Self-Watering Railing Planter

I bought four of the regular railing planters a couple of years ago, but wanted the self-watering feature. So I was really happy to see these advertised last year. I bought two then, and just bought two more. I use them to keep salad greens and culinary herbs close at hand on my porch, makes meal preparation much easier than if I had to go out to the garden for everything.

We have a short railing centrally located in the front of our home where the planter and its flowers accent its beauty. I love the fact that I don't need to water it often due to its design! When initially setting it up for planting, I needed to drill two holes for drainage which perhaps could have come pre-drilled. My 4" railing has a very slight ridge which makes the planter tip a bit, but still works well for me and not noticeable to passers by. The concept however is a very smart idea!

Nice product. The depth is perfect not only for the plants themselves, but fits very sturdy on the railings.

I was really disappointed when my planters arrived and did not fit my 4" railings. I had coveted them for several years. As I looked at the description today, I see that it reads "milled" lumber. Perhaps, for non-carpenters like myself, the exact measurements should be either in the description or in the specifics?

I wrote a review soon after I got first two boxes. This is to be added. For some reason they did not come with instructions or they got lost in the paperwork. The next three came with some instructions, but not enough. You must punch two holes for drainage up inside the hollow tubes underneath BEFORE you put the boxes on the rail. Each time you fill the reservoir be sure the drain holes are not clogged; I keep an icepick handy for this, works great. I planted them last spring (2012), used liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks and kept the drain holes clear. The flowers have done very well, in fact many were beautiful again this spring with no attention from me as I have been quite ill. Geraniums, snap dragons, verbena, and million bells, all made it through the California winter and have been blooming in a riot of color. Today I removed the spent fall primroses, added a few annuals (marigolds, petunias, impatiens,and sweet potato vines) and topped up the planter mix so it is ready for another summer of easy care. During the really hot time of summer they need water more than once a week, but in the spring every week or two seems fine. I am still enjoying the beauty of the flowers from my kitchen window as much as last year.

Thinking about getting another one.

I have looked at many planters for my new porch railing, but these are perfect. They fit on the rail like they were custom made. I love that they are self-watering and the directions for use are explicit

Open box, remove planter, set on deck railing. Yup! it was that easy. Live on a cliff over the bay, loads of winds and these planters have not moved (have not planted or put soil in yet due to temps). Looking forward to the self watering...

Looks great to me, being in Colorado in an arrid area, normally I have to water 2x daily. this is going to be a lot easier for me next year; I love my petunias...

I ordered 4 of these for my deck. They fit nicely over the railing,very secure. There is lots of room for several plants. So far the self-watering feature seems to work, I haven't added water and it's been at least 4 weeks. I am a little concerned about the winter cold and water that might freeze to sse if they hold up. I am hoping my spring and summer plants will do well also as I spend a lot of time away and they always lack the water they need, so hopefully these planters will work well.