Yes, you should be able to. I used the hole to know how much water I was adding–when it started coming out the hole, it was full. Since you wouldn’t be able to tell, what I would do is measure how much water fits in there before you add your soil. Then you can add the same amount each time and know you’re not adding too much.

I have a very lovely, stamped concrete deck and I don’t want water spurting out onto it and leaving ugly white/rusty water marks. I would love to have some pots tho for some color and interest. Can I use the DIY self watering planters and NOT put a drainage hole in the bottom?

That’s why we drill the drain hole into the side, just below the spot where the saucer sits. You just stop filling the tube when the water starts to spurt out the drain hole. (Forgot to take a pic of that step.) The drain hole also helps with getting oxygen under the soil, which is very good for the plants and keeps mold from growing.

I’m glad to show you the idea! We just stumbled upon it online last year looking for other gardening advice, I believe.

It really is easy, you should try it!

Again this is an excellent idea, I have never thought of this, I was dumb enough to think that I must buy the ugly containers from the stores and I had no other option.