Converting a half barrel to a self watering pot?

[chilliking]

I've got a large 1/2 barrel that I'd like to convert to a self watering planter. I'm envisaging growing courgettes in there as they're thirsty.

Any ideas how I can achieve this?

[Penellype]

Does the barrel have a hole or holes in the bottom? If so, you need a water reservoir that has a lid that is strong enough to take the weight of the barrel or with a lid that you can support on something like bricks in the reservoir. If you don't have a lid that covers the reservoir you will breed mosquitos all summer.

You then need to make a hole or holes in the lid that match the holes in the bottom of the barrel and an extra one at the front for watering. Also make a small hole in the side of the reservoir near the top so it does not overflow. Then feed strips of capillary matting through the hole(s) so that they reach the bottom of the reservoir and up into the compost. Its easiest if you put the whole thing in situ at this point, then fill with compost and plant your plants.