you overwater.  

Second, it stores excess water in the plastic liner, keeping your herbs moist. They are made of clear plastic, barely noticeable when used on hanging baskets of any color.

Automatic Plant Watering System Schedule Tips

Setting up your irrigation system is important to keep your plants healthy while freeing you up for other activities. When you are setting up the irrigation system, it is quite alot important to evaluate your watering schedule based on the maturity of your plants, their growth cycle, and the time of year.

Here are some tips to help you plan your watering schedule.

  • Ideally, water the garden. This allows the roots to soak up water before the temperature rises, preparing them for the day’s heat.
  • Plants in a heavy flowering or fruiting cycle will need more water.
  • Always give freshly planted flowers and herbs a long and thorough soak.
  • Mature perennials do better when watered less frequently but for longer periods.
  • Water more frequently during the hot summer months and less frequently during the cooler months.

While automatic plant watering can systems can make herb gardening easier, you’ll still want to keep a closer eye on them and make adjustments when necessary. However, any of these systems will simply reduce the daily care needed to keep herbs beautiful and healthy.

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