Dive into water gardening with this easy DIY project that you could finish in an afternoon.

Plus, it only takes an hour or two to set up, with no digging and minimal expenses.

Enjoy your container water garden year-round in a mild climate.

supplies for DIY container water garden

Credit: Dean Schoeppner

Choose a vessel at least 6 inches deep for best results.

Add no more than three plants if the container’s diameter is 18 inches or less.

Set bricks in the bottom of the container to act as risers for the potted plants.

Placing bricks in metal container

Credit:Kritsada Panichgul

Start with larger potted plants, arranging them on the bricks so their roots will stay submerged in water.

Covering as much of the water’s surface as possible will deter algae growth and mosquitoes.

Add Water

Fill the container with water, covering the rims of the pots.

Placing plants around brick in metal container

Credit:Kritsada Panichgul

Refill the container periodically as the water evaporates.

Prevent mosquitoes by using a larvicide tablet for biological control.

The rock will also give your water garden a more naturalistic appearance.

Adding water to container garden with plants

Credit:Kritsada Panichgul

Related:Water Garden Care Guide

A person tending to plants in a small container garden near a pond

Credit:Kritsada Panichgul