Item is in stock Only 0 left in stock Item is out of stock Item is unavailable This item is a recurring or deferred purchase. By continuing, I agree to the
Starting seeds and growing seedlings requires providing a consistent level of moisture. Too much or too little water can cause seeds to fail to germinate or seedlings to die. Self watering seed trays that use capillary action provide a foolproof way to water seeds and seedlings properly. In this article I’ll explain what self watering seed trays are why they are useful, and provide a step-by-step guide to making your own.
What Are Self Watering Seed Trays?
Self watering seed trays, also called capillary mats or wicking trays, are trays that provide a constant supply of water to seedlings from below. They consist of a water reservoir, usually a terra cotta pot, that slowly releases water into an absorbent mat. Seedling pots sit on top of the mat, which wicks up water as needed into the potting soil.
This allows seedlings to receive the perfect amount of moisture without needing to be watered by hand As long as the water reservoir is kept full, the capillary mat provides water steadily to the seedling roots.
Benefits of Using Self Watering Seed Trays
Using self watering trays for starting seeds and raising seedlings has numerous advantages
-
Convenience – Just fill the water reservoir every few days. The capillary mat waters each pot as needed.
-
Consistent moisture – Seeds and seedlings receive the ideal amount of water for germination and growth.
-
Reduced risk of failure – Avoid issues caused by overwatering or underwatering.
-
Stronger seedlings – Constant moisture encourages excellent root growth.
-
Water savings – Research shows capillary mats use 60-70% less water than hand watering.
-
Easy to DIY – These trays can be made at home cheaply and easily.
How to Make a Self Watering Seed Tray
Making a self watering seed tray takes just a few simple materials and about 15 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Supplies Needed
- Plastic tray or seedling flat with drainage holes
- Terracotta pot, 5-6 inches wide
- Silicone sealant
- Absorbent fabric, such as capillary mat, felt, or cotton towel
- Seedling pots or trays with holes
Steps
-
Seal the hole in the bottom of the terracotta pot with silicone sealant and allow to dry completely. This creates the water reservoir.
-
Cut a piece of absorbent fabric to fit inside the plastic tray, allowing it to reach the pot when placed in the center. Capillary mat works best.
-
Place the sealed terracotta pot in the center of the plastic tray, on top of the fabric.
-
Fill the terracotta reservoir with water.
-
Arrange seedling pots/trays around the terracotta pot on top of the fabric.
-
Water each pot so that excess drains out the bottom onto the fabric, wetting it.
-
As the seedlings use water, it will automatically wick up into the pots from the reservoir below. Just refill the terracotta pot as needed.
That’s all there is to it! With just a few supplies, you can create self watering trays of any size to fit your needs.
Tips for Using Self Watering Seed Trays
Here are some additional pointers to get the most out of your self watering system:
-
Larger terracotta pots can hold more water for fewer refills. Use wider pots for larger trays.
-
Add water until the fabric is damp but not saturated to avoid overly wet soil.
-
Let the reservoir fully dry out occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
-
Covering the trays reduces evaporation in hot, dry weather.
-
Raise seedlings up on blocks or pebbles if any show signs of overwatering.
-
Use soil blocks, peat pots, or pots with vertical slits instead of holes for best results.
With a simple DIY self watering tray, you can take the guesswork out of watering seeds and seedlings. Once set up, these systems provide an ideal level of moisture automatically to guarantee your seeds germinate and seedlings thrive. Give it a try for your next batch of transplants!
Water once a week for thriving baby plants.
Anything that youd buy as a start at a nursery, you can grow in an Orta pot. Works for any type of seed, from veggies and herbs to annual and perennial flowers.
Porous terracotta wicks water from the reservoir to give seedlings perfect moisture. Plants pop out for easy transplant. Reuse your seed pot for a lifetime.
Non-toxic and plastic-free, our Orta seed pots are made from clean materials you can feel good about.
To learn more, please check out our Non-toxic materials and process, How it works and FAQ pages for detailed information and instructions on how to use Orta seed pots.
Handmade responsibly in Oakland California. Packaging is 100% paper and is both recyclable and compostable, including all the shipping cushioning too.
Each pocket measures 2″ across and 2″ deep. Overall dimensions are 11″ x 7″ x 3.5″.
Because all our pots are handmade, expect some variation in the surface of each seed-starter.
And if you dont love it, well take it back! Click here to see our very accommodating return policy. We really want you to feel comfortable buying our pots, and very happy with your purchase!
DIY Self-Watering Seedling Tray | Planting Fall Seeds
FAQ
How to make your own seed starter tray?
-
Egg Cartons:Cut the individual cups from a cardboard egg carton to create small seed-starting cells.
-
Yogurt Cups:Use yogurt cups as individual seed-starting pots, ensuring they have drainage holes.
-
Benefits:Easy to find, inexpensive, and biodegradable.
-
Considerations:Styrofoam egg cartons can be used, but remove plants before transplanting as they don’t decompose.
What to use instead of seed trays?
Think about what you can recycle. Plastic takeout or salad green boxes work great as mini seed trays with a humidity dome built in. If you have a whole bunch of plastic yogurt cups, red plastic cups or something similar sitting around, poke some holes in the bottom and use those for drainage.
How often should you water seeds in trays?
The Short Answer. Most seedlings require water every day or every other day. First, check the soil moisture using your finger by checking the soil color near the drainage hole. If the soil feels or appears dry or brittle, irrigate thoroughly until water pours out of the bottom of the tray, then stop.
How do you make a humidity dome for seed tray?
- Poke a couple of holes in the bottom of some plastic cups.
- Fill cups with premoistened soil.
- Plant seeds in the soil.
- Tear off a piece of clear plastic wrap and place it over the top of each cup as a humidity dome.
- Place cups in a shallow tray.
How do you make self-watering seed trays?
Select mat materials that absorb and wick water well, like felt, cotton, hemp, or recycled T-shirt yarn. Follow these tips for success with your DIY self-watering seed trays: Fill the water reservoir to just below any drainage holes in seed trays. Refill when the reservoir empties.
Are self-watering seed trays a good idea?
Self-watering seed trays provide consistent moisture levels, preventing costly errors that lead to dried out or diseased seedlings. With a few simple materials, you can easily create DIY self-watering systems for your seed trays.
How do you make a self-watering tray?
Repurpose an old baking tray or plastic lid as the base for your self-watering tray. Use an old towel or sponge as a wicking material. 2. Integrated Reservoirs For larger setups, add a separate water reservoir connected to the tray through a siphon system. This provides a longer-lasting water supply. 3. Advanced Designs with Gravel
How do I make a self-watering plant?
Make your own fiber mat by wrapping a thin microfiber towel around the bottom of a tray. Works just like commercial mats. Almost any shallow tray or container will work for a self-watering system. Look for these features: Trays 2-3 inches deep work best to allow adequate water capacity. Avoid taller trays where seeds may sit in standing water.
What is a self-watering tray?
A self-watering tray is an excellent solution for maintaining your plants’ hydration needs without constant attention. This method is sustainable, reduces water waste, and promotes healthy root systems, making it ideal for seedlings, container plants, or even small indoor gardens.
How do you put water in a plant tray?
Select a shallow tray or container that is large enough to accommodate your plant pots. Ensure the tray has enough depth to hold water without overflowing. Cut a piece of capillary matting or absorbent cloth to fit the bottom of the tray. This material will wick water from the tray to the plant pots. Fill the tray with a shallow layer of water.