Planting and Creating the Water Reservoir
After preparing the soil, the next step is to place the plant into the pot. Make a small hole in the center of the soil. Carefully remove the seedling from its original container while protecting its roots. Place the seedling into the hole and gently press soil around the roots. The plant should stand upright. Avoid pressing the soil too hard because compacted soil can make it difficult for air and water to move around the roots. Once the plant has been positioned, check the cotton wick. Its upper section should remain in contact with the soil, while its lower section should extend through the bottom of the pot.
Preparing the Reservoir
Now place the water reservoir underneath the plant pot. The reservoir can be a small plastic container or another suitable waterproof container. It should be stable and should not easily tip over. Position the plant pot above the reservoir so that the lower end of the cotton wick can reach into the water. There should be enough space for water to remain in the reservoir without completely submerging the bottom of the plant pot. Keeping the pot above the water helps prevent the entire soil mass from becoming excessively wet. If desired, a small plastic tube can be added to the reservoir. This tube can make it easier to add water without removing the plant pot.
Adding Water
Slowly pour clean water into the reservoir. Watch the lower end of the cotton wick. It should make contact with the water. Once the wick becomes wet, water begins moving upward through the fibers. The water does not need to be pumped upward by electricity. No motor, battery, or complicated electronic component is required. This is what makes the project especially interesting. A very simple physical principle can perform a useful job. The reservoir acts as the water supply, while the wick acts as a bridge between the water and the soil. After adding water, do not immediately add a large amount directly onto the soil. Allow the wick to begin transferring moisture gradually.
