Thanks for explaining how to water, because the instructions didn't. Finally after months of use, I get how this container is actually 'self-watering'. Now my plants are thriving in the summer heat with no watering from the top. I'm beyond thrilled.
This was super helpful since I purchased this exact wicker planter from an Estate Sale. I had no instructions or how the self watering was supposed to work. Thank you so much!
I'm glad you found this video because it's literally the only video I've seen there is no real explanation on how the water regulator works. This bed is awesome and the company really should give more explanation on how thinks works. The directions are vague, luckily assembly is very easy
This is the most thorough video out here for this bed. Keter needs to give you something for doing what they didn't do with their directions. This product would probably sell much more if the watering system was emphasized more in review videos. It is truly a great garden bed.
great video as there were no instructions when I bought it last year. then had a big rain while I was on vacation and drowned out. Had to drain when I came back. Thanks for explaining.
thank you for the video. My kit came with no instructions. Unfortunately, it didn't have the plug either. At least now I know enough to go back to the store (BJ's) to see if I can get one. otherwise, I'll have to improvise. It was helpful to explain why you don't like starting with seeds, which is what I was planning to do.
Thanks so much for doing this. Very helpful! A couple of additional questions. I see you say to water through the tube with the leaf. How far down/ up should the leaf be before adding water? I’m a real NEWBIE to planting! When you say 2 bags, about what size? Thanks for your help!
Oh no, I discarded the bottom black piece of the watering system, I thought it was part of the packaging and not meant to stay on. I see you left yours on. So I assume my red piece/leaf piece won't float now?
Hi! Thank you for this tutorial. It was extremely helpful moreso than the instructions that came with it! One quick question for clarification: how do you know when to add water? You mentioned, "when the leaf is half way". Is that, when the leaf is halfway down the tube? And when should I release water? When the red part is above the tube?
You’re welcome! Every environment is different and there are no hard fast rules. I add water when the leaf is halfway down the tube but if we are expecting rain I leave it be. If the red part of the tube is showing I would not add water. I would drain it if we’re expecting heavy rain. I also put my finger in the soil from time to time to determine as well.
Can you better explain how to water the plants using this planter? Should I continue to water the usual way (watering plants on top) or should I add water through tube (with green leaf indicator) to go to bottom of planter? Or something else??
I water with the green leaf tube when the plants are very young in order to reduce the trauma they are under. As the plants grew larger and stronger I began watering over the top.
I'm on my second year of using this raised bed. The first year it worked great! This year I can't get the leaf to move. I was able to drain out over a gallon of water as it has rained quite a bit lately. the soil is totally saturated but no standing water. It's been raining a lot lately. Does this mean I don't have enough water in the bottom to get the leaf to move? The leaf can be lifted by hand with no problem so it's not stuck. I didn't take out all of last year's dirt so maybe I don't have enough water in the bottom? Do you know approx. how much water it takes for the leaf to start to rise. I could try to drain the bed completely and add new water in the tube to fill the bottom again.
This sounds like your soil is too saturated. When it dries perhaps it will return to normal. Have you tried exposing it to a lot of sun in attempt to get the soil to dry out?
i am on a verge to purchase again this ( i had to sell my 1st one bc of moving, and still could not find anything which is durable as this- wood is not very massive , u need to line it with foil or stg, they are way smaller and will not last so long, metal gets very hot in the summer, and other cheap platic stuf..just meh...).. but PLEASE tell me where did u get that sign, i need one (4-5 actually to the whole terrace-garden)
Personally I think you could just fill the water through the fill gadget. That's what I did before I found this video. That is also how you keep the water level up throughout time.
How high do I fill the basin? Just the first marking don’t see a marking on it anywhere that says “max fill” or anything and of course the Instructions 😂 thanks for this video!!!
Hi Anna! No. You can water as normal over the soil once planted :) This is certainly easier but more difficult to track because you aren’t watching the water meter rise.
Thank you so much! I sat here in frustration staring at what could generously be called instructions I couldn’t figure it out. Decided to look on RU-vid and there you were, my friend. Thank you so much for showing me the way.
Any idea how long the leaf part is? I got this same one second hand from an older gentlemen that I'm assuming didn't understand the self watering aspect since he removed the leaf on the 2 that he gave me. I do cad design and 3d printing so I'm working on making a replacement leaf to put on the red part but im not sure how long the leaf section is.
Random add on but i just realized the drain on mine seems to be leaking after i opened it last time. I have it closed but it still drips. Is that normal?
I would guess about 2 inches less than the height of the bed. FYI There is a sponge at the end of the leaf that allows it to float. Please keep me updated with your design. That is so cool!
Hi I have just bought one of these and I don't know how much water is too much! I have watered it so the red part of the leaf is quite a long way up above the top of he tube so does that mean I have too much water as there are no instructions to say how high up the red part of the leaf should be.
Watering depends on the plants you have and the weather. It’s sort of a figure out as you go. See how long it takes for that water indicator to lower. Are your plants drowning? Is it raining a lot and causing the bed to over flow? Is it sunny and drying up quickly? Ask yourself these questions. Remember that it will change as the seasons pass. Good luck!
How far up should the water gage be? I miss the water step before adding the soil, the directions from the box are AWFUL!! I filled through the gage but not until the red was showing. Just need to know.
No hard fast rules. It depends on what you’re growing. If the leaf is floating you have water. If the leaf is sitting you need water. If the red is showing you don’t need to add, rather consider draining if to the touch the soil is wet.
I water with the green leaf tube when the plants are very young in order to reduce the trauma they are under. As the plants grew larger and stronger I began watering over the top.
Like your video. I’m having a hard time finding the exact one even when I click on your link. Can you tell me the height and width please. Or any other info you have on it
@@Homegrown21 that's awesome, glad to hear it worked out. Thanks for the video. Going to start a little herb garden of my own and i like this setup. Enjoy your new home be well.
