Aboutnick mccann Expertise I can give concise answers on growing plants in containers instead of the ground, why and how to plant them and how to maintain them.
Experience Master Gardner in Charlotte County Florida,,with 10 years experience.
Organizations Master Gardner Association of Charlotte County, Florida
Education/Credentials Associates Degree
Past/Present Clients I am currently also an expert in the Tropical Plant dept.
Question How can I create self watering features on regular pots/containers that I have for both indoors and out. I am a 1st time gardener and my yard is difficult to navigate so I want to use containers on the patio but in the past have always had a problem with house plants. I either water too much or not enough. Plants indoors have a narrow chance with me.
Answer Hi Patsy, there are all kinds of devices for sale that will place just the amount of water a plant uses at its roots; Home Depot has a nice one , I believe its called the Aqua tube? not quite sure, but its a simple device that sticks into the soil and you fill it; it disperses out the narrow end in the soil as the plant needs it. This type of device is great for indoor plants, but anything outside is susceptible to Mother Nature providing additional irrigation, and this could cause root rot, so I don't recommend any kind of self watering device for you Patio plants.Top your containers on the Patio with about 2 inches of Mulch, this will help retain moisture at an even level in the soil, and it won't dry out as fast; Plants will usually let you know when they need water, they will begin to dip a little at first, and you will learn to recognize the beginning symptom of a thirsty plant, but once over watered, and root rot sets in, then your plants will yellow quickly and droop fast. It is always better to be a little less active with the hose, then too much, and when you do water, make certain you give them a good drink, not just a wetting. Nick
