Lechuza BALCONERA Color 80 Self Watering Planter Plastic Indoor/Outdoor Flower Plant Pot Table and Window Box with Drainage Hole H19 L80 W19 cm Slate

I was blown away by what I got with this potting system from GetPotted and Sandy Gaskins - both boxes themselves and the brackets that came separately are truly well-made, reasonably priced for their quality (in my humble opinion). The cut-out depth of just 5mm centred at 50mm on either side of each bracket allows you to get a precise fit without needing any templates. I opted for 34mm x 18mm wood from B&Q and used it to make two 600mm lengths - the 30mm screw spacing was spot on, no need for any extra prep work.

I followed Ronseal 10 year wood stain on my newly cut wood and then screwed in the brackets with ease. I've been using this system for a week now, and I'm thrilled to report that all my plants seem to be thriving beautifully. It's not just that they're drinking water from underneath, but it seems like they're actually making use of the entire potting mix - even though it says to water from the top initially.

As for aesthetics, I was a bit worried about the colour, expecting something darker, but when the pack arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to find a lovely light grey shade. My manager (wife) didn't seem to mind, thankfully, and was happy with the result.

S. Edwards - 29/07/2025

Firstly, a smaller size was needed to accommodate my expanding herb garden. In that case, I decided to revisit Lechuza's self-watering planter for the bigger one, having previously purchased one in a similar size from another brand. The lesson learned with this setup is that not all herbs are created equal when it comes to space requirements - certain plants like coriander thrive in more space than others.

I've attached photos of my three thriving herbs: parsley on its own, mint as the sole plant, and basil nestled comfortably between them. I chose this planter for its ample size, with enough room to accommodate all three without feeling cramped or overwhelming.

The setup process is straightforward - simply add a layer of gravel to help with drainage at the bottom of each trough. The smaller version comes with less gravel than what Lechuza's recommended in their other product, making it more suitable for plants like mint that tend to spread out.

To get the most out of this planter, I recommend giving your plants enough time to establish themselves before attempting to use the self-watering feature. This means waiting until they have roots that can reach down into the troughs - anything less and you'll be stuck watering the soil instead!

The planters are indeed aesthetically pleasing, especially in their sleek high-gloss finish. The only minor issue I've encountered is with lifting them off a flat surface during assembly - perhaps it's worth considering where you plan to position them before filling them up.

Despite this, I'm thoroughly satisfied with these self-watering planters and look forward to expanding my herb garden further in the future!

K. Wilson - 23/04/2025

I've got a plant that's really taking over my living room - very good, heavy, but very good. It looks great with its plants, especially the Venus Fly Trap on one side and some greenery around it. I'm impressed by how well it holds its own against any other plants that try to take over.

A. Wilson - 03/10/2025