Spent $40 on a 'self-watering' planter insert and it just drowned my basil

The reservoir kept the soil soggy for days, and now I'm back to checking the dirt with my finger every morning. Anyone have a better setup for herbs that actually works?

3 comments

3 Comments

mila_mitchell1mo ago

Finger check" reminds me of my overeager watering can that turned a cactus into a science project.

sanchez.mia1mo ago

Honestly those inserts can be tricky. Found they work best with plants that really love wet feet, like some ferns. For herbs, the finger check is still the move.

loganhart1mo ago

My basil met the same soggy end with one of those last year. I mean, I bought it because the box said "foolproof," which should have been my first clue. I'm the guy who can kill mint, which is basically a weed. I've just accepted my finger is the most high tech tool I'm allowed to use for plants.