Self-Watering Wick Cord – Water plants while you’re away

The cotton cord is made up of many small fibres that absorb water. When one end is placed in water, moisture travels slowly through the cord and into the soil. This is known as capillary action and requires no pump or electricity.

The rate at which the water travels is affected by factors including the length of the cord and the height difference between the water container and the plant pot. The water level should therefore sit slightly below the surface of the soil. This reduces the risk of too much water being transferred.

1. Cut the cord to a length that reaches from the water container to the soil in the plant pot.
2. Place a container of water beside the pot. The water level should sit slightly below the surface of the soil.
3. Place one end of the cord well into the water and push the other end a short way into the soil.
4. Check after a few hours that water is travelling through the cord and that both ends remain in place.

Different plants need different amounts of water. Test the watering system a few days before you go away to see how it works with your particular pots and plants.

For longer periods away, the water level and watering system should be checked about once a week. If necessary, ask someone to refill the water container.