- 1). Remove the lid from the container and trim about 1/2-inch from the edge of the lid, or enough so you can push the lid into the container and it remains in place.
- 2). Drill 1/8-inch diameter holes evenly throughout the lid at a spacing of 1 inch. Drill or cut 1-inch diameter holes about 1 inch from all four corners of the lid to hold the PVC pipe.
- 3). Cut two pieces of PVC pipe to a length that is 1 inch taller than the container. Cut two pieces of PVC pipe 4 inches in length. Cut a “V” notch into the bottom end of each long pipe; this will allow the water to flow from each once they're inserted into the container.
- 4). Stick the long PVC pipes through the holes made on one side of the lid so the pipe protrudes about 4 inches through the bottom of the lid. Stick the short PVC pipes through the two holes on the opposite side of the lid so they are barely through the holes. The short pipes are for stability.
- 5). Slide the lid into the container so the bottom of the long pipes touch the bottom of the container. Secure the edge of the lid to the container with duct tape if it appears loose enough for soil to fall through.
- 6). Move the empty self-watering container to the desired planting location. The box becomes heavy and difficult to move when you fill it with soil. Fill the container with a high-quality potting soil after you've moved it and moisten it with water.
- 7). Plant vegetable or herb seedlings into the container, using the plant label for spacing instructions. Tomatoes require about 6 to 8 inches of space between plants, while most herbs need about 4 inches of space.
- 8). Cut holes into a sheet of plastic mulch with the same spacing as the plants in the container. Lay the mulch over the top of the container so the plants poke through the holes.
- 9). Place a trellis against the edge of the planter if growing vine plants. Train the plants along the trellis as they grow taller.
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