Through May 9th, head over to Target.com where you can score 40% off Room Essentials hanging planters!
What are automatic watering cans, and how do they work?
I wasn’t sure how the Target planters worked, so I did a little research before purchasing. I read that they intend to bring water directly to the roots of the plant using a sub-irrigation system.
Planters come with a shallow water container, or reservoir, at the bottom of the planter. This is where you can refill the water or drain if needed. This means that the farmer no longer has to guess how much to water the plants and when.
Instead, the roots of the plant will drink from the reservoir, directly or through the soil, whenever they need nutrients. This process is called “capillary action” or “wicking.” It’s like how a sponge absorbs water. Cool, right?! 🤓
So, how does one use these self-watering bowls?
This may be common knowledge to some, but to a newbie like me, it was not. I wish the growers had come up with basic instructions or tips for success. Since they didn’t, I browsed the Target Q&A section for helpful hints.
To get started, John advises:
“Self-watering containers are a great help if you don’t really have a green thumb. Set up the planter in the same way as a regular planter. Water the soil well from the top the first time, and keep the reservoir filled with the bottom port. The roots will absorb water from the soil as needed.”
My plants, the goldenrods and the snake plant, did well in their new pots, and the soil stayed moist for about a week and a half. At that time, I used a watering can to pour more water into the hole that led to the bowl.
Besides getting enough sun, that’s all I had to do to get these plants to thrive!
What makes Target self-watering special?
When I first picked up the target bowls, I was amazed at how light they were, just .12 lbs. To be honest, I’m worried that he might be on the low end. Fortunately, it didn’t take long for me to understand why being a lightweight was an advantage for me.
After adding soil, these self-watering plants were easy to move around. I could carry myself out and back into the house effortlessly. 💪
Also, these polypropylene planters look just as good as the heavy and expensive clay garden plants I recently bought for my husband. I love their smooth, curved style that looks clean and modern, and these planters will add beauty to any home, patio, or window.
All that said, I have a few suggestions for improvement…
As I mentioned earlier, a few basic instructions or tips on how to use these watering cans would be helpful. I also heard that the dam part of the planter is difficult to open and close. If I ever need to remove it, I’ll need a second set of hands to help.
Fortunately, I can refill the water without removing the bottom saucer. I also liked the different color options, but some options were only available in certain size planters.
However, they are not criminals!
All in all, these popular self-watering target planters are a total win in my book! 🙌
Say goodbye to black thumbs! I have only re-watered my plants once, when I potted them, and three weeks later, the soil is still wet to the touch. Meanwhile, my husband has been watering our outdoor plants every day.
Not to toot my own horn or anything 🎺🎵, but my self-watering plants look as healthy and vibrant as our hand-watered ones. For this reason alone, I am sold on these plants!
My Hip partner, Chelsey, is also a fan!
I have a few plants of these Pointers, and they are gorgeous! I have the white ones, and the plastic wipes off easily if you get dirt on it. You don’t have to worry about putting sauce on it because of the self-watering sauce on the bottom. This would be great to pair with a plant as a gift for your child’s teacher!
Even better, it’s a great value. They are less expensive than most food items and make plant care much easier. If you’re heading to Target soon, you can find some great deals on these affordable garden supplies. Talk about gardening on a budget! If you find something, let us know what you think!
Happy planting! 🌱
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