Passive Watering Planter
Description
#####Disclaimer: I'm still printing this right now and I won't be able to fix any potential design flaws until 7/20/19, print at your own risk until then. #####Proof Of Concept: [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUzf0-qzkcM) is a 30min time lapse of my prototype system #####Summary: One time I tried to make an automated plant watering system at home and inevitably flooded my room, afterwards I set about designing a passive watering system that would have no risk of flooding. The result is based on the following two principles: #####The Wick: Acts as the medium for the water using a process is called [Capillary Action](https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/capillary-action-and-water?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects) to slowly transfer it up to the reservoir, I used [this](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D7FWKKR/) wick cord . #####The Polymer Crystals: Then absorb the water and slowly expand, acting as an external vacuole for the plants. If you want to learn more, I recommend [this](https://www.socochem.com/super-absorbent-polymer-for-plants.html) site for an overview. The crystals I got where pretty cheap on [amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0042YYVYG) but [home depot](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Miracle-Gro-Water-Storing-0-75-lb-Crystals-100831/202563065) has them as well. #####Assembly: After acquiring your wick and crystals and printing the enclosure, you can start assembly, firstly, cut 4, 4 inch long strands of you wick core and then push them into the holes in the planter, I'd recommend using a small toothpick to push the wicks in. After every strand is in, pull them so that 3/4 of each strand is inside the planter while 1/4 remains at the bottom. Then, pour a thin layer of the polymers down, just barely covering the bottom because they can expand significantly. Finally you have one of two options: first you could just pour some soil down on top with the knowledge that the plants roots will eventually reach the polymers or Secondly, you can mix extra polymers into your soil to try allow easier growth in new plants.
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