Installing self watering planters on railings is a great way to grow plants in compact spaces like apartment balconies, small patios, or decks. These planters allow you to easily grow flowers, herbs, vegetables, and other plants without having to manually water them every day.
What are Self Watering Railing Planters?
Self watering railing planters are specially designed planters that attach to railings or fences and have a built-in water reservoir. This reservoir slowly releases water to the plant roots as needed, keeping the soil consistently moist
The planters attach securely to railings with adjustable brackets or hooks Most models are weatherproof and made of durable plastic, resin, or metal so they can withstand outdoor conditions
Key Benefits
Here are some of the main advantages of using self watering railing planters
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Convenience – No need for daily manual watering. The reservoir provides water for days or even weeks at a time.
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Water efficiency – Self watering planters prevent overwatering and minimize water waste compared to traditional planters.
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Space saving – Perfect for small patios and balconies where ground space is limited. Grow plants vertically right on the railing.
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Adjustable sizing – Many railing planters come in different lengths to fit your specific railing size.
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Low maintenance – Automated watering makes railing planters low maintenance compared to standard planters.
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Modern aesthetic – Railing planters have a sleek, contemporary look for decorating outdoor spaces.
What to Grow in Self Watering Railing Planters
Many types of plants thrive in self watering railing planters:
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Flowers – Petunias, pansies, impatiens, and other annual flowers.
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Herbs – Oregano, thyme, basil, parsley, and other cooking herbs.
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Vegetables – Leafy greens like lettuce, kale, spinach, as well as cherry tomatoes, peas, beans, and more.
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Succulents – Drought tolerant succulents are perfect for self watering planters. Try varieties like sedum, echeveria, hens and chicks.
Choose compact, small varieties that won’t get too large. Avoid big, sprawling vegetables that need more root space.
Tips for Using Self Watering Railing Planters
Follow these tips to get the most out of your self watering railing planters:
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Make sure the planter fits securely on your railing and is level once installed.
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Check the water reservoir frequently at first to get a sense of how often it needs refilling.
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Add water absorbing crystals to the soil mix to help retain moisture.
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Place planters in locations with at least 4-6 hours of sun per day.
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Stagger planters at different heights for visual interest.
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Grow a mix of plants with different colors and textures for variety.
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Remove spent flowers and dead foliage promptly to keep plants looking tidy.
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Avoid overcrowding plants – leave enough room for growth.
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In cold climates, move planters indoors before first frost.
Popular Self Watering Railing Planter Options
There are lots of great self watering railing planter models to choose from. Here are some top options:
Lechuza Railing Planters
- High quality plastic planters made in Germany
- Modern, sleek designs in white, black, and gray
- Available in multiple lengths from 20” to 40”
- Integrated water reservoir and indicator
Bloem Ariana Railing Planters
- Decorative metal railing planters with distressed finish
- Vintage industrial style perfect for farmhouse decor
- Offered in 24” and 48” lengths
- Includes coconut coir soil pad for moisture retention
Mayne Fairfield Window Boxes
- Durable polyethylene construction
- Drainage holes and built-in water trough
- Classic New England style in white or black
- Sizes range from 24” to 48” long
Emsco Bloomers Railing Planter
- Rustic galvanized metal with rough-sawn wood accents
- Unique “picker” shape with angled front
- 24” length fits most railings
- Budget-friendly option under $30
Gardener’s Supply Wall & Rail Self Watering Planters
- UV-resistant resin material with matte finish
- Modern rectangular silhouette design
- Available in multiple sizes from 22” to 40” long
- Can be mounted to walls or railings
So explore these popular styles to find the perfect self watering railing planter to beautify your outdoor living space! With just a little initial setup, you’ll be able to grow fresh flowers, herbs or veggies all season long with minimal effort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Self Watering Railing Planters
Here are answers to some common questions about using self watering planters on railings:
Are railing planters secure enough to hold plants?
Yes, quality railing planters are designed with sturdy materials and mounting brackets to securely attach to railings without tipping or falling. Make sure to install according to manufacturer guidelines.
What kind of soil should I use in a self watering railing planter?
Use a well-draining potting mix amended with compost or coco coir to help retain moisture. You can also add water retaining gel crystals. Avoid regular garden soil which may get too compacted.
How often do I need to refill the water reservoir?
It depends on your climate and the types of plants, but expect to refill the reservoir every 1-3 weeks during the peak growing season. Check water levels periodically.
How much sun do plants need in a railing planter?
Most plants need 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid shady locations. For low light plants like ferns, make sure the planter gets at least 2-3 hours of sun.
Should I bring railing planters indoors for winter?
In colder climates, yes – bring self watering planters indoors before the first fall frost to protect them from freezing temperatures and harsh winter weather.
Do railing planters need additional fertilizer?
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season to nourish plants. Slow release granular fertilizer mixed into the soil also provides nutrients over time.
What are the best flowers for self watering railing planters?
Great options include petunias, pansies, marigolds, million bells, verbena, snapdragons, and other annuals that bloom all season in containers with good drainage.
Get Creative With Vertical Gardening Using Railing Planters
With the convenience of built-in irrigation, self watering railing planters open up all sorts of unique possibilities for vertical gardening:
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Construct a stunning “green wall” of flowering plants on a balcony railing.
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Grow cascading tomato vines in hanging rail planters.
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Build a lush herb garden on a deck or patio railing.
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Border a porch with petunias of different colors planted at varying heights.
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Mix edible plants and ornamentals together for an attractive edible landscape.
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Create a salad garden featuring lettuce, kale, carrots and radish plants.
With the right plants and a bit of creativity, self watering railing planters allow you to cultivate beautiful gardens even in the smallest outdoor spaces. The vertical growing capabilities and built-in irrigation make railing planters a convenient way to add lush greenery and fresh foods to patios, porches, balconies, and other compact areas.
Practical and Delicious – Grow Herbs and Vegetables in Railing Planters
Over-the-railing planters can also serve practical purposes beyond adding beauty to your outdoor space. You can use one or more to grow your favorite herbs so that you always have fresh flavors for your food. Imagine the convenience of snipping fresh herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary right from your railing planters.
You can also grow some of your favorite vegetables, like peppers or cherry tomatoes, in a railing planter. This will turn your small yard into a garden full of fresh food.
Because our railing planters are 10″ deep, they have plenty of room for almost any vegetable to grow healthy roots. Just fill the planter with a quality potting mix, fertilize, and water as needed. Youll grow a lush garden that will be the envy of your neighbors.
Create a Miniature Garden Oasis with Over-the-Railing Planters
One of the remarkable aspects of railing planters is their versatility. By placing your plants in the right way, you can not only control how much sunlight they get, but you can also make a beautiful miniature garden.
You can make your own garden oasis by putting your railing planters together with flower window boxes, wall planters, and other pretty pots. Let your imagination run wild as you arrange different types of plants, their colors, and their textures to make a one-of-a-kind outdoor sanctuary.