How to Create a Self-Watering Planter

Just add water when it gets low and your self-watering planter will do the rest.

Highlights:

Step 1: Prepare Two Pots
Step 2: Attach the Pots
Step 3: Decorate the Planter

Step 1: Prepare Two Pots

Choose two different-sized pots so that one fits entirely within the other. Leaving a gap of 1" to 2" around the sides, make sure both have holes in the bottom for drainage.

Spray paint the larger pot leaving the inside bottom free of paint to ensure a strong bond. The paint forms a seal that will keep moisture from seeping through.

drainage holes are a must for the terra cotta pots

Step 2: Attach the Pots

Now you are ready to attach the pots. Remove the cap from the plunger and cut the tip off the epoxy syringe. Thoroughly mix the two components on a clean service that can be discarded, such as the product packaging. Apply a thick ring of epoxy gel to the outside base of the smaller pot and the inside base of the larger one.

Place the smaller pot inside the larger one and press firmly. Wait at least 24 hours for the epoxy to cure -- and then test the seal. If it leaks reapply the epoxy around the drainage holes until the seal is formed. If it holds you're ready to decorate.

apply epoxy gel to pots to glue together

Step 3: Decorate the Planter

Add decorative stencils, stamps or hand-painted designs to your planter, and finish if off by affixing a variety of ceramic embellishments with the epoxy gel.

Then pot the plants, and provide a healthy watering to get them started. Fill the gap between the pots with water and it will leech through the terra cotta as needed.