Water Tight Wonder

Drainage is important, but that doesn’t mean your pot must have holes in the bottom. Just keep the plant in a plastic container that does allow drainage and place the entire shebang into the vessel. Lift the plastic out and set it in a tray when it’s time to water.
Local Pick Be Goods Ceramics, begoodsceramics.com

Hole In ONE

Most horticulturists recommend using a vessel with holes in the bottom. But if you love one that doesn’t allow for drainage (and don’t want to deal with the Russian nesting doll method above), the employees at Birdsall and Co. will drill a hole for you even if you didn’t buy it there, though you do have to purchase a plant.
Local Pick Bowen Pottery, bowenpottery.com

Bottoms Up

Self-watering planters rely upon subirrigation, in which water is poured into a tray and the plant hovers just above it in a separate vessel. When the roots are thirsty, they reach down for a drink on their own, so there’s no risk of overwatering. Don’t forget to refill the tray when it dries out.

Angela Ufheil
Angela Ufheil
Angela Ufheil is a Denver-based journalist and 5280's former digital senior associate editor.