How to Build BETTER: Self Watering 5 Gallon Buckets (DIY Wicking Planters)

This improved self-watering Bucket system has a larger water reservoir without losing any soil capacity! It's an easy DIY garden project, perfect for urban or small-scale gardeners.

00:00 - Self Watering 5 Gallon Bucket Overview
00:36 - My Self Watering SIP Bucket Hack
01:01 - Material List: Self Watering 5 Gallon Bucket
01:26 - How to Build a Self Watering Wicking Bucket
02:07 - Filling SIP Bucket w/ Potting Soil & Fertilizer
02:22 - Transplanting Seedlings into Self Watering Buckets
02:50 - Where & What to Grow in a Self Watering Bucket

Check my site for more tips:

★ For Large SIP Beds, See My Latest Tips & Tricks!

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RELEVANT LINKS
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5/8" Poly Derby Rope (wicking cord):

The wicking cord has worked extremely well in my 5 gallon buckets. It's easier to set up than using a wicking basket. And even if plant roots grow down the rope, it still works well at drawing up water. I bought mine from a local hardware store, but I also supplied a link for convenience.

THE BEST SELF-WATERING BUCKET DESIGN:

Some self-watering bucket designs only use a single bucket which is then partitioned into a potting mix section resting above a smaller water reservoir. Those designs can save you a couple dollars since you don't need a 2nd bucket. But they reduce the water storage capacity along with the available root zone. The double bucket SIPs allow for even larger plants while boosting hydration significantly.

The hack shown in the video gives an even further boost, allowing you to have a much larger water reservoir (7 quarts). These wicking buckets are quite sturdy when filled with water. But the plants can get massive! If your crop is super tall and you tend neglect the water reservoir, you can maintain stability by adding a brick to the reservoir. I personally don't need to do it since I keep the reservoir fairly full. But if your garden is in a super windy area, you might decide to play it safe, especially once your plants start to explode. 😉

#Albopepper #UrbanGardening #ContainerGardening #WickingBucket #SelfWatering #SubIrrigated #gardenhacks

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[Albopepper]

Check my site for more details:

Learn more about how to use a self-watering planter:

SIP Basics: How the systems work

Self-watering SIP Sub-irrigated Raised Bed Construction (How to Build)

SIP Raised Bed (Update 1) + Self-Watering Containers + How-To Monitor Moisture Levels :

SIP Raised Bed (Update 2) + Watering & Aeration Screen Explanation

SIP Raised Bed (Update 3) + Winterizing Planters & Totes

[Anne--Marie]

The wooden blocks are a clever addition to the system. Thank you for a concise, informative video.

[MattGarver]

One of the best 5-gallon bucket modifications that I've seen in awhile. Great share!

[nessav]

Finally, the video I was looking for, without too many pieces. Just a wick, reservoir, potting mix and plant. Thanks.

[deel]

Genius. Most straightforward solution so far.

[elizabethblane]

I've used a "Gro-Bucket" commercial SIP to grow a variety of plants in 5-gallon buckets. Tomatoes do OK, but I think they'd do better in your system because they'd have more root space, unlike the Gro-Bucket insert, which takes up about a third of the bottom of the bucket. Tomatoes can have massive root systems and the Gro-Bucket doesn't allow for enough root area. For contrast, I've also used an Earthbox, another commercial SIP for tomatoes, and they did a lot better. The Earthbox has done the best for me and I think I'll eventually convert most my gardening to using those. But Albo, you are the ultimate SIP scientist and your channel is awesome.

[MrBlueYoMind]

If you get a third bucket and cut the bottom half off you can stack that between the reservoir and the planter and it will extend your reservoir space while also preventing light from reaching down into your reservoir from around the exposed rim.

[marymiller-crews]

I’m thinking about presenting this as a possible gardening method for a senior center. Thank you so much for this simple but effective growing method. Kudos!

[johnndavis]

I think that old towels cut into strips will make the best readily available wicking material.
I have built about 20 double buckets so far and I hope to build many more.
I am collecting old bath towels for my next batch of buckets. I hope to cut them up sideways into strips that will just fit through my 1-1/4" holes.
I don't know exactly how wide the towel strips need to be yet.
I tie a knot in one end and stuff the other end down through a hole.
The knot helps to keep the soil from falling into the bottom bucket.
This seems to be the best idea I have hit upon yet for getting my plants through the hot summers.
Thanks for the video.
There is another possibility and that is to drill two opposing half inch holes about 5 inches up from the bottom of the top bucket and run a piece of 1/2" dowel through the two holes. Then hang a piece of towel over the dowel and let the two ends go through two holes in the bottom of the buckert and hang down into the water in the bottom bucket. That would provide for more surface area for the wet towel to touch the soil in the upper pot.
Thanks again.

[samanthamadiring]

Finally the video I've been looking for.

[johnndavis]

I lost a few plants in my 5-gallon bucket garden last year due to insufficient watering. It was too hot and I didn't always have time to keep up a regular watering schedule.
So this year I built double bucket planters. I used the 1x2x4" blocks as shown here.
I use a drill and a 1-1/4" hole saw and I drill 5 holes in the bottom of my top bucket.
Four of the holes were across from each other and the 5th hole was next to the handle.
I tore rags into 16" lengths and tied a knot in one end and I stuffed a rag into the four holes. The knot helps keep soil from falling down into the bottom bucket.
I cut 1-1/4" pvc into 36" pieces with an angle on the bottom end.
That 36" piece is my fill tube. It is tall enough so that I can tie off a plant to it if it needs support.
I make my own container mix out of rotted, sifted wood chips and chicken coop soil.
I add a handful of slow release fertilizer to each bucket.
I am hopeful that this year I won't lose any plants due to lack of water.
I may even get better yields from more available water to the plants.
I use grey latex paint buckets because they are #2 recycle code and have a UV inhibiter so they last almost forever. Other buckets will get brittle in the sun in a couple of years. I am putting a lot of work into these planters so I want them to last.

[reginaldwatson]

I've done several other wicking buckets this year since I discovered this. Was reluctant to try two buckets because of the small reservoir. Purchased to many lids to cut and try to make a larger reservoir. Thanks for your tip. Kicking myself because I didn't think of it..

[RobNorton]

Been a while since I've seen anything! My raised bed is still doing fantastic!

[aricar]

Thank you so much for such a simple straght-forward plan. I'm going to give it a try next spring. My plan is to build a gated wooden"paddock" of sorts around pairs of these bucket planters for a more aesthetic look. My goal is to be able to take trips for a week or so without worrying about water my plants. I live in a trailer and want to create a contiguous planter around the edges. Thinking I could integrate a trellis on some of the wooded enclosures around the buckets. I'm grateful for the instructions on the plant containers :). Cheers!

[kele]

2:59 😂 Hi Aldo! Fantastic video. I love how you did the buckets, and that you warn us about tipping. Great

[mikedag]

Hi from Rhode Island.
I built 2 of these shimmed 5 gal. Buckets using the nylon rope wicking.
Planted cherry peppers.
Used Coast of Maine STONINGTON blend with various fertilizers..
WOW!! What a crop!!
I change the water weekly.
Been using MASTER BLEND 20-20-20 water soluble fertilizer.
I have 40 plus peppers on each bucket.
Thanks for sharing this

Mike D.

[dalerekus]

Stunning, just stunning, in it's simplicity, ease of construction and water saving possibilities. I live in San Diego and water is both scarce and costly here. I am thinking of presenting this idea to my garden club members. And sharing it with the local Master Gardener group for their school garden advisors. One source of free buckets might be a pool and/or spa maintenance company as they use a lot of chemicals that come in various sizes of plastic buckets. You would, of course, be sure the buckets could be prepared to be safe for food plants. Thank you for a terrific plan.

[JebGardener]

Looks like a solid setup. Pure hydro is a real challenge in hot temps. Maybe I can try something similar soon.

[tthai]

Very smart! I love the idea how you use raise the top bucket to get more water reservoir in the bottome bucket. Great video!

[jalitzaa.v]

I just built this beauty!! I'm so happy thank you for sharing this watering system! My plant and I are grateful!!!