Field Manual

Natural Spring® Planter

How Natural Spring Planters Work

Natural Spring Planters are self-contained, decorative pots, consisting of a planting area surrounded by a double-walled water reservoir. Because of Planter Technology’s unique moisture sensor, the reservoir is filled by hand just every 2-4 weeks, depending upon the plant types and location. The reservoir fill hole is plugged with a stopper, creating an air-tight, closed reservoir.

The water in the reservoir flows into the soil through the white disk at the bottom of the Natural Spring pot. The water released wicks its way up through the soil until it reaches the moisture sensor, planted 1/3-way down the container. The sensor tip absorbs water, and closes like a valve, preventing air from passing through the tube into the reservoir.

A vacuum develops above the reservoir, preventing water from flowing into the soil. As the plants use the moisture and the soil starts to dry, the sensor tip dries and allows air to pass through. The vacuum is broken, allowing water to flow into the container, until the soil becomes moist again.

The process forms a cycle, interrupted only by the removal of the stopper and the filling of the reservoir. The overflow drainage adapter at the side of the unit (when installed) allows excess water that builds up (typically rainwater) to escape without disrupting the system.

BioGuard

Planter Technology recommends the use of Bioguard fabric (sold separately) to prevent the growth of roots into the water reservoir. One Bioguard square is placed (either side up) with each root confuser disc at the base of the Natural Spring Planter. Use gloves when handling Bioguard, and observe precautions on package.

Planting

Place one white 3" root confuser disc (and BioGuard Square, if used) over each water inlet at the bottom of the planter. Set the sheet of landscape fabric over the root confuser disk. The fabric will extend part way up the sidewalls of the planter. Firmly pack a layer of soilless potting mix in bottom of planter. Adjust the level of soil so that when the plant is set in place, the top of rootball is 1" below the fill hole level. Remove plant from its’ nursery container and place inside the container. Pack potting soil tightly between the plant and the sidewall of the Natural Spring planter, so no air pockets remain.

Dip moisture sensor in water for a full 15 seconds. Use a small stake, screwdriver, pen or similar tool to make a hole in the rootball for the sensor, at a 45° angle, in front of where the sensor is attached to the sidewall. Extend sensor down hole so that sensor extends between 1/3 and 1/2 way down planter liner. Plants that need more water or in brighter locations should be set 1/3 way down, deeper for lower water use plants in darker locations. Pack soil very firmly on top of sensor area – good soil/sensor contact and proper packing is critical for the long-term success of the system.

When installing pots with exterior drainage adapters, there will be a small copper tube extending from the side of the planter. Do not remove the factory-fitted drainage pad taped in place. The adapter allows excess water to overflow after heavy rains, but prevents soil from washing out. Tubing may be attached to the drainage adapter to channel overflow directly to the drainage system.

Filling and Maintenance

Remove the stopper, being careful not to get soil into the reservoir. Fill reservoir with water. After the first week check that the water level in the reservoir is lower than the original fill level and the topsoil appears dry – this means the system is functioning properly. Thereafter, fill reservoir completely every 2, 3, or 4 weeks, depending on the plant and its environment. Refill before reservoir is empty. Moisten stopper and replace with a firm, downward twist. Stopper must provide air-tight seal.

Because removing the stopper breaks the internal vacuum and disrupts the system, remove the stopper to check water level no more frequently than necessary. Always use clean water when filling and avoid getting debris or soil into the reservoir. Fertilize with Planter Technology's HM-10 Time Release Fertilizer for Sub-Irrigation systems, or with other water-soluble fertilizer. When using other fertilizers, use only water-soluble fertilizers at 1/4 strength recommended by manufacturer. Introduce directly into reservoir.

Do not put any systemic pesticides into the reservoir. Granular systemic may be incorporated into the soil area. Only use according to your state and local laws.

Troubleshooting

The properly functioning Natural Spring planter will have dry topsoil. The soil 2-4" below the surface will be moist, but not wet.

Signs of Overwatering (a more common problem): Topsoil is wet or damp to the touch, or the plant shows signs of overwatering. Removing the stopper to check water level more often than necessary may lead to overwatering. To fix, repack soil solidly, adding additional soil if necessary. Plant sensor slightly deeper, making sure that the sensor is firmly packed in soil. Check that stopper is securely in the fill hole. Allow soil to dry out until the topsoil is dry to the touch before refilling reservoir.

Signs of Underwatering (a less common occurrence): Reservoir level remains unchanged between fillings. Look for signs of water stress, and test moisture level at least 2" below topsoil for moisture (the plant may not have needed water). Remove stopper, watch approx. 3-5 min. to see if water level drops. If it does, the system is functioning. Top water lightly. If level does not drop, top water plants and wait another week. Remove stopper again, observe water level. If water still does not drop, the inlet disk at bottom of planter may be clogged, and will require removal of plants to clear.

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