Wooden elevated planter with passive hydroponics

The standing planter holds 5.7 gallons (21.7 liters) of potting mix, and its reservoir holds 4 gallons (15 liters) of water. That's one of the largest reservoirs in our line of pots, so you can go much longer between refills. Its raised legs bring your plants within easy reach, like a small raised vegetable bed right in your kitchen. According to the manufacturer's instructions, the total load (wet potting soil, plants, and water) must not exceed 132 lb (60 kg).

The wooden standing planter is designed for indoor use: kitchen, living room, or, if need be, a well-covered patio sheltered from the rain, as the manufacturer's instructions specify. It's suitable for houseplants, flowers, herbs, and small vegetables for a real mini vegetable garden at home. However, avoid cacti and succulents, which need to dry out between waterings.

On the planter with legs, access is easy: just lift the growing bin to reach the reservoir and fill it. When you first set it up, the manufacturer recommends watering from the top for about 3 weeks while the roots get established; after that, fill only the reservoir. Make sure the wick goes all the way through the bottom of the bin, since it does all the work. If any residue or algae appear, clean the reservoir of the planter with legs with soapy water and rinse thoroughly.

In the standing planter, use a light, well-draining potting mix. If it's too heavy, it will stay waterlogged where it touches the wick, especially with a 4-gallon (15-liter) reservoir. To feed your plants, mix in your vermicompost at a ratio of 30% to 70% potting mix, or water occasionally with diluted compost tea (1 part to 9 parts water). Go easy on the dose: with no drainage through the bottom, fertilizer salts build up. Replace part of the potting mix in the standing planter every year.