Water-Savings Planters: 5 Amazing Benefits of Using Planters for Reduced Water Use
More and more people in today’s world are seeking environmentally conscious solutions in every facet of their lives — including landscape design.
Water-saving planters accomplish this responsible and practical goal. Not only are these planters low-maintenance and water-conscious, but they are a compelling choice for any design project.
This article explores five benefits of using planters designed to reduce water consumption and provides insights and tips for creating a beautiful and eco-friendly green design that is also easy to maintain.
Benefit #1: Planters Hold Water Better Than Open Soil
Unlike open soil, water-saving planters provide a controlled and contained environment for plants that retains water more effectively. Water doesn't seep away as quickly as it might in open soil.
The following water-retention techniques can save the end user a significant amount of water and maintenance:
Use a soil mix that enhances water retention. Such mixes often contain materials like peat moss, vermiculite, or coconut coir, which have high water-holding capacities. This helps the soil retain moisture for longer periods.
Add a layer of mulch on top of the soil. Mulch acts as a barrier and slows the evaporation process.
Self-watering systems. Some planters come equipped with self-watering systems that use capillary action to supply moisture directly to the roots, ensuring consistent watering without oversaturating.
Benefit #2: Self-Watering Planters Can Reduce Water Consumption by up to 50%
Self-watering planters can be highly effective in conserving water. According to research conducted by the University of Vermont Extension, self-watering containers can reduce water usage by up to 50% compared to traditional watering methods.
Specific statistics on the effectiveness of self-watering planters will vary depending on factors such as plant type, climate, and the quality of the planter.
Benefit #3: You Can Use Plant Sippers to Conserve Water
Each plant has specific requirements for soil, nutrients, light exposure, and water. For example, succulents require a much different water regimen than a dracaena does.
So how can a plant caregiver decide exactly how to properly water their plants?
One solution is turning the planter or pot into a self-watering planter by adding a plant sipper. This solution saves water and time.
This product has a reservoir with a tube visible above the soil level. Plant sippers can be used with any planter and are available in several sizes.
Click here to view PureModern plant sipper products.
Benefit #4: Using Drip Systems in Planters Uses Less Water Than Traditional Sprinklers
Overall, drip systems are more sustainable and environmentally friendly than sprinklers.
By conserving water, promoting plant health through optimized nutrient absorption, and minimizing environmental impact, drip irrigation systems contribute to more efficient and responsible water management in both landscaping and gardening practices.
Benefit #5: Planters Can Be Used to Run and Hide Water Pipes & Water Lines
In addition to all the environmental benefits, planters can be functional in other ways by concealing water pipes and water lines.
Three common use cases include:
Garden pathway. Whether in a residential backyard or a public park, planters can hide water pipes or hoses that are essential for irrigation or other purposes. Planters can be filled with a variety of ornamental plants or flowers to enhance the visual appeal of the pathway while providing easy access to the pipes or hoses when maintenance or repairs are required.
Outdoor dining areas. Again, whether the design plan is for a commercial restaurant or a residential patio, water lines are often required for irrigation, outdoor sinks, or misting systems. Large planters are a gorgeous and functional aesthetic element that can conceal unsightly hoses and water lines. Plus, when filled with lush greenery or tall shrubs, these planters create a natural barrier that enhances the ambiance of the outdoor space while also ensuring a neat and tidy appearance.
Urban landscaping projects. In city streets or public squares, planters can be used to conceal infrastructure elements like water pipes, sprinkler systems, or drainage lines. These planters become functional elements of the urban landscape, providing space for trees, flowers, or other vegetation to thrive while effectively concealing the pipes or water lines beneath.
Other General Benefits of Self-Watering Planters
Other benefits of incorporating planters into a design project include:
Flexibility. Because planters fit just about anywhere, they enable the designer to make the most of any available space. Whether the design project focuses on a small balcony, a rooftop, a patio, or a large backyard, planters can be placed virtually anywhere, including indoors, outdoors, on decks, or along pathways.
Customization. Because planters come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and materials, they offer endless possibilities for customization.
Minimize risk of plant disease. Self-watering planters use capillary action to moisten the soil, so the soil is watered directly. And unlike plantings in open soil, the leaves, stems, or surface of the ground do not come in contact with the water. This means plants are protected from powdery mildew or other molds that can prove harmful to the plants.
How to Choose a High-Quality Planter for Water Savings
When incorporating water-saving planters into your design plan, you should expect to deliver on the intent of the design, meet your budget, and have the items shipped on time.
This means working with a company you can trust to provide you with quality products through a seamless, smooth, no-fuss process. That is where we come in. PureModern provides fully customizable commercial-grade high-quality planters.
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Whether you’re looking to include water-saving planters to minimize maintenance or ensure plants look their best, you’ll love working with our team.
Count on us to be an invested and engaged member of your project team from the moment we become involved until you’re completely satisfied with the outcome.
Learn more about working with PureModern.
