Abstract: An automatic self-watering system for plants growing in a container includes a water receptacle above the level of growing medium in the container. The water container may be of any appropriate shape, and may be attached to or located adjacent an upper edge of the container. Alternatively, the water container may have legs resting on or inserted in the growing medium, or may be hooked onto the edge of the container. The water receptacle may be formed separately from or integrally with the container. A conduit for transporting water is connected to an outlet in the side or base of the water receptacle and the conduit is engaged with a dryness sensor inserted in the growing medium in the container. The dryness sensor automatically closes the conduit when the growing medium is adequately irrigated, and opens the conduit to allow water to drip onto the growing medium when water is needed.