If you’ve been looking for a self-watering planter that’s genuinely easy to set up and beginner-friendly to use, the VegoGarden EZCube is worth a close look. In this post, we walk through the unboxing, assembly, and first planting so you can see exactly what to expect before you buy.
What Comes in the Box
The EZCube arrives with everything you need to get growing. Inside the box you’ll find the main planter body, a reservoir bin that sits underneath it, a mostly preassembled water-level regulator, a water gauge with a mosquito cover, both short and tall leg sets, a small bag of screws, and a printed manual. The only tool you’ll want to have nearby is a screwdriver or a drill to attach the legs — everything else connects by hand.
How to Assemble the EZCube
Assembly moves quickly and doesn’t require any special skills. Here’s the order that works well:
- Connect the two side pipes to the water-level regulator and tighten the fittings until snug.
- Decide whether you want the short or tall legs, then screw your chosen set into the bottom of the reservoir bin using the included screws.
- Drop the water gauge into the designated hole in the main body — it will float up as the reservoir fills, giving you a live read on water level.
- Fit the mosquito cap over the regulator opening to keep out debris and prevent larvae from forming in standing water.
- If you plan to use the planter indoors, leave the drain plug in place so water stays contained and doesn’t spill onto your floor.
How the Self-Watering System Works
The EZCube draws water upward from a bottom reservoir rather than relying on you to water from the top on a strict schedule. The water-level regulator controls how high the water sits before it begins to drain out — you can twist it to different angle settings to raise or lower that threshold. A lower setting means the reservoir empties sooner, which is useful if your plants are prone to soggy roots. A higher setting retains more moisture, which suits plants like kale that appreciate consistent hydration.
Filling is straightforward. The planter includes a VegoGarden-standard quick-connect hose fitting on one of the side pipes, so you can attach a hose and watch the water move through the system in real time. The gauge floats up as the reservoir fills, so you always know where you stand without guessing.
Soil Mix and Planting Tips
Plain potting mix works in any container, but adding coconut coir to the blend makes a noticeable difference in a self-watering setup. Coir helps wick moisture upward from the reservoir while keeping the root zone aerated, which reduces the risk of compaction over time. A practical approach is to break the coir block directly into the planter and mix it in with your potting soil before you plant — no wheelbarrow needed.
For a first planting, kale is a solid pick, especially heading into cooler months. It handles transplanting well, tolerates lower temperatures, and tends to thrive with the steady, even moisture a self-watering system provides. If you’re moving a plant from an existing garden bed, give it a week or two to settle in before expecting vigorous new growth.
Choosing the Right Leg Height
The EZCube ships with two leg options. The short legs place the planter close to ground level — roughly knee height — which works well on a patio table or any raised surface. The tall legs bring the planter up to about waist height, which reduces how much you need to bend when planting, pruning, or harvesting.
Tall legs are a particularly good option for gardeners dealing with back pain, sore joints, or limited mobility. If you’re setting the planter on an existing table or bench, the short legs are likely the better fit. Either way, the frame feels solid once the legs are screwed in. For more ideas on accessible and beginner-friendly setups, take a look at our raised garden beds for beginners guide.
Key Takeaways
- The VegoGarden EZCube is a well-made self-watering planter with a built-in reservoir, an adjustable water-level regulator, and a floating gauge — a strong option for gardeners who want to water less frequently without stressing their plants.
- Assembly is fast: connect the regulator pipes, choose and attach your legs, drop in the gauge, and fit the mosquito cap.
- Mix coconut coir into your potting soil to improve wicking and keep roots aerated — this combination works especially well for transplants.
- Use the tall legs for waist-height access or the short legs for table-top placement; keep the drain plug in place for any indoor use.
- Adjust the regulator angle to control how much water the reservoir holds before draining — lower settings suit moisture-sensitive plants, higher settings suit thirsty ones.
- If you enjoy free gardening gear, check out our big giveaway for a chance to win.
Recommended Raised Beds
If you’re looking for a durable raised bed, I personally recommend VegoGarden beds. They’re modular, long-lasting, and easy to set up.
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