Build a Global Bucket Self-Watering Container Out of Two 5-Gallon Buckets

This "Global Bucket" system is probably the easiest and most durable self-watering container to build. They are also sometimes referred to as a "SIP" or Sub-Irrigation-Planter.

Everyone seems to build them a bit differently, but that's O.K. If it works and fits your budget, that's what counts.

In the video below, "budbackeast" explains his straight-forward method for building what he calls an Earth bucket. Note his use of the "net cup" to create a water-wicking feature.




All you need to get started on your self-watering bucket planter is:

• 2 five-gallon buckets from your local home goods store. Or you can even get food-grade buckets for free from a bakery or restaurant if you don't mind asking.
• 1 piece of PVC irrigation pipe about 20 inches long, depending on the height of your buckets, to create the fill tube to be able to put water into your bucket.
• 1 3-inch net cup.
• 1 three-inch hole saw, to create the hole in the center of the top bucket to insert the net cup.
• 1  hole saw slightly larger than the PVC pipe diameter to create the hole in the top bucket to insert the PVC fill tube.

Once you have the planting mix in the bucket, you can either use mulch, as he explains in the video, or you can just stretch black plastic or landscape fabric over the top and tie it to the bucket, then make a hole in the cover just big enough to install the plant.

There are various methods to fertilize the plant. You can use a 10-10-10 garden fertilizer by putting a cup of the fertilizer around the edges of the bucket. Or you can fertilize it weekly with some type of liquid fertilizer, or you can just use worm castings or worm tea. Experiment!

If you need a more detailed step-by-step explanation of the bucket construction, check out "Doc" Wilkey's video below. He uses a plastic cup instead of a net cup. Won't last as long, but it's cheaper.