Contents
Introduction
A plant watering reservoir is an innovative way to keep your plants hydrated without the hassle of manual watering. Instead of watering your plants from the top, a self-watering reservoir is installed in the plant container, allowing the plants to absorb water through their roots. This method not only provides convenience but also offers several benefits for your plants’ health and longevity.
1. Water Less Frequently
With a plant watering reservoir, you can reduce the frequency of watering. These reservoirs come in various sizes, ranging from 3 to 24 litres, ensuring that your plants have a constant supply of water for extended periods. This feature is particularly handy when you’re on vacation or have plants in hard-to-reach areas. The reservoir has a float in the filler tube that indicates the water level, so you can easily see when it needs topping up. Additionally, you can add diluted liquid feed to the reservoir to provide a steady supply of nutrients for your plants.
2. Efficient Water Usage
When watering plants with a can or hose, a significant amount of water is often wasted. Dry soil tends to absorb water poorly, causing it to drain straight through the pot and only wetting the surface. However, a plant watering reservoir ensures that water is used efficiently, keeping the soil around the roots consistently moist.
3. Minimize Run-Off
Traditional watering methods often result in water running out through the drain holes in the pot’s base. This can be unsightly, especially if your pot is sitting on a light-colored surface. While using a reservoir doesn’t completely eliminate run-off, it significantly reduces the amount. Even during a rainstorm, the reservoir helps prevent excessive soaking of the compost.
4. Ideal for Indoor Plants
Watering indoor plants can be challenging, as it’s difficult to gauge the right amount of water needed. Overwatering is a common mistake, which leads to waterlogged soil and plant death. A plant watering reservoir solves this problem by providing the plant with the exact amount of water it requires, ensuring its health and vitality.
Setting Up a Plant Watering Reservoir
Proper setup is crucial for the effective use of a watering reservoir. Although it’s an easy process, it must be done correctly. You can find a step-by-step guide on how to set up a watering reservoir here.
Considerations for Using a Plant Watering Reservoir
While a plant watering reservoir can be incredibly beneficial, it’s important to note that it may not be suitable for all situations:
- Reservoirs are most effective when used with single, well-established plants or multiple plants of similar sizes, each with its own reservoir or a long rectangular reservoir.
- If the plants have different-sized rootballs, it may be challenging to position a reservoir that can serve them all effectively.
- Annuals or bedding plants typically have underdeveloped roots at the start of the season, making them unable to fully utilize a reservoir.
- Even the smallest reservoir requires a planter with a diameter of at least 30cm and a height of 40cm.
By incorporating a plant watering reservoir into your gardening routine, you can ensure that your plants receive adequate hydration while minimizing the effort and time required for watering. Visit the Ambassadeur Hotel for more information and to explore their range of plant watering reservoirs suitable for all your gardening needs. Happy gardening!
