Module 3 · ESY laboratories, plant products, and wellness
Build a Capillary-Irrigation Planter
Adult extension of: Absorbency Test and Self-Watering Planters
Adults compare wick materials by water uptake, choose the most reliable option, and build a reservoir planter that makes watering more consistent.
01 · Learning
Objectives
- Measure and compare absorbency or capillary rise across materials.
- Select a wick using evidence from the test.
- Assemble and monitor a stable self-watering planter.
02 · Preparation
Materials
Equal strips of cotton cord, felt, coir, paper towel, and synthetic cord; colored water; clear cups; ruler; timer; data sheet; two-part planter or prepared bottle; reservoir; potting mix; plant; label.
03 · Practice
Adult project
- 1
Cut or receive equal-size samples and label every material.
- 2
Place equal lengths in equal water volumes and start the timer.
- 3
Measure capillary rise or mass gain at consistent intervals.
- 4
Choose the best durable wick rather than the fastest disposable sample.
- 5
Thread the wick, assemble the reservoir, add mix, and plant.
- 6
Mark refill and soil-moisture checks for a two-week trial.
Practical and therapeutic connection
Why this work matters
The project joins measurement, material selection, water conservation, adaptive plant care, and maintenance scheduling.