Step by Step: Making a Self-Watering Planter from Yogurt Cups

In a previous post, I discussed the anatomy of a self-watering planter, and how you can put items that you’d normally throw into the recycling bin and put them to productive use.  In my household, we eat a lot of yogurt.  Several months ago, we made the switch to the larger, quart-sized containers to save money.  These larger containers also happen to be perfect for making herb planters.

Step 1

For this project you will need:

2 quart-sized yogurt containers – It makes it easier if one is slightly larger than the other.  In this case, I used Dannon and Stonyfield Farms.  They fit together like a puzzle and seem to be made specifically for this purpose.

1 8-oz yogurt container – There are many brands with the tapered shape and foil top.  Any one will do.

A straw or plastic tube – You can get an extra from a coffee shop or restaurant.

Box cutter or scissors – I found the box cutter was easiest.

Drill – If you don’t have a drill, you can get away with only the box cutter.

Step 2

Use the box cutter to make a hole in the bottom of the smaller container.

Step 3

Drill a hole the diameter of your straw or tube in the bottom of the smaller yogurt container.  Drill small holes around the perimeter of the 8-oz yogurt container and insert it into the hole you created in step 2.

Step 4

Insert the straw or tube into the hole you created in the smaller container in step 3.

Step 5

Rest the smaller containers and straw/tube inside the larger quart container.  If using Stonyfield Farm and Dannon containers, this will create a tight fit.

Step 6

With a funnel or watering can, fill the bottom container until the water enters the 8-oz yogurt container.

Step 7

Fill the inner container with soil.

Step 8

Plant your seeds according to directions on the packet. Water from the top until seeds germinate. Once the seeds have sprouted, continue to fill the bottom container, using a funnel or watering can.

To prevent the soil from getting waterlogged – especially if you leave the planer in an area that is exposed to rain – drill a hole in the outer quart-container, just below the spot where the bottom of the inner quart container rests. Study the post on the anatomy of a self-watering planter for an understanding of how the containers should fit together.

Tags: containers, Do It Yourself, gardening
Posted in Do It Yourself