How Self-Watering Planters Work So, how exactly does a self-watering planter work? At its core, the design is simple but clever. It has a built-in reservoir that sits at the bottom of the planter. This reservoir holds water, which the plant can access when it needs it. Most self-watering planters also include a wick or … Continue reading The Ultimate Guide to Self-Watering Planters: How to Keep Your Plants Happy with Minimal Effort