I think that it is just too long to say “Self Watering Container” over and over, so I am going to abbreviate to “SWC”. And I am too lazy to use caps all the time so it may end up being “swc”.
I have been obsessed with making self watering containers. Among the list of things that are included in my reasons for “never saying never” are these: “I will never make a quilt” and “I will never garden”. In years past I left the gardening to Tom. As in, “if you want to garden, go ahead”. And I let him. But now with the state of the world the way it is, I am increasingly concerned with our ability/capability to produce our own food.
And I am increasingly concerned that others may have the capability to grow their own food and NOT KNOW IT, (that is, not know that they are capable). For me, a major obstacle to garden success was remembering to water. Hence my motivation to develop easy SWCs. First, I thought big, ie 55 gallon drums, but now I am thinking big and little, drums and used containers, treasure from trash, etc.
We have looked at our property with new eyes, planted trees, bushes, fruits and veggies, as well as some herbs and flowers. But one thing is leading to another. How to water. Where to get water in case of drought. How to store/preserve. How to fertilize/repel pests. Questions, questions.
Which leads me back to this picture. A simple juice bottle which was cut up and inverted. Holes were placed with a soldering iron for overflow and a watering tube. Broccoli was planted. It turns out that broccoli plants come in 9 packs, so what to do with the other 8 plants? I put some in with a blueberry bush, some in my square foot garden, and made some smaller SWCs for experimentation.
I want to find the easiest, most nutrient dense food that can be grown with the most ease. A daunting challenge? I’ll let you know…
