Make Your Deck Bloom Without Daily Watering With Self-Watering Rail Planters

Is daily deck plant watering becoming an endless chore that's keeping you from fully enjoying your outdoor living space? Are you looking for a simple, low-maintenance way to adorn your deck with vibrant flowers, herbs, and greenery? Self-watering rail planters are about to become your new best friend.

Self-watering deck rail planters are specially designed containers that straddle your deck railing to add instant curb appeal. But unlike traditional planters, these containers have a built-in reservoir and watering system that keeps plants continuously hydrated without you having to do a thing!

What Are Self-Watering Deck Rail Planters?

Self-watering deck rail planters are long, rectangular containers constructed to hang on deck railings. They have an internal reservoir that holds a supply of water. The planters use a self-watering system such as a wick or drip irrigation to pull water from the reservoir up to the plant roots. This gives the plants a constant supply of water that lasts for days or weeks at a time, depending on the reservoir capacity.

Many self-watering rail planters utilize passive hydroponic systems. This means the water is delivered directly to the roots without any need for pumps or power. The wicking action combined with gravity does all the work!

Benefits and Advantages

There are many great reasons to use self-watering deck rail planters:

• Convenience - No daily watering needed thanks to the built-in water reservoir and irrigation system
• Space savers - Utilize vertical deck space without taking up valuable floor area
• Flexibility - Planters come in different lengths to accommodate a range of plant types and sizes
• Low maintenance - The self-contained watering system minimizes plant care effort
• Weather resistance - Planters made of durable plastics or metals withstand outdoor elements

Choosing the Right Rail Planter for Your Deck

With self-watering rail planters available in different sizes, shapes, and materials, there are lots of options to evaluate to find the best fit for your space.

Size Options

Deck rail planters come in a variety of lengths ranging from 2 feet long up to 10 feet or more. Measure the length of your deck railing to determine the best size. Standard widths are between 6 and 12 inches wide. There are also different height options from just under 1 foot tall to over 2 feet high.

Bigger deck rail planter sizes have greater planting capacity. A 2-foot planter may only fit 2-3 small plants while a larger 8-foot version can hold herbs, flowers, vegetables and other greenery. Consider how many plants you want when picking the dimensions.

Material Considerations

These vertical planters come in a range of different materials:

• Plastic - Recycled plastic polymers like polypropylene are weatherproof, durable and come in multiple colors. Plastic models are also affordable.
• Resin - Fiberglass resin planters have an upscale, elegant look and feel while still being UV and crack resistant.
• Metal - Galvanized steel or powder coated metal planters have a contemporary, sleek style. However, they tend to be the most expensive option.

Evaluate factors like stability, weather-resistance, cost, and visual appeal when selecting the construction material. composite materials like resin and recycled plastic offer the best durability.

Special Features

Some key considerations when evaluating self-watering rail planter features:

• Type of irrigation system - wick, drip irrigation, or sub-irrigation
• Size of water reservoir
• Included accessories like trellises, wheels, or drainage trays
• Adjustable or fixed mounting brackets
• Integrated lighting systems

Extra features can enhance functionality and aesthetics but also increase the price point. Focus on the features that will be most useful for your needs and deck setup.

Installing and Maintaining Self-Watering Rail Planters

Getting your new self-watering rail planters set up on your deck is simple. Follow these tips for easy installation and care.

Installation Tips

• Set the planters on deck railing and secure mounting brackets.
• Position planters so they don't protrude past railing to avoid tripping hazard.
• Check that planters are centered and stable before planting.
• Consider adding aesthetic rail hangers or hooks to reinforce stability.

Plant Selection Guidelines

When selecting plants, opt for compact, trailing varieties that won't outgrow the planter space. Herbs, leafy greens, flowering plants and houseplants are great options.

Refer to plant tags to choose small to medium sized varieties. Trailing plants can hang over planter edges. Position taller, upright plants in planter centers.

Maintaining the Watering System

Self-watering planters reduce but don't eliminate plant care duties. You'll need to:

• Check reservoir water levels regularly and refill as needed.
• Clean the reservoir periodically to prevent debris buildup.
• Remove mineral deposits on wicks or drippers.
• Prune and trim plants to keep them healthy.

Following the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and care will keep the self-watering system functioning properly season after season.

Unleash Your Creativity With Rail Planter Design

The possibilities are endless when decorators add self-watering rail planters to their deck design toolkit.

Decorating and Design Ideas

Get creative with size, colors and configurations:

• Mix and match planter sizes and finishes for interest.
• Choose colors to complement your deck's color palette.
• Cluster 3-5 planters on a section of railing to create a garden vignette.
• Scatter individual planters along the length of the railing.

Planters with trellises or obelisks add height variation and support climbing vines like moonflower. Integrated lighting transforms planters into nighttime focal points.

Year-Round Enjoyment

Self-watering rail planters allow you to enjoy plants despite challenging weather:

• In spring and fall, plant flowers like pansies and snapdragons that thrive in cool conditions.
• Grow cold tolerant herbs like parsley, sage and thyme to harvest year-round.
• Use planters to overwinter plants indoors and then move them back outside later.

Ready to give your deck a makeover with beautiful, trouble-free plants and flowers? Self-watering rail planters enable anyone to cultivate a lush garden backdrop without heavy daily watering duties. These clever containers expand your deck's usable space by taking advantage of vertical railing areas. Durable, weather-resistant materials withstand tough outdoor conditions while keeping plants healthy and hydrated with built-in irrigation systems.

So take your pick from the wide range of sizes, styles and features available. With the right self-watering rail planters for your setting, you'll be on your way to a breathtaking potted garden that thrives with minimal work. Your deck will become a verdant, vibrant oasis you can enjoy to the fullest once freed from the chore of frequent watering. Let self-watering rail planters make your deck the ultimate outdoor living space this season!