Best self-watering planters for busy gardeners

The best appliances and what you can expect before going supersize on your fridge freezer.

Best self watering planter

by Ellen Kinsey |
Updated on

Self-watering planters are an excellent idea for those who cherish their outdoor plants but often find themselves caught in the whirlwind of modern life. These ingenious devices are designed to provide a consistent water supply to your outdoor plants, ensuring they remain hydrated and thrive, even without regular manual watering. Self-watering planters bring peace of mind to garden enthusiasts, knowing their beloved green companions are well taken care of when they are on holiday or want to put their feet up in the evening.

The advantages of self-watering planters are invaluable for those who frequently travel, go away for the weekend, or are swamped with the demands of daily life; these small to large outdoor plant pots are a smart system you won't be able to live without once it's set up. Whether it's a spontaneous trip or the occasional forgetfulness, these planters ensure your plants remain vibrant and healthy, eliminating the worry of returning home to wilted or parched flowers or produce.

Best self-watering planters at a glance:

Best self-watering planter for herbs: Cole & Mason H105349 Burwell Self-Watering – View on Amazon UK
Best tall self-watering planter: Abram Self-Watering Tall Planter Box – View on Wayfair
Best for balconies: Lechuza Balconera – View on Amazon UK

From simple reservoir-based systems to advanced wick-based mechanisms, there's a self-watering planter tailored to every need. Self-watering planters work using a process known as capillary action. In all self-watering planters is a compartment containing a water reservoir where plants can draw up water. As the plant's roots absorb this water, the moisture in the soil will be kept at a consistent level as water is released from the plant's leaves, and then more water is drawn up by the roots to replace it.

So let's get into it. From minimalist designs to outdoor plant stands, these planters will ensure your plants receive the care they deserve, irrespective of your schedule.

Best self-watering planters

Best self-watering planter for herbs

Cole & Mason H105349 Burwell Self-Watering Potted Herb Saver
Price: $30.99

There is nothing quite like the taste of fresh herbs, and with the Cole & Mason Self-Watering Triple Potted Herb Keeper, you can ensure your herbs flourish for longer. Without the need for repotting, nestle your potted herbs into the planter and allow the self-watering system to keep them vibrant. The hydro-felt pads, with an estimated lifespan of three months, intuitively provide water to your herbs. Plus, with pads included and a reassuring 2-year warranty, this keeper will last for years to come.

This Amazon best-seller has over 1,180 reviews rating it 4.3 out of 5. A customer comments that their window sill herbs lasted over two months, using this self-watering planter. Happy customers love the design of this planter too.

However, one or two customers commented that their planters had flaws that resulted in leakage. But all-in-all the majority love this Cole and Mason planter and say it's ideal for growing fresh herbs on a window sill.

Pros

  • Designed to keep fresh herbs alive for longer
  • Comes with 12 hydro-felt pads for extended use
  • 2-year warranty coverage

Cons

  • Limited to holding three pots of specific diameter
  • Requires regular pad replacement

Best self-watering hanging basket

Lechuza NIDO Self Watering Hanging Plant PotsAmazon/ Lechuza
Price: $65.63

With a stylish rattan design available in a range of colours, these hanging flower pots ensure your plants are always satisfied. Suitable for indoor and outdoor plants, the Lechuza Nido hanging basket is equipped with a water reservoir to keep plants hydrated and a water level indicator so when water is running low, you'll be in the know to top it up. Made of UV and frost-resistant polypropylene, the pot is surprisingly lightweight yet durable and even comes with a potting mix and plant substrate included.

Customers praise the look of this hanging pot and the clear water level indicator. It can be used indoors or outside. There's a valve in the bottom for drainage too. They say it's made of durable plastic that has an attractive rattan weave effect.

Lechuza has an enormous range of self-watering planters, including large freestanding outdoor plant pots. See the range in Lechunza's Amazon store.

Pros

  • Good build quality
  • Up to 12 weeks between watering
  • Pretty cottage-inspired rattan design

Cons

  • While it comes with potting soil and plant substrate, it's not enough to fill the pot so you'll need to have some more to hand

Best tall self-watering planter

Abram Self-Watering Tall Planter Box, Set of 2Wayfair/ Abram

This tall planter box is made in Canada from high-grade polypropylene. The planter promises resilience against the harshest climates, as you can expect from harsh Canadian winters, and its self-watering feature ensures your plants thrive. With a sturdy and lightweight design, this Abram Self-Watering Tall Planter Box is an elegant addition to any garden.

This planter box has received 880 reviews rating it 4.8 out of 5. While it's lightweight to manevour without soil, it becomes sturdy when planted and can accommodate larger plants, such as ferns. Customers love the classy design and say they look more expensive than what they cost.

Do note the size before purchasing as they are very big, but will stand proudly as a pair on a spacious doorstep.

Pros

  • Chic tall design
  • Made of high-grade polypropylene, it is resistant to weather-related issues
  • 5-year warranty against weather-related splitting and cracking

Cons

  • Requires space due to its tall design

Best for balconies

Lechuza BALCONERA
Price: $87.38

This Balconera Self Watering Planter will be a great addition to your space if you have a balcony or a small garden. Crafted in Germany from high-quality, UV-resistant plastic, this slate-coloured planter is durable and functional. Its integrated watering system, paired with a practical water level indicator, ensures your plants receive optimal care. Plus, the matte finish is available in various colours to complement any setting, be it indoors or outdoors.

This is an Amazon's Choice recommended product with over 4,070 reviews rating it 4.7 out of 5. Customers praise its quality and stylish look. They say it has improved the longevity of their plants. It's simple to maintain: just top up with water occasionally when the water level drops below the indicator line.

Be aware that brackets need to be purchased separately, if you're planning on fixing this planter to a balcony.

Pros

  • Integrated original Lechuza watering system
  • It is made of high-quality, UV and weather-resistant plastic
  • Available in various colours and sizes

Cons

  • Best for balconies or railings

Best aesthetic self-watering planter

Lechuza PURO Color 20 Self Watering Planter
Price: $44.99

The Lechuza Puro Color 20 is where design meets functionality. Its spherical form, both robust and tactile, accentuates the beauty of plants in any setting. With a self-watering system that ensures effortless care, this planter promises both aesthetics and ease. Also, it is UV-resistant and weatherproof, so whether it's placed indoors or out, your plants will flourish.

Customers praise the aesthetically-pleasing design, but some comment that they wish this pot had a water level indicator. Additionally, it's quite a small pot so plants soon outgrow it.

It's ideal for indoor plants, such as orchids, and is a way of keeping a conservatory plant alive when you go on holiday.

Pros

  • Robust surface suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
  • It comes with a self-watering system and water level indicator
  • Includes planting instructions

Cons

  • Limited to specific plant sizes

Best indoor self-watering kit

Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden Kit with Grow LightAmazon/ Click & Grow
Price: $209.59

This Scandinavian-inspired indoor herb garden kit is contemporary and powered by smart technology. The rectangular planter comes with three mini tomato, basil, and green lettuce pods so that you can grow produce free of any GMOs or harmful chemicals. Coming in white, beige or grey, this is an ideal start for growing on patios, balconies or windowsills.

Customers say that they've purchased this as a gift for loved ones. Several bought it to inspire younger members of their family. The LED lights have a decorative effect and the overall aesthetic is quite futuristic.

Grow fresh salad veggies in your kitchen all year round with this automated planter.

Pros

  • Comes with three types of plant pods for immediate use
  • Growth Guarantee ensures replacement for non-germinating pods
  • Sleek design and three colours

Cons

  • Best under some form of shelter
  • Requires electricity for the grow light

Best sustainable self-watering planter

LSA Canopy Self-Watering PlanterAmazon/ LSA International

Rrp: $72.00

Price: $64.91

In collaboration with the Eden Project, LSA International offers up their Canopy range. Sustainable elegance this award-winning planter is crafted from mouth-blown recycled glass and mirrors the Eden Project's biospheres. Its self-watering mechanism, paired with a sustainably sourced cork bung, ensures your plants thrive. Encased in recyclable packaging with organic ink, this planter is an all-around winner in our books for its simple aesthetic.

Be aware that it is glass and some customers have experienced breakages during delivery.

Pros

  • Made of sustainably manufactured mouthblown recycled glass
  • Inspired by the Eden project's focus on sustainability
  • Comes with a sustainably sourced removable cork bung

Cons

  • Glass design may be fragile

Best self-watering tower planter

Recycled Self Watering Grow Pot TowerCrocus

This grow pot tower is perfect for tomatoes, peppers, and more. Crafted from recycled, BPA-free plastic, this pot promises a generous 11-litre planting capacity. With a four-litre reservoir, paired with an easy-fill self-watering system, it ensures your plants remain hydrated. The unique float indicator and a sturdy aluminium support frame make this pot tower a blend of functionality and good for the environment.

Pros

  • Ideal for a variety of plants, including tomatoes and peppers
  • Made from recycled BPA-free plastic
  • Features a unique float indicator for water level checking

Cons

  • Central bamboo cane pictured not included

Best self-watering plant pots for vibrant colour

elho Vibes Fold Round Flower PotAmazon/elho
Price: £24.98

Mix and match the elho Vibes Fold Round Flower Pot as it comes in a range of colours to complement your indoor or outdoor plants. The pot is made from 100 per cent recycled plastic and is a top pick from our resident garden expert, Geoff Hodge.

The pots have a self-watering insert concealed inside an aesthetically pleasing ribbed pot. Customers love its design and reviews comment that it has made watering so much easier. It remains reasonably lightweight, despite being a pot within a pot.

Pros

  • Modern design in a range of colours
  • Made from recycled plastic using 100 per cent wind energy
  • Comes with drainage holes, so no extra drilling is required

Cons

  • One or two reviews comment that theirs arrived without a water level indicator

Best self-watering plant pot for sustainable design

POTR Origami Self Watering Eco Plant PotNot On The High Street/POTR

Made from recycled plastic, this origami-style self-watering plant pot is really so simple. The cord that encircles the assembled pot acts as a wick for the plant to take on water as required.

Customers praise the clear video instructions on how to assemble the pot. They love the sustainability of the brand and how little packaging is required for the product.

Check out the range of POTR products for larger pot sizes.

Pros

  • Delivered flat so it can be posted through your letterbox
  • Original letterbox gift idea
  • Contemporary design to be on-trend with indoor plant aesthetics

Cons

  • With a 10cm diameter, this is for small plants only – pots up to 18cm are available

How we chose the best self-watering planters

All of these self-watering planters have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered effectiveness, quality and price-point in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching self-watering planters to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.

FAQs: Self-watering planters

How do self-watering planters work?

Self-watering planters are a marvel of convenience, featuring a built-in reservoir that allows plants to hydrate themselves through capillary action. It's a set-it-and-forget-it solution, perfect for the busy gardener. So by providing a consistent moisture level, these planters help by preventing common issues like over or under-watering, promoting healthier and happier plants. Plus, it saves lugging a watering can around the garden!

Are self-watering planters suitable for all types of plants?

Whether you're nurturing delicate herbs or robust outdoor plants, these planters are versatile enough to support a wide range of greenery, ensuring they receive just the right amount of water.

Can I use self-watering planters indoors?

Yes, you can. These planters are designed to be mess-free and are ideal for keeping your indoor spaces green and vibrant without the hassle of daily watering.

What are the benefits of self-watering planters?

Modern Gardens resident expert, Geoff Hodge explains the benefits of self-watering planters.

As climate change impacts on our gardening practices and we will regularly experience hotter and drier summers, we’ll have to spend even more time watering our pots and other containers. But do you want an easier life? Of course you do, and that’s where self-watering containers can make such a big difference.

Self-watering doesn’t mean you’ll never have to water plants, but it reduces the number of times they need watering and the amount of water needed. Some containers are only suitable for outdoor plants, others suited to houseplants and others have a plug you can keep in place for indoors or remove for outside use.

Most plants hate underwatering and arid conditions (apart from cacti!), and overwatering and waterlogging (apart from aquatic and bog plants), and especially prolonged, repeating cycles of both.
That’s where self-watering planters can help, taking away a lot of that pressure and indecision. Designed to allow plants to draw up water as and when they need it, self-watering planters are a great option to prevent under- and overwatering, for when you go away for a few days, want a little more peace of mind, or more time to do other things in the garden.

What to read next:

Best plants for pots and containers all year round

Best large outdoor plant pots to give your plants space to thrive

Best plants for shade and north-facing gardens

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Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in sustainable living and health. She lives and breathes all things natural health, cooking and nature.

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