If you love growing fresh herbs but sometimes forget to water them, I have a solution that will make your life easier and your plants healthier: self-watering herb planters. I’ve been using this method for a while now, and it’s not only effective but also incredibly rewarding.

The idea is simple, create a system that allows the plant to water itself from a reservoir, providing it with the right amount of moisture, and reducing the chances of overwatering or underwatering.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, this project is easy to build, and it’s a great way to upcycle plastic bottles. 

Materials You'll Need

You need to prepare:

• 3-5 Plastic bottles: I recommend using 2-liter or 1-liter bottles because they’re the perfect size for herbs.
• Scissors or a craft knife
• Cotton string or a wick
• Potting soil
• Herb plants: Pick herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, or sage
• Water
• Labels (optional)

Guide to Making Self-Watering Herb Planters

Step 1: Prepare the Bottles

Start by taking your plastic bottles and cutting them in half. The bottom part of the bottle will act as the water reservoir, and the top half will hold the plant and soil.

When you cut the bottle, make sure the cut is clean and straight for a better fit.

Step 2: Create the Wick

Take a length of cotton string (about 6–8 inches long) and thread one end through the bottle cap or the neck of the top half of the bottle. The string should dangle down into the water reservoir (the bottom part of the bottle).

This string will act as a wick, drawing water up from the reservoir and into the soil where your herb roots can access it.

Step 3: Assemble the Planter

Now, take the top half of your bottle (the one with the wick) and place it upside down into the bottom part.

The wick should be positioned so that one end is inside the water reservoir, and the other end reaches the soil.

Step 4: Add the Potting Soil

Fill the top half of the bottle (the one with the wick) with potting soil. Press it down gently to make sure it’s evenly distributed. Leave a little space at the top to avoid spillage when you water.

Step 5: Plant Your Herbs

Carefully plant your herbs in the soil. I always choose herbs that are easy to grow and maintain, like basil, rosemary, or sage.

You can even plant multiple herbs in separate bottles or mix them in one, depending on your space.

Step 6: Add Water

Now, fill the bottom part of the bottle (the water reservoir) with water. The wick will start drawing water up into the soil, giving your herbs just the right amount of moisture.

This self-watering system ensures that your herbs get a steady supply of water without you needing to constantly monitor or water them.

Step 7: Place Your Planters

Once everything is set up, place your planters in a sunny spot. Most herbs need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, so choose a spot with good light.

I personally like to put mine on a windowsill or balcony where they get plenty of sunlight but are also protected from strong winds.