| 摘要 |
The self-watering assembly (100) is used in combination with a conventional planter (102) having flow hole apertures (104) formed within a base (106) thereof. The assembly (100) includes a set of water-permeable flow hole inserts (116) each including a portion of capillary material (118) such as spandex. The flow hole inserts (116) are inserted into a flow hole (104) of the planter (102) for direct contact with soil positioned therein. The flow hole inserts (116) are sized and shaped to securely fit within the flow hole (104) preventing soil from falling out of the flow hole (104) and preventing roots from growing through the flow hole (104). Addititional capillary material (120), also formed of spandex, couples an interior of a water reservoir (108) to the capillary material (118) of the water-permeable inserts (116). By using spandex as the capillary material, sufficient capillary flow may be achieved to properly water even medium to large sized plants. By employing water-permeable inserts (116) for insertion into the planter (102) wherein the inserts have capillary material (118) mounted therein, water can be more effectively drawn into the soil of the planter (102) as compared to many self watering planters wherein the planter (102) merely rests on capillary material (120). Also, upon removal of the planter (102) from the water reservoir (120), the inserts (116) typically remain mounted within the flow holes (104) of the planter (102) such that soil from the planter (102) is prevented from falling out of the planter (102) via the flow holes (104). Entirely conventional planters may be employed thereby reducing overall costs which permit the customer a wide choice of planter shapes and sizes.
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