>>2810692Sub irrigated planters are singlehandedly the biggest improvement to my gardening I've made in the last few years, but I am limited to a balcony, if I had a large garden that would change things.
They are cheap as shit to DIY, I went from having to water twice a day during peak summer heat to once a week and the plants grow larger and healthier for me.
It reduced maintenance needed by 2/3rds easily for the balcony.
As for downsides: They are designed to overflow, so it makes your balcony floor wet just after watering, some plants like chilis will be less hot due to never quite drying out and the plastic bucket and pipe look just can't compete with a nice terracotta pot.
