We think that the term self-watering might be misleading. As the term itself connotes, a self-watering planter would not need you to put water in it. It will have a way to check and see if the reservoir needs refilling and then replenishes the water to the needed level without you having to lift a finger. As it is, sub-irrigated planters cannot do all that. Because of its low-tech nature, sub-irrigated planters will still need you to make sure that there is enough water in the reservoir. And if the level is below optimal, you will need to refill that tank.