Building Subirrigated Planters from Recycled Materials

I have been a casual container gardener for about 4 years and only recently discovered the magic of subirrigation. With subirrigation, your effort is consolidated up front allowing you to focus on keeping out the garden pests (who have less of a chance against strong plants) and enjoying your produce. You may not want to grow tomatoes, peppers, or other vegetables any other way again!

December 18, 2012, 10:38 pm PST

Parts

Short Piece of Tubing (1) Drains excess water
Plastic Water Bottles (5) You can stack these to make a fill tube for your reservoir.
Large Food-Safe Plastic Container, Optional (3) These can replace the corrugated drain pipe to create a water reservoir. Examples: milk jugs or orange juice containers.
Corrugated Drain Pipe (1) Creates the water reservoir in the bottom.
5 Gallon Bucket or Larger Rubbermaid Container (1) Holds the potting mix and water.
Granular Organic Fertilizer (1) Choose a non-time-release all purpose fertiliser. Going organic is entirely optional, but I recommend it.
Powdered Dolomitic Lime (1) Avoid pelletized lime, garden lime, and hydrated lime. These could change the PH too drastically or quickly.
Soiless Potting Mix (1) Potting mix consists of peat moss, perlite, and few other ingredients. Be sure not to get outdoor garden soil, it is too heavy to wick water.