Adequate watering is always a concern with container­-grown plants. Whether they’re located inside or outside, potted plants can dry out more quickly than plants in the ground.

Self­-watering planters take the worry out of container gardening by providing a regular supply of water to your plants. Self­-watering planters include a built­-in tray or reservoir beneath the plant container that holds water. Between waterings, the plant draws water from this tray. These systems are efficient because water in the tray stays out of sunlight and evaporates less easily.

Self­watering pots also help lessen the amount of water on your plants’ leaves, which can lead to rot. You may not think of it, but self-­watering systems also help avoid overwatering, which is a common mistake made by home gardeners.

You still have to water plants in self­watering pots, just less often. This is a huge help if you travel frequently or just have a busy schedule that makes it hard to water your plants daily. Self-­watering containers are also great for plants in hard­-to­-reach areas.

If you’re growing vegetables in pots, self­-watering containers can boost your yield by providing a consistent level of moisture.

As with regular pots, self­-watering containers come in a wide variety of materials, shapes and sizes, which means you can find pots to match any decor. Visit www.southernpatio.com for planters and other gardening products.

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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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