If you’ve got a balcony or patio and want to grow your own herbs, greens, or vegetables, a self watering planter box is one of the easiest ways to get started. It doesn’t take up much space, and once it’s set up, it takes care of itself for days at a time.
In just one weekend, you can build a simple, low-maintenance growing system that fits right into your outdoor space, even if it’s small, shaded, or paved over.
Here’s how to set it up, step by step.
What you’ll need
Before you begin, gather the right tools and materials. This keeps the project simple and keeps you from running back and forth during setup.
Tools and supplies:
- A self-watering planter box (make sure it fits your space)
- Organic potting mix (look for lightweight blends for containers)
- Water reservoir base and wicking system (usually included with the box)
- Seeds or starter plants (herbs, lettuces, and cherry tomatoes are great choices)
- A small trowel or scoop
- Mulch (optional but helpful for reducing surface evaporation)
Saturday Morning: Choose the right spot
Balconies and patios don’t always get full sun all day, so take a look at your space during the morning and afternoon. Most herbs and vegetables need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you don’t get that much, don’t worry, you can still grow leafy greens, mint, or parsley in partial sun.
Pick a flat surface for your planter box. If your patio isn’t level, use shims or bricks to make sure water distributes evenly in the reservoir.
Saturday Afternoon: Set up the box
Unpack your self-watering planter box and read the instructions carefully. Most planter boxes come with a water reservoir at the bottom, a wicking layer, and a fill tube that lets you add water without soaking the soil from the top.
Here’s how to build it:
- Assemble the base: Snap or screw the panels together.
- Install the water reservoir: This is what holds the water for bottom-up watering.
- Insert the wicking system: This can be a cloth or tray that pulls water up into the soil.
- Add the fill tube: This makes it easy to refill the reservoir without disturbing the plants.
Once assembled, give the whole unit a rinse to remove any dust or packaging residue.
Sunday Morning: Fill it with soil and plant
Use a container-friendly potting mix. These blends are lightweight and drain better than regular garden soil. Pour in the soil slowly, and spread it evenly with your hands or a trowel. Don’t pack it down too tightly, as roots grow better in loose soil.
Wet the top layer lightly, then insert your plants or seeds. If you’re using seeds, follow the spacing instructions on the packet. If you’re transplanting small herbs or veggies, dig small holes and tuck them in gently.
Some easy crops to start with:
- Leafy greens like arugula, spinach, or lettuce
- Herbs like basil, thyme, or chives
- Small vegetables like radishes or green onions
Sunday Afternoon: Add water and mulch
Now it’s time to fill the reservoir. Use the fill tube and pour in water until it reaches the overflow hole (this prevents flooding). That’s all as your box will pull up water as the soil needs it.
Add a thin layer of mulch if you like. It helps reduce surface evaporation and keeps the top layer from drying out in hot weather.
From here on, your planter box will keep your plants hydrated from below. You’ll only need to refill the reservoir every few days, maybe less, depending on the weather and plant size.
Tips to keep it going
- Check the fill tube every few days to see if the water level is low.
- Avoid overfilling—once water comes out of the overflow hole, stop.
- Rotate the planter every few weeks so all sides get sunlight.
- Add fertilizer every 3–4 weeks to help support healthy growth. Use one made for container gardening.
- If your balcony is windy, you might want to weigh the base down or place the planter near a wall for extra stability.
Conclusion
A balcony or patio doesn’t need to limit your gardening. In just one weekend, you can set up simple, reliable self-watering planter boxes that give you fresh herbs and veggies right outside your door.ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ