From the page: The disposable cup deserves a second chance
Idea 1
Self-watering planter using capillary action
Capillary systems mimic what used to happen in garden beds over shallow water tables: water rises through the soil on its own, like a lamp wick. It works because water adheres to soil particles — it "climbs" the tiny pores against gravity, wetting the earth from the bottom up.
What you need
- 2 plastic cups (one larger, one smaller that fits inside)
- Craft knife or scissors
- Cotton wick (thick string, a shoelace, or cotton strips)
- Soil and your seedling or seeds
- Water
How to make it
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1
Poke 2 or 3 small holes in the base of the smaller cup, about the size of the wick — they let water rise and the excess drain out.
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2
Thread the wick through one hole, leaving about 2 inches hanging inside the smaller cup — it will be the bridge pulling water up to the soil.
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3
Pour about an inch of water into the larger cup and nest the smaller one inside, with the wick submerged — that's your reservoir.
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4
Fill the smaller cup with soil and plant — water from the top only the first time, to get capillary action started.
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5
Refill the reservoir every week or two — the plant drinks exactly what it needs, without rotting roots.
Finishing touches
Perfect for herbs like basil, mint, and chives, which hate both drought and soggy soil. If the plastic is clear, wrap it with paper or fabric to block light and keep algae from growing in the water.
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