Planter Technology Manual Refill Watering System

This system consists of a double-walled modular reservoir that is filled with water through a filling spout.  After filling, the spout is then sealed with a vacuum-tight stopper.  A moisture sensor attached to a flexible tube extends from the top of the reservoir into the soil. The valve action of the sensor provides for an optimal balance of moisture and oxygen in the soil.

Plant watering begins when the soil and the moisture sensor begin to dry out.  The sensor then opens, thus breaking the air vacuum in the reservoir.  Water now flows into the soil mass through small holes at the bottom of the reservoir. The water wicks its way up through the soil (using the soil’s own natural capillary action) until it reaches the white tip of the moisture sensor.

When the plant soil becomes moist, the sensor closes and again creates a vacuum above the water in the reservoir.  This vacuum prevents water from flowing out the holes in the reservoir base.   The watering process starts all over again when the sensor becomes dry. 

In the manual controlled watering system, the reservoir needs to be refilled with water by hand-held hose every two to four weeks for interior planters, and every one to three weeks for exterior planters.  (The precise frequency will depend on factors such as plant type, location, weather conditions, etc.)

In outdoor applications, the planter doesn’t become water-logged from heavy rain as it is fitted with an overflow drain.  .  As rain falls, water builds up at the bottom of the container. Because the soil is moist, the sensor is closed, and no water is allowed out of the reservoir. When the rainwater reaches the top of the overflow drain, the excess will drain out. After the rain ends, the system dries down until the sensor opens up, and the irrigation starts over.

Click here to view an animation of the Manual Fill system to see how it works.

Contact us here at Quatro Design to discuss how you can incorporate a Planter Technology container watering system into our planters and bowls.