Changed my mind about those self-watering pot inserts...

I spent about $35 on a set of those plastic self-watering inserts for my balcony planters back in March. Honestly thought they were a gimmick and just a way to spend more money on gear. But after a week of 90 degree heat where I forgot to water for two days straight, my peppers didn't even wilt while my neighbor's soil pots were bone dry. Now I'm wondering if I should grab a couple more sets for my tomatoes before the next heat wave hits. Has anyone else had luck with these or did they just work for my setup by accident?

3 comments

3 Comments

xena_anderson1mo ago

I read a study from some university extension service that tested those self watering inserts on tomatoes and they saw like a 20% yield bump just from consistent moisture, no extra fertilizer or anything. My neighbor used a knockoff version from a dollar store and hers cracked after two months in the sun, so the $35 set might be the better investment if theyre thick plastic. The thing with peppers is they actually like drying out a little between waterings, but tomatoes are drama queens about uneven moisture and will split or get blossom end rot fast. I grabbed a couple more for my raised bed after last summers wilting disaster and they paid for themselves in not having to replace dead plants. Just make sure you clean the wicks when you repot, otherwise algae can clog them up.

nora101mo ago

The dollar store ones are such a gamble... mine peeled apart after a few weeks in July sun.

noahchen25d ago

Ha totally calling myself out here, I bought a cheap set last year and they literally MELTED into a puddle by August. @nora10 you are NOT alone in that gamble.