What are the best self-watering inserts for thin window boxes?

The best one is any one that is easy to remove from the window box. So, measuring the available opening is the first line of defense. I particularly like the clear basin because it makes it easier to see when I need to refill it.

Did you need help setting up these self-waering pots?

To speed up the assembly process, my husband helped me. I set up the pots and planted them, and he filled the water and added the pots and reservoirs inside the window boxes.

How often do you fill self-watering reservoirs in summer?

So far, these reservoirs need to be filled once every 5-6 days. But, as it gets warmer, it could be more like 3-4 days.

How to Use Self-Watering Inserts in Narrow Window Boxes

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Author: Sabrina Quairoli
Total Time: 95 minutes
Yield: 10 pots

Description

This project is perfect for anyone looking to add a splash of color to narrow window boxes (affiliate) without the constant worry of plants drying out. By using modular self-watering inserts, you create a flexible, low-maintenance display that can be easily refreshed throughout the seasons.

Materials

Flowers: Zinnias and Celosia (or your favorite sun-loving annuals)

10 Self-Watering Pots: White hexagonal pots with clear bottom reservoirs.

Potting Mix: A high-quality mix designed for containers.

3 Existing Window Boxes (affiliate): Metal or wooden narrow-profile boxes (affiliate).

A hand shovel or cup to scoop up dirt and place it in the pots.

Optional Gardening Gloves

Instructions

1. First, start with healthy nursery plants. Zinnias and Celosia are excellent choices because they offer height and vibrant color. But any annual will do. I was able to separate my plants and add individual flowers to each pot.

2. First, I measured the window box from front to back, then from the bottom of the inside to the top edge. I wanted the self-watering pots to sit flush with my window boxes (affiliate) since one of them was pretty deep. I purchased a medium, 5.9-inch-wide and 7.1-inch-high, in a 10-pack.

Then I started assembling the pots by threading the rope through the holes to hang them inside the water basin. Then I attached the top part (where the dirt and plant would be) to the bottom basin.

Hexagonal pots are ideal for narrow spaces because they can be nested together or lined up neatly. This size helped me determine how large (affiliate) the pot is and how many plants to add to it.

3. Now, fill the pots with a bit of potting soil, then gently transplant your flowers. For a full look, you can combine a taller "thriller" like Celosia with a "filler" like Zinnias in a single pot, or keep them separate for a more modular approach. I added 3-4 plants in each pot. You can add more to make it even fuller.

Note the soil was already moist, so I chose not to water them again and opted for the water basin and rope to help water the plant.

4. Next, the clear bases of these pots let you see exactly how much water is left. Fill the reservoirs through the side lip so the roots can draw up moisture as needed. We filled it up all the way. I used water from my rain barrel to fill the basins.

Pro Tip: It is OK for there to be some dirt in the water. The rope helps transfer the water to the soil above.

5. Place the individual pots directly into your narrow window box. Because they are modular, you can fit them into tight spaces where a traditional long liner might not fit. This also makes it incredibly easy to pull out one specific plant if it needs extra care.

They do get a little heavy with the water in them, so use two hands so you do not spill the water.