How does a Planttubby work? / What is the dimensions?

Planttubby, uses a “double-bottom” system to provide consistent moisture while preventing root rot. It relies on a water reservoir at the base and a wicking mechanism to deliver water directly to the roots. 

Core Components

• The Reservoir:  An area at the bottom of the bucket that you refill through a small opening / tube.
  
  
• The Growing Bed: The growing bed is located on the upper part of the container, and it holds the potting soil and the plant. The bucket holds roughly 14 litres of potting mix.
  
  
• The Wicking Chamber: A small area where the potting mix is in contact with the water from the reservoir area.
  
  
• Fill Tube: A PVC pipe extends from the top of the planter down into the reservoir for easy refilling.
  
  
• Overflow Hole: A critical safety feature drilled in the side of the bucket to ensure excess water drains out instead of flooding the roots (also called the “weeping hole”).
  
  

Detailed Mechanism of Operation

1. Capillary Action: As the soil in the growing bed dries, the potting mix in the wicking chamber draws water upward against gravity through capillary action—similar to how a sponge pulls up a spill.
   
   
2. Self-Regulation: The system is demand-driven; the plant only “drinks” as much as it transpires. This eliminates the “dry-and-drown” cycle of manual watering.
   
   
3. Root Aeration: Because the soil is suspended above the water, it remains moist but not saturated. The air gap between the water surface and the reservoir area ensures the upper roots have constant access to oxygen.
   
   
4. Refilling Process: You refill the reservoir through the fill tube until water begins to exit the overflow hole.
   
   

Dimensions